Most businesses think they’re ready for a disaster. But when something actually goes wrong? It’s a different story. From cyberattacks to server crashes and even plain old human error, disasters can hit at the worst times. And if your recovery plan isn’t solid, it could cost you a lot more than just some downtime.
So today, let’s talk through the 10 most common disaster recovery mistakes that companies make, along with how to avoid them. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a growing enterprise, this guide will help you build a smarter, more resilient disaster recovery strategy.
Anjini Badhey
I am a writer with a passion for crafting compelling stories and using my words to bring about positive change in the world. Whether it be through fiction or non-fiction, I believe that writing has the power to inspire, educate, and empower readers. I am constantly seeking out new perspectives and experiences to inform my writing and make it as impactful as possible. My ultimate goal as a writer is to use my platform to make a meaningful difference in the world and leave a lasting impact on my readers.
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1. Treating Disaster Recovery as an Afterthought
A lot of companies get caught up in growth, customer service, and day-to-day operations. Disaster recovery? It ends up somewhere near the bottom of the to-do list, until it’s urgently needed. By then, it’s usually too late. The truth is, disaster recovery should be baked into your business planning from day one. It’s not just a tech thing, it’s a business survival thing. Think of it as an insurance policy for your data and operations.
If you’ve never sat down and asked, “What is disaster recovery for my business?”, now’s the time.
2. Skipping Risk Assessments (Or Only Doing Them Once)
When was the last time you really looked at what could go wrong in your IT setup? If you’re like most businesses, it’s probably been a while. Or maybe you’ve never done it at all. Risks change all the time, new cyber threats pop up, systems evolve, employees change roles. If you’re not regularly checking in on your vulnerabilities, you’re working with outdated info.
Set a calendar reminder to do a full assessment at least twice a year. You’ll be surprised what you uncover.
3. Not Testing the Disaster Recovery Plan
This is a big one. You might have a disaster recovery plan, but have you actually tested it? Not just once, but regularly? A plan that hasn’t been tested is basically a guess. And let’s be real, guessing during a crisis is a terrible idea. Without testing, you won’t know if your backups work, if your team knows what to do, or how long recovery will actually take.
Try running a “fire drill” for your tech team. Simulate a system failure and see how your plan holds up. You’ll learn fast what needs fixing.
4. Storing Backups in One Location
All your backups in one place? That’s a recipe for disaster. If that location goes down, whether it’s physical damage or a cyber breach, you’re left with nothing. Smart businesses use multiple, geographically separated backup locations. That way, if one fails, another is ready to go. This is where cloud-based backup systems really shine.
Think of it like having an escape plan with multiple exits, you always want options.
5. Underestimating the Cost of Downtime
Downtime isn’t just annoying, it’s expensive. Every minute your systems are offline could mean lost revenue, lost customers, and damaged credibility. And those costs add up fast. For some businesses, just an hour of downtime can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Yet many don’t think about the financial impact until it’s already happened.
Run the numbers. What would a full day of downtime cost your business? Once you know, disaster recovery won’t feel like an optional “nice to have.”
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6. Letting Your Plan Go Out of Date
Your business isn’t static, your disaster recovery plan shouldn’t be either. If your tech stack, team, or vendors change and your plan doesn’t? You’re setting yourself up for trouble. Imagine trying to restore systems based on instructions from three years ago. It won’t work, and it’ll just make a bad situation worse.
Make it a habit to update your plan quarterly, or whenever there’s a major change in your operations or tools.
7. Forgetting About Cloud and SaaS Tools
These days, your business probably relies on tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or cloud-based CRMs. But here’s the thing, just because they’re in the cloud doesn’t mean they’re fully protected. A lot of companies assume cloud services back up everything. But many don’t provide full disaster recovery, and some data might not be easily recoverable.
Include these services in your recovery planning. Know what you’re responsible for, and what the provider handles.
8. Poor Communication During a Crisis
Ever been in a room where something went wrong and nobody knew what to do? That’s what a disaster feels like, unless you’ve got a clear communication plan. Your team needs to know who to contact, what steps to follow, and how to get updates. Without that, panic spreads fast, and small problems can snowball.
Build a crisis communication checklist. Keep it simple, clear, and easy to access when it matters most.
9. Thinking Disaster Recovery Is Just for Big Companies
Here’s a dangerous myth: “We’re too small to be a target.” Actually, small and midsize businesses are often more vulnerable. Why? Because they usually don’t have the resources or protections that larger companies do.
And unfortunately, about 60% of small businesses go under within six months of a major cyberattack or disaster. That’s a scary stat, but also a wake-up call.
Disaster recovery isn’t about your size. It’s about your resilience. Every business needs a plan.
10. Using the Wrong Tools for the Job
Piecing together a DIY disaster recovery setup with free tools and spreadsheets might seem smart, but it rarely works when things go sideways. You need solutions that are reliable, flexible, and actually designed for recovery.
This is where Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) comes in. It’s a modern, cloud-based way to back up, protect, and restore your systems with minimal hassle.
If you’ve outgrown your current setup or if it’s not giving you peace of mind, it might be time to look at smarter options.
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Let’s Wrap It Up: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Disasters are unpredictable, but your recovery doesn’t have to be. The key is to plan, test, and use the right tools before something goes wrong. Avoiding these common mistakes can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a long-term business nightmare.
Ready for a Smarter Recovery Strategy?
At eShare.ai, we help businesses stay protected with intelligent, AI-powered Disaster Recovery as a Service solutions. Whether you’re looking to simplify your backup processes, reduce downtime, or get peace of mind knowing you’re covered, our platform makes it easy. Take the first step toward reliable recovery, start your free assessment today at eShare.ai. You’ll thank yourself later.
