Health IT disaster recovery strategies must take more into account than just a robust firewall. When a natural disaster occurs, a firewall isn’t what will protect your data. Fortunately, cloud-based disaster recovery solutions are available today that can keep your information safe if a natural disaster should occur.
When the worst happens, the goal is to regain access to your data, including imaging, as fast as possible. For providers using on-site backups, fast access might not even be in the cards because the hardware used to store the information might have been damaged beyond repair. It’s for this reason that using an offsite storage solution makes the most sense.
Cloud-Based Recovery Options
Offsite solutions can also be of value when you consider the risks associated with cyber crime. For example, should a cyber criminal gain access to your network and hold your data hostage, you will have redundancies built in offsite that they don’t have access to, providing you with a way around paying a ransom while also giving you quick access to data while your IT security team works toward containing the threat.
Quality providers of cloud-based disaster recovery solutions will only store your data on the most secure servers that are locked down as tight as possible and even have physical security at the data center. Furthermore, the data will be backed up in geographically disparate locations, so if a storm or fire or any type of disaster befalls one center, the data will be available in another.
The Telemedicine Advantage
While telemedicine was around long before the pandemic, teleradiology certainly picked up speed over the last year and it appears that it is now making its way into many disaster recovery strategies. Obviously, the advantage is that patient information can be shared virtually, which means when a patient is in an area impacted by a natural disaster or something equally as devastating to the data, as long as there is a way to transmit their images, they can continue their treatment.
Choosing a Provider
Choosing a vendor that can offer cloud and hybrid services can be a huge step in obtaining a better disaster recovery strategy. The most advanced vendors have solutions available for improved workflow, but they’ll also have business continuity and disaster recovery solutions built in.
At OffSite Image Management, we’re focused on many aspects of healthcare imaging, including disaster recovery. We offer opportunities to store your data securely with our data centers, which qualify as among the most secure in the industry. Not only is the data secure, but it’s also available at a moment’s notice. Regardless of where you are, your images and other non-image data will be accessible and it won’t require a dedicated viewer – mobile devices will be able to display your information as needed. Contact us and learn more about how we can keep your data available and secure.
