Implementing best practices for Datto SIRIS 6 is critical to ensure that your data is properly backed up and recoverable in an emergency.

Since the guidance can vary based on each company’s needs, we’ve put together these best practices below to help you with:

• Sizing your SIRIS device
• Deployment
• Security
• Testing
• Backup & recovery

Best practices for sizing a Datto SIRIS

First, you’ll need to select the ideal size SIRIS appliance for your business. The SIRIS 6 comes in a wide range of sizes and storage capacities, from 3-lb. MiniPC to full-size rackmounts with storage capacity up to 120 TB. And those are just a few of the many different Datto products to choose from.

Which size SIRIS is right for you? Here are some things to consider.

1. Map out your protected machines.

Consider how many machines (and what kind) will be protected. Are they individual workstations? Production servers? Terminal servers? Keep in mind that each type will likely require its own backup schedule (see recommendations for each type below).

2. Use the 2-3x multiplier rule.

At a minimum, your Datto backup appliance should have 2 to 3 times the storage capacity of the total currently utilized space on the machines being protected. However, this is just a baseline. You must also factor in data churn (the daily change rate) and your local retention policy. If you are backing up a high-churn environment like a busy SQL database, or if compliance requirements demand a very long local retention period, that multiplier often needs to jump to 3x or 4x to accommodate the volume of recovery points.

3. Reserve at least 30% free space.

You’ll need roughly 20-30% free space on the protected machine’s drive to ensure Microsoft VSS can create snapshots without failing. Additionally, on the backup appliance side, you must ensure your SIRIS never exceeds 80-85% capacity. Virtualizing a backup requires creating a new image on the device; if you haven’t sized correctly and the local storage is completely full, your local virtualization will fail to spin up.

4. Consider hardware resource requirements.

Beyond storage capacity, your Datto appliance must have enough compute resources to power local virtualizations during an outage. The backup device’s specs should align with the machines being backed up, so take stock of the CPU cores and RAM your production servers currently use.

You also need to plan for worst-case scenarios: if you need to spin up multiple servers at the exact same time, your SIRIS device will require high IOPS and core counts to prevent bottlenecking. This is why higher-tier SIRIS 6 and 6X models utilize enterprise-grade AMD EPYC processors and NVMe storage. They are specifically engineered to handle the heavy lifting of simultaneous local virtualizations without lag or system crashes. (Check SIRIS specs here.)

5. Adhere to recommended agent limits.

Every SIRIS model has a recommended maximum number of agents (protected machines) it can handle. For instance, a 2TB SIRIS 6 Desktop model is built to handle a maximum of 3 agents, while the massive 120TB rackmount can support up to 40. If you overload a device with too many agents (even if you have the terabytes to spare), it will consume system resources and cause local backups, virtualizations and offsite syncing to lag.

For more recommendations, check out Datto’s official guidance on properly sizing a Datto appliance.

Best practices for Datto SIRIS installation and security

Properly configuring your Datto is critical to maintaining security and creating an iron-clad backup process. Here are some best practices for the Datto SIRIS 6 (many of which also apply to other Datto devices as well):

1. No inbound Internet.

You should never allow inbound access from the Internet to the appliance. The device should be deployed on a secure LAN with only outbound access permitted. 

2. Check disk health before installing agents.

Before installing a Datto agent, make sure the target machine is in good health. We recommend running a virus scan and a deep disk health check using the chkdsk command. Most importantly, verify the health of the Windows VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) writers on the target machine.

3. Remove all other backup software.

Confirm that no other data backup software is installed on the target server prior to installing the Datto agent. If left installed, legacy backup applications will actively fight the Datto agent for control over the Windows VSS writers, which may cause snapshot failures, corrupted images and missed backup windows.

4. Restrict outbound communications.

Outbound communications from your SIRIS should be restricted to only the networks identified by Datto. Datto has a complete list of permitted networks, ports and firewall settings that you should follow closely here.

5. Enable HTTPS for Web UI.

When logging into the Web UI, it’s a good idea to have your login data and session info encrypted. HTTPS ensures this data is protected as it traverses the LAN. You can enable it in the device GUI by going to: Configure > Device Settings > Enable HTTPS.

6. Deploy encrypted agents.

By using agent-level encryption, you ensure that backup data written to the ZFS filesystem (and replicated in the cloud) is encrypted at rest, using a unique key that can be generated only with a passphrase held by the administrator.

7. Enable relay forced login.

This is another important security protocol that will require all users to enter their login credentials when navigating from Datto’s Partner Portal to the Device UI via the Datto Relay remote web system. You can enable this in: Configure > Device Settings > Datto Relay Forced Login.

8. Limit access to the appliance’s GUI.

Only authorized users should be able to manage your Datto SIRIS or access the GUI. An additional way to implement this safeguard is by restricting access at the network. Datto recommends limiting the SIRIS’s management GUI to trusted networks only.

9. Enable AI Screenshot Verification.

Datto’s AI-powered Screenshot Verification uses machine learning to automatically spin up backups, inspect the boot process and intelligently verify that critical services actually started successfully while reducing false positives. Because this is a global device setting rather than a per-agent setting, you can enable it by navigating to Configure > Device Settings in the Remote Web interface.

10. Configure Folder Download Protection (SMB3).

If you ever need to restore files via a local network share, the SIRIS 6 utilizes SMB3. Ensure you use Folder Download Protection when sharing these restored volumes over the LAN so that recovered files are encrypted in transit and protected against snooping or tampering during the file restoration process.

11. Review Ransomware Detection Exclusions.

Datto agents actively monitor for the crypto-footprint of a ransomware attack during every backup. However, certain high-churn applications can trigger false positives. Be sure to configure your ransomware exclusions properly for known safe applications so you don’t get flooded with false alerts while keeping the automated detection active.

Best practices for Datto SIRIS deployment and configuration

Do you have enough network bandwidth for your SIRIS to operate as designed? Is your network configured properly? Here’s what you need for a successful deployment:

1. Gigabit network connection required.

All SIRIS 6 devices must be connected to protected machines via gigabit network connections. A 100 Mbps network won’t cut it for transferring large datasets between the protected machines and the Datto appliance. Your SIRIS will not function without a gigabit connection.

2. 50 Mbps dedicated uplink for backups over VPN tunnel.

Datto strongly advises that your SIRIS and all protected machines be on the same LAN. If you absolutely must use a WAN to protect certain machines, you will need a minimum of 50 Mbps dedicated uplink for every terabyte of protected data.

3. 2 Mbps Internet uplink per TB of protected data.

Ensure that your protected data is reliably synced to the Datto cloud by having an adequate connection between the SIRIS and the Internet. Datto recommends a baseline of at least 2 Mbps uplink per terabyte of protected data stored locally on the Datto device (with 1 Mbps being the absolute bare minimum).

4. Configure your firewall appropriately.

All ICMP packets must be allowed through your firewall. If the firewall allows you to filter application-specific traffic, set the application profile to “all” or “any.” If your configuration requires you to allow specific ports and IP addresses, follow the instructions here.

5. Free up system resources.

Again, your protected machines must have the computing resources to perform backup processes optimally. During installation of the Datto Windows Agent, and during backups, there must be at least 1GB of RAM that remains free.

Best practices for Datto SIRIS backups and testing

Once you’re ready to back up your data, you need to be sure you’re doing it wisely. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Schedule your backups appropriately.

Every company should have its own timetables for backing up data, based on the needs of the business and the objectives outlined within your disaster recovery plan. While the SIRIS 6 can perform backups as often as every five minutes, that schedule will not be necessary for every business. Here’s a general rule of thumb for how often to back up various types of machines, as suggested by Datto:

• Exchange & production servers: every hour
• Terminal servers: Daily
• Auxiliary domain controllers: 2-3 times per week

2. Test everything regularly.

While Datto’s AI Screenshot Verification and Advanced Backup Verification will automatically test the bootability and service health of your backups every single day, administrators should still perform manual verification tests to ensure complete confidence. Here are some general timetables for testing various components and functionality:

• Device audit: Daily or every 2 days – This is located under the Devices tab in the Partner Portal. Use the audit to check when last backups were taken, whether they were successful, and the status of screenshots.
• Local web Interface: Every 3-5 days – Use the interface to delve into further detail on the status of backups and screenshots, at least once a week.
• File restores: Every week – We recommend mounting a recent recovery point once a week, and then browsing the restore via the web interface. Find a file that has been modified very recently and double-check the modified dates and timestamps to ensure they are within expected parameters.
• Local virtualization: Every month – After disconnecting from the network, spin up the VMs and log in to the machine. Test essential services and check for critical files. Verify that applications are functional. Also, try logging in as a different user to ensure that accounts are working properly.
• Offsite virtualization: 2 times a year – Same as above; make sure the virtual environment (especially business-critical apps) is running smoothly and that backed-up files are available.
• Offsite DR testing: Once a year – Separate from backup virtualization, Datto recommends performing a full off-site disaster recovery test annually. This can include, but is not limited to, offsite bootability tests, a performance/functionality test, file restore tests, network tests and VPN tests.

3. Make use of automatic system alerts.

The Datto SIRIS 6 offers a range of automatic email alerts that can be sent to one or more administrators. These are a simple and efficient way to track what’s going on with your SIRIS and whether your scheduled backups are successful. In the web interface, go to: Protect tab > Configure Agent Settings > Reporting & Alerting > Set Email Notifications. Here, you can designate the email address to receive a variety of alerts: Success/Failure Backup Screenshots, Weekly Backup Reports, Backup Warnings, Critical Errors and Log Digests.

Be sure to also utilize the device alerts within the Partner Portal, which can notify you about hardware failure, device sync problems, low disk space, large amounts of data being deleted and other issues.

4. Back up only what’s necessary.

Before you start the first backup, exclude any volumes that do not need to be backed up. You can do this by going to the Protect tab > Configure Agent Settings > Volume Level Backup Control. Keep in mind that while all drives present during the initial installation are backed up by default (and USB drives must be manually excluded), any new volumes added to the server later will be excluded by default until you manually include them. 

5. Pair SIRIS with Datto Endpoint Backup for your mobile workforce.

While laptops have replaced desktop PCs as the primary workstation in most organizations, you should avoid backing them up directly to your local SIRIS appliance using the standard Datto Windows Agent. Laptops frequently go to sleep, switch to Wi-Fi or leave the corporate LAN entirely, which disrupts the local snapshot process and causes appliance backups to fail. To protect roaming machines, Datto recommends utilizing Datto Endpoint Backup alongside your SIRIS infrastructure. This is a lightweight, direct-to-cloud agent specifically designed to pause and resume backups seamlessly as laptops change networks, ensuring reliable protection without relying on a local gigabit connection to the SIRIS appliance.

6. Set a realistic retention policy.

By default, local backups are retained on the device for 3 months, with additional variations for intra-daily, weekly and monthly backups. Set realistic expectations for how far back you will need to go to perform a full-system backup. Remember: the longer you retain backups, the more space you’ll need.

What are the best practices for Datto SIRIS restores and recovery?

The best practices for restoring data from the Datto SIRIS depend on the unique circumstances of the recovery. The Datto SIRIS offers several recovery methods to fit the demands of each data-loss event. The following guidance outlines methods to use in different situations and when.

1. Use File/Folder Restore for minimal data loss.

Do you know what data has been lost? Is it fewer than 5 files or folders? If so, then the quickest and easiest method to recover that data is usually the File/Folder Restore tool. You can do this via the on-site SIRIS or the cloud. Simply select the protected machine and the recovery point you want to restore.

2. Permissions required? Use an iSCSI Restore.

When strict NTFS permissions are required for the files you need to recover, or if you are moving a massive amount of data, you’ll want to use an iSCSI Restore. This option in the Datto UI lets you mount a volume from any recovery point as an iSCSI target on the Datto appliance. By connecting via the native Windows iSCSI Initiator and using a tool like Windows Robocopy, you can quickly restore files touched by Windows deduplication or Windows file encryption while perfectly retaining original file permissions.

3. Use Rapid Rollback for large unwanted changes.

When you need to recover more than 5 files/folders (and the protected machine is booting), then Rapid Rollback is usually the way to go. This tool effectively lets you undo widespread file changes, such as those caused by a ransomware infection or a failed software update. It identifies the files that changed on a production machine since the last backup and restores only those files – so you don’t have to reimage the entire machine.

4. Use Bare Metal Restore when protected machines aren’t booting.

Is the protected server dead? When you need to restore an entire system to bare metal, you will most likely use Datto Utilities (booting the new hardware from a USB stick or ISO). Because a Bare Metal Restore (BMR) takes time to transfer terabytes of data over the network, Datto recommends virtualizing the server on the SIRIS first so your users can get back to work instantly. The SIRIS will create a Rescue Agent to continue backing up this temporary virtualization. Once your BMR finishes imaging the new hardware, you simply apply the Rescue Agent’s final snapshot so no data is lost from the time the server was virtualized.

5. For virtual servers, use Image Export.

The Datto SIRIS makes it easy to restore virtual servers by exporting the recovery point directly to your hypervisor. Using the Image Export feature, you can export to vSphere (via VMDK) or Microsoft Hyper-V (via modern VHDx). You can also use the direct ESXi Upload option, which pushes a restore point to a connected ESXi host. The ESXi Upload is ideal if you want to use the ESXi host for its computing power and datastore rather than relying on the SIRIS hardware.

6. Virtualize for instant access to protected systems.

Datto’s backup virtualization allows you to instantly boot a backup as a virtual machine. This is vital in scenarios where you need immediate access to protected files, applications and operating systems while the full recovery is underway. The Datto SIRIS lets you perform this virtualization locally, off-site or via a combination of both (known as hybrid virtualization). Local virtualization is ideal for optimal performance, while cloud virtualization is a dependable failsafe if on-site infrastructure is inaccessible.

7. Deleted cloud snapshot? Use Cloud Deletion Defense.

If an agent and its snapshots are ever deleted from the cloud, whether by accident or malicious intent, Datto has a safeguard for this called Cloud Deletion Defense. While it is not technically a tool in the GUI, it is a failsafe that lets you undo the deletion by contacting Datto Technical Support.

Frequently Asked Questions about Datto Best Practices

If you couldn’t find the specific recommendations you were looking for above, don’t lose hope. Below are a few commonly asked questions about best practices for the Datto SIRIS, followed by contact information for us at Invenio IT, where our experts can help you with your specific situation.

1. What is the best way to free up local storage space on Datto?

The best way to free up local space on your Datto device is to remove recovery points that are already backed up to the cloud or no longer needed. Start by pausing backups within the device’s web interface. Then, on the Protect tab, select Manage Recovery Points to remove unneeded backups.

Also, consider changing the local retention setting. Under the Protect tab, select Configure Agent Settings. Under the Basic section, click Local Backup and Retention Policy, and adjust the retention settings as needed to reduce the number of recovery points stored locally.

2. What is the best way to back up Windows 10 with Datto?

The best way to back up Windows 10 is with Datto Endpoint Backup . This is a software-only backup solution that backs up an entire Windows-based PC to the Datto Cloud without the need for additional hardware.

While Windows 10 has its own backup capabilities through the system image tool, this option is limited and requires using detachable storage. Datto Endpoint Backup provides more robust protection for Windows machines, as well as more seamless transfer of protected files and easier recovery. If you need to back up an entire network, consisting of multiple Windows 10 machines that primarily save data on a server, then consider using Datto SIRIS or ALTO.

3. How do I enable secondary replication on the Datto SIRIS?

Enable secondary replication on the Datto SIRIS by navigating to the Configure tab in the device’s GUI. Under Device Settings, click to enable Secondary Replication. When enabled, the Datto SIRIS will replicate all backups from the primary data center to a secondary data center.

Secondary Replication ensures that backups are still available in the event of unintended deletion of backup data at the primary data center. Data replicated to the secondary site remains available for 90 days after deletion from the primary site.

Want more best practices for the Datto SIRIS 6?

Let our experts guide you. Schedule a call with our data protection specialists at Invenio IT. You can also reach us by calling (646) 395-1170 or emailing success@invenioIT.com.  For pricing, request a quote on our Datto SIRIS cost page.

Then an email arrives from a familiar vendor requesting updated payment information before year-end.

The request looks legitimate, but the person who would normally verify it is unavailable. The employee covering for her doesn’t want to delay an important payment, so they make the change.

Nothing about this situation is particularly unusual. That’s what makes it concerning.

Holiday cybersecurity risks aren’t limited to employees clicking suspicious links or falling for seasonal scams. They also emerge when businesses operate with fewer people, different responsibilities and less oversight than usual.

Security procedures that work perfectly well during a normal week may become harder to follow when key employees are unavailable. And if those procedures depend too heavily on one person, a holiday absence can reveal weaknesses that have been there all along.

Before employees head out for the holidays, it’s worth asking a different question: Will our cybersecurity protections still work when the people who normally manage them aren’t here?

1. A routine payment request can become a cybersecurity incident

Business email compromise is particularly concerning because an attack doesn’t necessarily begin with an obvious phishing message. It may involve a familiar vendor, an existing invoice or an email conversation that appears completely legitimate.

Imagine a manufacturing company preparing to close its books for the year. An accounts payable employee receives updated banking instructions from a supplier. The message references an actual invoice, uses the supplier’s usual signature and explains that the change needs to be processed before the holiday shutdown.

Normally, the accounting manager would confirm the change directly with the vendor. But she’s away, and the employee handling her responsibilities doesn’t know the verification procedure.

The payment is processed. Days later, the real supplier calls to ask why the invoice remains unpaid.

This is a hypothetical example, but the underlying fraud method is well documented. The Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on business scams emphasizes establishing clear procedures for reviewing invoices and approving payments. <Cite refs={[“turn502485search2”]}/>

The solution isn’t to tell employees to be more suspicious during December. It’s to establish verification requirements that remain in place regardless of who’s working.

Changes to payment information should be confirmed through a trusted communication channel, using contact information already on file rather than details supplied in the request. Employees covering for someone else should know who has approval authority and what to do when that person is unavailable.

A deadline, even a legitimate one, shouldn’t override the process.

2. Holiday phishing scams are more convincing when they resemble normal business

Most employees know to be cautious about suspicious delivery notifications, holiday promotions and unexpected attachments. But business-related phishing attacks don’t always resemble the seasonal scams people have been trained to recognize.

Consider an employee receiving a message that appears to come from the CEO, who is traveling for the holidays. The email asks for an updated employee directory to share with a consultant before a January meeting. The timing makes sense, the language sounds professional and the request doesn’t immediately seem unreasonable.

The employee may not realize that the sender’s address has been spoofed, or that the legitimate account has been compromised.

Attackers can also use artificial intelligence to create convincing messages, impersonate business contacts and remove some of the traditional warning signs employees have been taught to look for.

As we discussed in our article, Phishing Scams Have Changed. Has Your Security Kept Up?, businesses can no longer rely on spelling mistakes, unusual formatting or obvious suspicious links to identify every attack.

That makes verification procedures and technical protections increasingly important.

For example, requests involving confidential information, financial transactions or changes to account permissions should require independent verification, even when the sender appears familiar. Email security tools can help detect and block threats, while multifactor authentication and appropriate access controls provide additional layers of protection.

The goal isn’t to make employees question every routine message. It’s to make sure that a convincing message alone isn’t enough to authorize a sensitive action.

3. Security alerts don’t take a holiday

Most businesses have some combination of firewalls, endpoint protection, email security and other monitoring tools designed to detect suspicious activity.

But what happens when those tools generate an alert while the person responsible for reviewing it is away?

Imagine a professional services firm with employees working remotely during the last week of December. Late one evening, a compromised employee account begins attempting to access files it wouldn’t normally use. A security platform flags the activity, but the notification goes to an IT administrator who is on vacation.

The alert exists. The technology did its job. But nobody is available to investigate.

This illustrates an important distinction between having security tools and having effective security coverage.

Before the holidays, businesses should confirm who is responsible for reviewing alerts, whether those individuals will be available and how serious incidents will be escalated. If monitoring is handled by an outside provider, confirm the coverage arrangements and emergency contact procedures.

It’s also important to know what happens after a threat is detected. Who can disable a compromised account? Who has authority to isolate an affected device? Who communicates with leadership if an incident disrupts operations?

These questions belong in an incident response plan, not in a last-minute group text when something goes wrong.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s phishing guidance addresses response measures such as securing compromised accounts, reviewing account activity and isolating affected devices. <Cite refs={[“turn502485search37”]}/>

Those actions require both technical capabilities and people who know when and how to use them.

4. Vacation coverage can create unnecessary access risks

When employees are away, their responsibilities don’t necessarily disappear. Someone else may need to process invoices, retrieve customer information, approve purchases or access applications they don’t normally use.

Granting temporary access is often necessary. The problem arises when convenience replaces normal access management procedures.

For example, an employee covering for a department manager might need access to a shared reporting folder. Rather than granting access to the specific files required, someone gives them broad permissions across the department’s systems. The employee completes the assignment, the manager returns and nobody remembers to remove the additional access.

What began as a temporary accommodation becomes a permanent security exposure.

A similar problem occurs when employees share login credentials to avoid requesting access through the proper channels. Shared credentials make it harder to determine who performed an action and can weaken accountability and security controls.

Businesses should follow the principle of least privilege: employees receive only the access necessary to perform their responsibilities.

For holiday coverage, that means documenting who needs additional permissions, limiting access to the appropriate systems and reviewing those permissions when normal staffing resumes.

It’s also worth examining whether employees can perform essential duties without relying on another person’s account. If a business process requires password sharing whenever someone takes vacation, that’s a problem worth fixing beyond the holiday season.

5. What if a cyberattack disrupts operations while key employees are unavailable?

Preventing cyberattacks is only part of cybersecurity preparedness. Businesses also need to consider what happens if an attack succeeds.

Imagine a healthcare practice operating with a reduced administrative staff between Christmas and New Year’s Day. An employee discovers that critical files are inaccessible, and the practice suspects a ransomware incident.

The employee knows there’s a backup system, but doesn’t know who can authorize a recovery. The usual IT contact is unavailable, and the person responsible for communicating with patients isn’t sure what information can be shared.

Even if the organization has reliable backups, uncertainty about responsibilities can delay the response.

This is where cybersecurity and business continuity planning intersect.

A disaster recovery plan should identify the systems that need to be restored, the people responsible for recovery and the procedures for responding to different types of disruptions. Those responsibilities should remain clear when key employees are away.

It’s also important to test the plan rather than assuming it will work when needed.

Invenio IT’s Disaster Recovery Scenarios Test Guide outlines practical scenarios businesses can use to evaluate their preparedness, including cyberattacks, data loss and system outages.

A holiday coverage exercise doesn’t need to be complicated. Consider asking your team to walk through a realistic scenario: A critical system becomes unavailable on December 26, and the primary IT administrator cannot be reached. Who receives the alert? Who makes the recovery decision? How are affected employees notified? And can the organization restore the system within its required recovery timeframe?

If the answers depend on someone who isn’t available, the plan needs another look.

6. Conduct a holiday cybersecurity readiness check before employees leave

A business doesn’t need another lengthy security presentation to prepare for the holiday season. A focused review of a few operational questions may be more valuable.

Start with the areas where reduced staffing could create the greatest risk:

• Payment and information requests: Are backup approvers identified, and do employees know how to verify unusual or sensitive requests?
• Security monitoring: Who is reviewing alerts during the holidays, and how are critical incidents escalated?
• Remote access: Are employees using approved devices, applications and secure connections when working away from the office?
• Temporary permissions: Have additional access privileges been documented, limited and scheduled for review?
• Incident response: Do employees know whom to contact if they suspect an account compromise, phishing attack or other security incident?
• Backup and recovery: Have critical recovery procedures been tested, and are the appropriate contacts available if systems go down?

The review should involve more than the IT department. Finance, operations, human resources and leadership may all have responsibilities that affect cybersecurity.

For example, IT can enforce access controls, but finance must define who can approve changes to vendor payment information. A security provider may monitor suspicious activity, but leadership still needs to know who has authority to make decisions during a serious incident.

The goal is to identify dependencies before employees leave, not discover them in the middle of an emergency.

For organizations that haven’t recently reviewed their continuity procedures, our Business Continuity Plan Guide and Template provides a broader framework for documenting responsibilities, recovery procedures and operational priorities.

The holidays don’t create every cybersecurity weakness. They reveal them.

It’s tempting to treat holiday cybersecurity as an employee awareness issue. Remind everyone to watch for phishing emails, avoid suspicious links and use secure connections while traveling.

Those reminders have value, but they don’t address every risk.

A business can have well-trained employees and still struggle with unclear approval procedures, inadequate security coverage, excessive access permissions or an incident response plan that depends on one person being available.

These weaknesses exist throughout the year. Holiday schedules simply make them harder to ignore.

That’s why the most useful year-end cybersecurity preparation may have less to do with another training session and more to do with confirming that essential security processes will continue to function when staffing changes.

At Invenio IT, we help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity and business continuity strategies, from protecting critical systems and data to preparing for disruptions that could affect operations.

Before your team heads out for the holidays, schedule time with an Invenio IT data protection expert to discuss your cybersecurity and business continuity preparedness.

But what happens when they choose the second option?

Maybe the shared drive is unreliable, so someone starts saving important files to their desktop. A business application takes too long to load, so an employee keeps it open all day rather than risk restarting it. Or a system doesn’t provide the information someone needs, so they maintain their own spreadsheet.

Eventually, these little adjustments become part of the workday.

Nobody complains anymore. Nobody submits a support ticket. And from management’s perspective, everything appears to be running smoothly.

But fewer complaints don’t necessarily mean fewer IT problems.

Sometimes, they mean employees have simply stopped expecting things to improve.

Why employees stop reporting technology problems

Most employees don’t want to spend their day troubleshooting technology. They want to finish their work.

If reporting an issue means explaining the problem, waiting for assistance and possibly losing access to a system, finding a workaround may seem easier.

That doesn’t mean employees are doing anything wrong. They’re adapting to the tools they’ve been given.

The trouble is that these adjustments can hide problems from the people responsible for maintaining and improving the company’s technology.

IT teams rely on monitoring tools, support requests and employee feedback to understand what’s happening across the business. But monitoring doesn’t necessarily reveal an inefficient process, and a help desk can’t investigate a problem nobody reports.

Over time, the gap between how technology is supposed to work and how employees actually use it can grow.

The hidden costs of everyday IT workarounds

A workaround doesn’t have to cause an outage to affect the business.

Consider an employee who spends an extra 10 minutes each day manually transferring information between two systems.

That may not seem significant. But over 250 working days, it adds up to more than 40 hours a year for one employee.

Now imagine several people doing the same thing.

That’s a full workweek or more spent compensating for a technology limitation that might have a relatively simple solution.

Other problems are harder to measure. Employees may delay certain tasks because an application is unreliable. Teams may develop different versions of the same process because their systems don’t communicate properly.

These inefficiencies rarely appear as a line item in an IT budget, but they still consume time and resources.

And productivity isn’t the only concern.

When workarounds become security risks

Some employee workarounds can introduce risks that aren’t immediately obvious.

For example, someone who struggles to access shared files might begin emailing documents to a personal account. Another employee might use an unapproved cloud application because it’s easier than the company’s existing software.

These decisions may be motivated by convenience, not carelessness. But they can create problems with data security, access controls and compliance.

This is one reason organizations need visibility into the applications and systems employees actually use.

The Federal Trade Commission’s cybersecurity guidance for small businesses recommends practices such as maintaining software updates, controlling access to sensitive information and training employees to recognize security threats.

Those protections become harder to maintain when business information is scattered across unapproved tools and personal accounts.

There are also risks associated with unreliable or aging infrastructure. A system that frequently freezes or loses connectivity may be more than a productivity nuisance.

If the underlying issue involves failing hardware, for example, the consequences could extend to downtime or data loss. Our guide to preventing data loss from hardware failure explains why businesses need to consider recovery capabilities alongside equipment reliability.

The lesson isn’t that every workaround is dangerous. It’s that businesses should understand why employees need them in the first place.

How to uncover IT problems nobody is reporting

The good news is that you don’t need a major technology audit to begin identifying these issues.

Start by asking employees about their everyday experiences, not just whether their computers are working.

Instead of asking, “Are you having any IT problems?” try questions that encourage more useful answers:

• What task takes longer than you think it should?
• Is there a system you avoid using because it’s frustrating or unreliable?
• Are you entering the same information in more than one place?
• Have you created your own process because the existing one doesn’t work well?
• What technology issue would you fix first if you could?

The answers may surprise you.

You might discover that several employees have independently developed solutions to the same problem. Or that a system everyone considers essential is only being used because nobody has explored the alternatives.

The next step is to separate minor inconveniences from issues that deserve attention.

Consider how frequently each problem occurs, how many employees it affects and whether it introduces security, reliability or operational risks.

Then look at the available solutions.

Some issues may require replacing outdated equipment or software. Others might be resolved through configuration changes, employee training or better integration between existing systems.

The goal isn’t to eliminate every inconvenience. It’s to identify the problems that are costing the business more than anyone realizes.

Make employee feedback part of your IT planning

Technology planning often begins with what’s easiest to see: equipment approaching the end of its life, software renewals, support costs and upcoming projects.

Those are important considerations, but they don’t always tell the whole story.

Employees can provide another perspective because they experience the technology every day.

Their feedback can help uncover opportunities to improve productivity, reduce unnecessary manual work and address recurring frustrations before they become larger problems.

Of course, not every issue needs to be resolved immediately. Businesses still need to balance improvements against their budgets and other priorities.

That’s why identifying problems and prioritizing them should be separate steps.

Before committing to a new purchase, consider whether the issue can be addressed with the technology you already have. And before postponing an improvement, understand what continuing to live with the problem may cost.

Don’t mistake silence for satisfaction

A quiet help desk might mean your technology is performing beautifully.

Or it might mean employees have become very good at working around its shortcomings.

You won’t necessarily know the difference unless you ask.

At Invenio IT, we help businesses identify technology risks, evaluate existing systems and make informed decisions about improvements that support their operations.

Not every problem requires new equipment or a major investment. Sometimes, the most valuable improvements come from understanding how technology is actually being used.

If you’re unsure whether your current technology is meeting your business’s needs, contact Invenio IT to start the conversation.

Each investment may have a legitimate business case, but few organizations have the budget or resources to address everything at once.

The challenge isn’t simply determining how much to spend on technology. It’s deciding which investments are essential to maintaining operations, which will support future growth and which can reasonably wait.

For businesses preparing their 2027 IT budgets, prioritizing technology spending requires balancing immediate operational needs, long-term business objectives and the financial consequences of delaying certain investments.

Here are three questions that can help IT decision-makers establish those priorities.

1. What Happens If We Delay This Investment?

Not every technology issue carries the same level of risk, and the consequences of postponing an investment should be a major factor in determining its priority.

Consider a manufacturing company with two competing technology needs. Several employees are requesting newer laptops because their existing devices are becoming slower. At the same time, the company’s primary production server is approaching the end of vendor support.

Both investments deserve consideration, but the potential business consequences are significantly different.

Replacing the laptops may improve productivity. However, delaying the server replacement could expose the business to hardware failures, security vulnerabilities and production downtime.

If the server fails, the financial impact could extend beyond replacement costs to include interrupted operations, delayed orders and lost revenue.

Before approving or postponing a technology expense, organizations should consider:

• How would delaying this investment affect daily operations?
• Could the existing technology create cybersecurity or compliance risks?
• What would happen if the system failed unexpectedly?
• Would postponing the investment increase future costs?
• Are there temporary measures that could reduce the risk?

This evaluation is particularly important for cybersecurity and disaster recovery investments, where the consequences of inadequate protection may not become apparent until an incident occurs.

For example, a business might postpone upgrading an aging backup solution to reduce expenses. But if that system cannot recover critical workloads within an acceptable timeframe, the potential cost of downtime could far exceed the savings.

Solutions such as Datto SIRIS 6 provide business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities that can help organizations reduce the operational impact of certain system failures and disruptions.

The goal is to prioritize investments based on their potential business impact rather than treating every technology request as equally urgent.

2. Which Technology Expenses Can We Anticipate?

Many IT expenses are predictable months or even years in advance. Hardware replacement cycles, software renewals, warranty expirations and licensing requirements can often be identified before they become immediate financial obligations.

For example, a professional services firm planning to add 20 employees during the second half of the year can anticipate additional technology costs well before those employees arrive.

New hires may require computers, Microsoft 365 licenses, endpoint security, cloud storage and access to business applications. Additional users and data may also affect backup capacity and licensing requirements.

If these expenses aren’t included in the annual IT budget, the organization may need to divert funding from other initiatives or delay necessary purchases.

Businesses can improve budget predictability by maintaining a technology expense calendar that identifies:

• Software and service contract renewal dates
• Hardware warranties and expected replacement timelines
• Planned staffing increases and associated licensing requirements
• Infrastructure upgrades and anticipated capacity needs
• Cybersecurity assessments, compliance reviews and required improvements
• Backup storage growth and disaster recovery service requirements

Once these expenses are identified, organizations can determine which investments require immediate funding and which can be scheduled for later in the year.

Spreading predictable expenses across quarters can also help businesses manage cash flow without compromising essential technology needs.

3. How Will Business Changes Affect Our IT Requirements?

Technology spending should support where the business is going, not simply maintain its existing operations.

Expansion, acquisitions, new services and changes in staffing can all introduce technology requirements that may not be obvious during initial business planning.

Consider a healthcare organization preparing to open a second location. Beyond purchasing computers and establishing internet connectivity, the business must evaluate how employees will securely access applications, how sensitive data will be protected and whether its existing infrastructure can support the additional workload.

The expansion may also require changes to backup and disaster recovery systems to ensure that critical applications and data remain protected across both locations.

If these requirements aren’t identified early, technology investments may become rushed, more expensive or insufficient for the organization’s needs.

IT decision-makers should participate in strategic planning discussions and assess how anticipated business changes will affect infrastructure, security, licensing and recovery requirements.

This approach helps organizations distinguish between technology investments that support essential business initiatives and those that can be postponed without significant consequences.

A Practical Framework for Prioritizing IT Investments

Once organizations understand the risks of delaying investments, their upcoming expenses and their business objectives, they can begin organizing technology spending into three categories.

Critical: Investments That Protect Business Operations

These are expenses that address significant operational, cybersecurity or compliance risks.

Examples may include replacing unsupported infrastructure, addressing critical security vulnerabilities, maintaining essential backup coverage and improving disaster recovery capabilities that do not meet established recovery objectives.

Delaying these investments could expose the organization to substantial financial or operational consequences.

Planned: Investments That Support Future Business Needs

These expenses are important but can generally be scheduled around business priorities and available funding.

Examples include planned hardware refreshes, infrastructure upgrades, additional software licenses and technology investments required for anticipated growth.

Establishing timelines for these projects allows organizations to allocate resources more effectively.

Deferrable: Improvements That Can Wait

Some technology investments offer meaningful benefits without addressing an immediate operational risk or business requirement.

Examples might include replacing supported, reliable equipment for modest performance improvements or adopting new productivity tools before their value has been established.

These investments can remain on the technology roadmap and be revisited as budgets and business needs evolve.

Importantly, priorities should be reassessed throughout the year. A project that can reasonably wait today may become more urgent as infrastructure ages, threats evolve or business requirements change.

Make Backup and Disaster Recovery Part of the Prioritization Process

Backup and disaster recovery investments deserve particular attention because their value is often measured by the disruptions they help organizations withstand.

A business may be tempted to delay improvements to its data protection infrastructure because its existing backup system appears to be functioning normally.

However, successful backup completion does not necessarily guarantee that critical systems can be restored within the timeframe the business requires.

Organizations should periodically review their recovery time objectives (RTOs), recovery point objectives (RPOs), backup verification procedures and recovery testing results.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s contingency planning guidance provides a useful framework for evaluating critical systems, recovery priorities and operational dependencies.

Businesses can also use Invenio IT’s business continuity planning guide to better understand how recovery planning fits into a broader strategy for minimizing downtime.

If your organization is reviewing technology priorities for 2027, schedule a consultation with Invenio IT to evaluate whether your current backup and disaster recovery capabilities align with your operational requirements.

Build an IT Budget Around Business Impact

An effective IT budget doesn’t require every technology improvement to happen immediately. It requires a clear understanding of which investments protect critical operations, which support business objectives and which can be scheduled for a later date.

By evaluating the consequences of delaying purchases, anticipating known expenses and aligning technology investments with business plans, organizations can allocate resources more effectively while reducing avoidable risks.

For businesses preparing their 2027 budgets, this process should include a careful review of cybersecurity, backup and disaster recovery capabilities. These systems play an important role in protecting operations, and postponing necessary improvements can carry consequences far beyond the cost of the technology itself.

Invenio IT helps businesses evaluate their backup and disaster recovery requirements, identify potential protection gaps and implement solutions that support operational resilience.

Talk to Invenio IT about your backup and disaster recovery priorities to determine whether your existing solutions are prepared to support your business in the year ahead.

Then a critical server needs replacing sooner than expected. Software licensing fees increase. A growing workforce requires additional infrastructure, storage and security licenses. Suddenly, expenses that weren’t included in the original budget are competing with other business priorities.

While some technology costs are difficult to predict, many of these surprises can be avoided with better planning. As businesses prepare their IT budgets for 2027, understanding where budgeting assumptions fall short can help prevent unnecessary expenses, operational disruptions and gaps in protection.

Here are four common IT budgeting mistakes and practical ways to avoid them.

1. Relying Too Heavily on Last Year’s IT Budget

Using last year’s technology spending as the starting point for a new budget makes sense, but assuming those costs will remain relatively unchanged can create problems.

Consider a manufacturing company that spent $150,000 on IT last year. Its infrastructure was relatively stable, and no major replacements were necessary. Leadership approves a similar budget for 2027, overlooking the fact that several servers are approaching the end of their supported lifecycles and a planned production expansion will require additional network capacity and data storage.

The previous year’s spending doesn’t account for these upcoming investments, leaving the business to absorb unplanned costs or postpone necessary upgrades.

A more accurate IT budget should consider aging hardware, vendor support deadlines, upcoming renewals, anticipated business growth and evolving cybersecurity requirements. It should also account for whether existing backup and disaster recovery systems can support new workloads.

Historical spending provides a useful reference point, but future business needs should determine where technology dollars are allocated.

2. Waiting Until Technology Fails to Replace It

Replacing technology that still works can be a difficult expense to justify, particularly when budgets are tight. However, continuing to rely on aging infrastructure can create financial and operational risks that exceed the cost of a planned replacement.

Imagine a financial services firm operating a critical application on an aging server. The system still functions, but performance has declined, hardware support is limited and replacement parts are increasingly difficult to obtain.

When the server eventually fails, the company faces more than the cost of new hardware. Employees may be unable to access critical applications, transactions could be delayed, and IT personnel may need to prioritize emergency recovery over other projects.

If replacement had been scheduled in advance, the business could have budgeted for the expense, planned the migration and minimized disruption.

Organizations should maintain an inventory of critical infrastructure, monitor equipment lifecycles and establish replacement schedules based on business importance, reliability and vendor support.

For systems that cannot be replaced immediately, a reliable backup and disaster recovery solution becomes especially important. Technologies such as Datto SIRIS 6 can help businesses protect critical workloads and maintain recovery options when hardware failures occur.

However, backup protection should complement a hardware replacement strategy, not serve as a permanent substitute for one.

3. Allowing Software and Service Renewals to Run on Autopilot

Automatic renewals are convenient, but they can also allow unnecessary technology expenses to accumulate over time.

For example, a professional services firm may be paying for 120 software licenses even though only 95 employees actively use the application. The company may also maintain overlapping cloud storage subscriptions or security tools purchased by different departments.

Individually, these expenses may seem manageable. Collectively, they can represent thousands of dollars in unnecessary annual spending.

Organizations should review software licenses, service agreements and renewal dates before finalizing their IT budgets. This includes evaluating actual usage, identifying redundant applications and understanding potential price increases.

The same review should extend to cybersecurity and data protection services, although these investments require additional consideration.

A lower-cost backup service, for example, may appear attractive until the business discovers that it offers limited recovery capabilities, insufficient retention or inadequate protection for critical workloads.

Rather than comparing solutions on subscription costs alone, IT decision-makers should evaluate their capabilities, reliability and potential financial impact during an outage.

4. Planning IT Spending Separately From Business Growth

Technology budgets are often developed independently of broader business plans, creating a disconnect between what leadership wants to accomplish and the infrastructure needed to support those goals.

Consider a healthcare organization planning to open a second location. Leadership budgets for office space, equipment and additional employees but doesn’t fully account for the technology requirements.

The expansion may require new networking equipment, secure remote access, endpoint protection, additional data storage and expanded backup coverage. Depending on the organization’s systems and regulatory obligations, it may also introduce new compliance and business continuity considerations.

When these requirements aren’t identified early, IT teams are forced to accommodate growth using resources that may already be stretched thin.

Business leaders and IT decision-makers should collaborate throughout the planning process, particularly when expansion, hiring, acquisitions or new technology initiatives are anticipated.

This collaboration also helps ensure that cybersecurity and disaster recovery strategies evolve alongside the organization rather than being addressed after new systems are already deployed.

Don’t Overlook Backup and Disaster Recovery in Your IT Budget

Although backup and disaster recovery expenses may represent a relatively small portion of an organization’s overall technology budget, their importance becomes clear when critical systems are unavailable.

For example, a manufacturer experiencing a server failure may need to restore production applications quickly to avoid missed orders and operational delays. A healthcare provider may need rapid access to patient records, while a financial services firm may need to restore transactional systems without losing critical data.

These scenarios illustrate why backup planning should involve more than renewing an existing subscription.

Organizations should evaluate how much data they can afford to lose, how quickly critical systems must be restored and whether their current recovery infrastructure can meet those expectations.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Contingency Planning Guide for Federal Information Systems provides a structured approach to evaluating recovery requirements, identifying critical systems and developing recovery strategies.

Businesses can apply these principles to their own environments by establishing recovery time objectives (RTOs), recovery point objectives (RPOs) and regular testing procedures.

For organizations reviewing their data protection investments, Invenio IT’s business continuity planning guide provides additional guidance on preparing for disruptions and reducing the operational impact of downtime.

Is Your Disaster Recovery Strategy Ready for 2027?

Before finalizing next year’s technology budget, consider whether your current backup and disaster recovery systems provide the coverage, capacity and recovery capabilities your business requires.

Schedule a consultation with Invenio IT to review your data protection needs and identify potential gaps before they become costly problems.

Build an IT Budget That Supports Your Business

An effective IT budget should reflect more than last year’s spending. It should account for the infrastructure, services and protection your organization will need to operate efficiently and securely throughout the coming year.

That means planning for equipment replacements before failures occur, reviewing recurring technology expenses, aligning IT investments with business growth and ensuring that backup and disaster recovery capabilities remain adequate.

Taking these steps won’t eliminate every unexpected expense, but it can reduce avoidable spending and help organizations make more informed technology decisions.

At Invenio IT, we help businesses evaluate and implement backup, disaster recovery and business continuity solutions designed to protect critical systems and minimize downtime.

If you’re preparing your 2027 IT budget, now is an opportunity to assess whether your existing data protection strategy can support your organization’s changing needs.

Talk to Invenio IT about your backup and disaster recovery strategy.

Introduction to Datto Products & Devices

Datto’s products continue to evolve. As an industry leader for business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR), Datto has continually expanded its product lineup to help organizations prevent data loss, block security threats and recover faster from disruptions like ransomware.

In this 2027 guide, we provide an overview of all Datto products to help you identify the right solutions for your business.

Explore by product:

BCDR

• • Datto SIRIS 6 Backup Appliance (All-in-one BCDR solution)
  • Datto ALTO Device (Small business backup)
  • Datto NAS (Network Attached Storage)
  • Datto Endpoint Backup (Cloud backup for PCs and servers)
  • Datto SaaS Protection (Cloud backup for M365 & Google Workspace)
  • Datto Backup for Microsoft Azure (Cloud backup for Microsoft Azure)
  • Datto File Protection (Lightweight endpoint backup)
  • Datto Workplace (Enterprise file sync and share)

NETWORKING

• • Datto network solutions (Switches, WiFi access points, edge routers)

CYBERSECURITY

• • Datto EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
  • Datto AV (Antivirus)

ENDPOINT MANAGEMENT

• • Datto RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management)

BCDR

Datto SIRIS 6 Backup Appliance

Datto SIRIS is widely considered one of the best data backup solutions available today. The latest iteration of the device – SIRIS 6 – offers several enhancements over previous versions, including faster backups, upgraded hardware and 30% faster VM boot times than the SIRIS 5.

All Datto products are purpose-built to protect your data and safeguard your business from costly downtime. Within the BCDR market, Datto SIRIS 6 is unique in that it unifies backup with disaster recovery, locally and in the integrated Datto cloud, into a complete, all-in-one solution stack.

What is the Datto SIRIS 6?

The Datto SIRIS is a complete, integrated business continuity solution that provides total data protection, combining on-site data backup with replication in the immutable Datto Cloud. It protects physical, virtual and cloud infrastructures running on Windows, Mac or Linux.

If you’re already familiar with the Datto SIRIS, then you know it’s the preferred backup solution for businesses of all sizes because of unique features like instant virtualization, ransomware detection and “inverse chain” backups. We discuss these in greater detail below, but let’s start with the newest features and updates available on the Datto SIRIS 6.

SIRIS 6: Latest Features, Upgrades & Enhancements

• Increased performance & backup speed: Backups are up to 150% faster on the SIRIS 6 vs. SIRIS 5, thanks to upgraded RAM and CPUs. This allows for even faster disaster recovery performance, including instant restores and flawless virtual environments.
• Faster VM boot times: Virtualized backups boot up to 30% faster than SIRIS 5. This translates into near-instant virtualization, allowing businesses to restore access to their critical systems in a matter of seconds.
• More backup storage capacity: SIRIS 6 now offers up to 120 TB of backup storage for businesses with rapidly expanding data footprints.
• Faster RAM and bandwidth: By upgrading to DDR5 RAM, the SIRIS 6 delivers up to 50% faster memory bandwidth. This prevents bottlenecks during peak backup windows and ensures smoother, more reliable performance for complex virtualizations and data transfers.
• Updated sizes: Datto SIRIS is available in multiple sizes and storage capacities to fit the diverse needs of every organization, including new ultra-quiet Desktop HDD and SSD models, as well as Rackmount (1U, 2U) and MiniPC options.

In addition to the hardware upgrades, Datto SIRIS 6 comes with several new features, including:

• Native FIPS-Validated Encryption: For businesses in highly regulated industries (like healthcare, finance, or government), SIRIS 6 now supports FIPS Mode, making compliance easier to achieve.
• Enhanced AI Screenshot Verification: The AI-powered screenshot verification has been upgraded to provide more granular visibility, with detailed results including specific failure reasons for faster troubleshooting.
• Expanded Linux EFI Virtualization: SIRIS 6 expands its EFI boot support for local virtualization and image exports to a much wider range of modern Linux distributions, including RHEL 9.x, AlmaLinux 9.x, Rocky Linux, and Debian 12.

Together, all of these enhancements translate into a more powerful Datto backup device, built for quick and frequent backups and faster disaster recovery.

Additional Features on the Datto SIRIS 6 Device

Aside from the new upgrades listed above, the Datto SIRIS 6 continues to offer a host of features that already make SIRIS a leading BCDR solution, including:

• Inverse Chain Technology: This is what powers Datto’s ultra-fast backup process, fast restore times and backup resilience. Unlike traditional incremental backups, each incremental snapshot is a fully constructed (bootable) recovery point. This eliminates the slow and often unstable process of rebuilding a chain of incrementals.
• Hybrid backups: Backups are stored both locally on the SIRIS 6 for the fastest restore times and in the georedundant Datto Cloud for added protection. No need to configure your BCDR system with disparate third-party clouds. With Datto SIRIS, local and cloud backups are seamlessly integrated.
• Instant virtualization and DRaaS: Backups are efficiently stored as bootable virtual machines. These VMs can be spun up instantly on the local device or in the cloud. This provides instant access to protected machines, applications and file systems.
• Ransomware protection: The Datto SIRIS was the first BCDR solution to offer a ransomware detection capability. This feature notifies administrators if ransomware is detected during the backup process, allowing them to revert to a backup at the earliest signs of an infection. This is vital protection that saves businesses from downtime and enables them to avoid paying a ransom.
• Rapid Rollback: Rapid Rollback allows you to rapidly restore damaged or lost file systems without the need to reimage an entire machine. This is a valuable tool for restoring files that have been encrypted by ransomware or corrupted after a software/OS update, allowing you to restore only the affected files.
• Advanced Backup Verification: Datto SIRIS automatically test-boots each backup to ensure it is viable. Additionally, it uses script execution to further verify that a service or application is executable.
• Backup Insights: This tool makes it easy to identify changes to files and applications between any two backup points. It takes just seconds to view, select and restore files back to the protected machine.
• Flexible deployment options: In addition to the option of using a plug-and-play SIRIS appliance, SIRIS can be deployed as a software-only implementation on your own hardware, either as a virtual machine or native Linux server.
• Cloud Deletion Defense: Available on both SIRIS and ALTO, Cloud Deletion Defense is like a cloud-based “recycle bin” for backups. When agents are deleted (whether accidentally or maliciously), Cloud Deletion Defense provides an added failsafe that lets you recover the agent from the cloud and regain access to deleted snapshots.
• SIRIS Private: SIRIS Private allows businesses to create a private cloud for their BCDR deployment by simply connecting two SIRIS devices: one SIRIS deployed locally and a secondary SIRIS that can be deployed anywhere else. This creates a secure, self-contained environment, which is ideal for businesses that must adhere to tight restrictions on how their data is stored, such as healthcare, financial services and government.

SIRIS Device Information

SIRIS 6 is a physical Datto device that is deployed locally. The device is available in several capacities to meet the backup needs of each company. Here are some of the hardware specs on each product:

Datto SIRIS 6 Hardware Specifications

Smaller Form Factor Options

Alternative SIRIS Deployment Options

As an alternative to implementing a physical Datto appliance, SIRIS can also be deployed as a software-only backup solution. These deployment options include:

• SIRIS Virtual: virtual deployment of SIRIS with the same functionality as the physical SIRIS but configured as a virtual machine (VM) via VMware or Hyper-V on existing hardware.
• SIRIS Imaged: software-only deployment of SIRIS 6 installed on your existing hardware.

SIRIS can also be deployed as a private cloud, unconnected to the Datto Cloud. Referred to as SIRIS Private, this product is deployed using two Datto SIRIS devices: 1) a source SIRIS appliance for the initial backup storage, and 2) a secondary target SIRIS appliance that acts like a cloud server for redundant storage and recovery. SIRIS Private is ideal for industries with stricter limits on how and where they store their data.

Datto ALTO Device (Small Business Backup)

Datto ALTO delivers most of the same backup performance and capabilities as the Datto SIRIS, but in a smaller form factor designed for small businesses. You get the same powerful features as SIRIS, like hybrid backup storage (local and Datto Cloud), Inverse Chain Technology, instant virtualization, ransomware protection, Rapid Rollback and automated backup verification, just to name a few.

Since ALTO is designed for smaller businesses, there are some important differences vs. SIRIS:

• Backup storage up to 2TB (vs. up to 120TB with SIRIS)
• MicroPC form factor (6.5 oz.)
• Up to 4 agents (vs. unlimited agents with SIRIS)
• Instant cloud virtualization (no local virtualization as with SIRIS)
• Cloud storage at 1 datacenter (vs. 2 with SIRIS)
• Does not include Backup Insights comparison tool

For small businesses who want the power of SIRIS but in the small MicroPC form factor of ALTO, we recommend the SIRIS 6X. It offers the full feature set of SIRIS, local virtualization capabilities, up to twice the storage capacity (4TB) and twice the RAM of the ALTO 5.

ALTO Device Information

Like SIRIS, ALTO is a dedicated Datto backup device that is implemented on site. Here are some of the hardware specs on the device:

• Device form factor: MicroPC
• Capacity: 2TB
• CPU: Intel Celeron 7305 (5c/5t)
• RAM: 8GB DDR4 Non-ECC
• Storage: 2TB NVMe m.2 SSD
• NICs: 1 x 1GbE

Datto NAS (Network Attached Storage)

The Datto NAS is a smart, scalable network-attached storage platform designed to meet the evolving needs of your business. It offers centralized management and seamless backup to the Datto Cloud, ensuring that your data is always safe and accessible. With features like snapshotting, you can restore files or folders from any point in time, whether locally or from the cloud. The NAS also includes hot-swappable hard drive bays, allowing you to easily scale your storage capacity as your business grows. Plus, with continuous data synchronization to the cloud, you can be confident that your critical information is protected and readily available.

Here are some of the notable product features:

• Hot-swappable hard drive bays allow Datto NAS to scale with your business.
• Reduces downtime with local and cloud backups.
• Automatically captures snapshots, enabling easy reversion to previous document versions.
• User-friendly interface simplifies setup and management.
• Integrates with Windows, preserving permissions to streamline security policy setup.
• Supports Apple Time Machine backups, acting as a Time Capsule.

Datto Endpoint Backup for PCs and Servers

Datto Endpoint Backup is a direct-to-cloud backup and recovery solution for all Windows systems, including Windows servers, virtual machines, cloud instances, laptops and desktops. It provides dependable endpoint protection by backing up files stored on any Windows system, locally or offsite, to the Datto cloud. Unlike SIRIS and ALTO, Endpoint Backup does not use a physical Datto backup device. It’s fully cloud-based. This protection is critical for businesses, especially in the new era of hybrid workforces and distributed environments – because users don’t always remember to save data on secure network drives.

By backing up that data to the cloud, Datto Endpoint Backup offers protection from threats such as:

• Lost or stolen laptops
• System/hardware failure
• Accidental file deletion (or malicious deletion)
• Physical damage to a PC or server
• Ransomware
• Natural disasters

In addition to backing up files, Datto Endpoint Backup protects the entire device configuration, setup and applications. It also provides direct-to-cloud backup for all server workloads, including remote servers, local machines, virtual machines (on-premises or cloud) and distributed environments. This ensures that organizations can back up every server, whether it’s on-site, in a data center or elsewhere.

Endpoint Backup can be used as a companion to a more robust BCDR solution, like SIRIS. Like SIRIS, Endpoint Backup uses image-based backup technology to efficiently capture data and allow rapid restores of individual files/folders or the entire machine via bare-metal restore. It also features built-in ransomware protection, Inverse Chain technology, instant virtualization (add-on DR option) and secure backup storage in the immutable Datto Cloud.

Datto SaaS Protection (Cloud backup for M365 & Google Workspace)

Datto SaaS Protection safeguards your cloud data. Businesses that use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 can use SaaS Protection to protect their SaaS data from a variety of threats:

• Accidentally or maliciously deleted emails or files
• Deleted accounts from deprovisioned / expired licenses
• Ransomware attacks
• Failed third-party integrations
• App / service outages

Copies of the SaaS data are securely stored on Datto servers. Compromised files and folders can be restored directly to a user’s account or downloaded to an administrator’s computer with a few clicks. Automatic backups are performed up to three times a day, capturing point-in-time snapshots of each user’s account, including:

• Microsoft 365 Backup: Microsoft Exchange Online, OneDrive, SharePoint Online, Calendar and Contacts
• Google Workspace Backup: Gmail, Calendar, Contacts, Google Drive and Team Drives

Datto SaaS Protection (also known as Datto Office 365 backup) is formerly known as Backupify, which was developed in 2008 and acquired by Datto in 2014. In the years since, Datto has continued to expand and integrate the service into its extensive line of Datto products.

Another iteration, known as Datto SaaS Protection +, includes not just backup for Microsoft 365, but also threat detection with Datto SaaS Defense.

Datto Backup for Microsoft Azure

Datto Backup for Microsoft Azure protects Azure workloads from ransomware, cyberattacks and other forms of data loss.

Azure backups have become critical for businesses that rely on Microsoft’s cloud servers. But a common mistake that many organizations make is storing those backups directly in Azure, which increases their risk exposure.

Datto gets those backups out of Azure and replicates them to the Datto Cloud. This makes them invisible to attackers, while also ensuring a stronger failsafe. In the event of data loss, Datto enables you to spin up VMs in Azure or directly in the Datto Cloud if Azure is unavailable.

Datto File Protection

Datto File Protection is a lightweight endpoint backup solution. It protects business-critical documents with continuous file and folder backup, providing an extra safeguard against accidental data loss, hardware failure, ransomware, and lost or stolen devices.

File Protection does not involve any appliance or physical backup device to install. Protected files are securely stored in the Datto Cloud. End users or admins can easily restore their own files without the need to contact their MSP. Whether users are working in the office or at home, backup locations are continually scanned and backups continue over any Internet connection. File changes are immediately backed up as changes are detected on the device, and prior versions are retained for 180 days.

Datto Workplace

Datto Workplace is a cloud-based enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) solution. Formerly known as Datto Drive, it provides a cloud-based platform for securely sharing files from anywhere, on any device.

Workplace can be integrated tightly with Microsoft Office, Teams and Outlook with immediate access to local and cloud files. It also features advanced malware detection, automatically scanning each file upload for signs of an infection, including ransomware. Administrators have complete oversight of their data, including: viewing files created by former employees, creating or deleting user accounts, editing account privileges, as well as setting storage limits.

NETWORKING

Datto Networking Appliance

The Datto Networking Appliance (Datto DNA, for short) is a high-performance edge router with fully-integrated 4G LTE failover for uninterrupted connection to the Internet.

Datto DNA has been referred to as the first “born in the cloud” router for its remote management capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and configure the router(s) from anywhere. It has an intuitive user interface, built-in firewall, intrusion detection and enhanced web content filtering for dependable network security.

Like most Datto products, the key here is business continuity: the 4G LTE failover keeps users connected and keeps the business running, even if the primary Internet connection goes down. Plus, the remote management capabilities eliminate downtime by allowing admins to rapidly diagnose issues without needing to be on site.

Datto Networking Switches

Datto Networking Switches offer high-performance switching with the same cloud-management ease as the Datto DNA. You can seamlessly connect devices and users across a network. And, since everything is configured in the cloud, the rest is plug and play.

Datto’s Networking Switches come in 3 models with 8, 24 or 48 ports to meet the needs of small and medium businesses. The switches also feature built-in support for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), powering up to 30 watts on all ports.

Admins can remotely monitor the switch from a single pane of glass, which provides a multi-tenant view of all networks and connected devices. The cloud management helps to eliminate the need for on-site visits, making the network easier to maintain across multiple locations.

Datto WiFi Access Points

Datto’s cloud-managed WiFi Access Points are another networking product designed for plug-and-play deployment and simplified management. Along with the Datto DNA and networking switches, the access points make it easier for businesses (and their MSPs) to securely monitor and manage the entire network, from virtually anywhere.

Key advantages include:

• Plug-and-play: Access points can be configured in the cloud prior to deployment, so that installation is quick and simple. Plus, configurations can be cloned to rapidly deploy multiple access points.
• Self-optimizing WiFi coverage: Datto’s WiFi access points use smart technology to self-tune for optimal performance. The mesh connection automatically forms to create a dependable, encrypted mesh network.
• Auto-channel scanning: Access points scan all channels daily to identify the network channel with the least interference.
• WiFi 6: Datto’s access points are WiFi-6 and Hotspot 2.0/Passpoint® ready, resulting in increased capacity, throughput, performance and power.

CYBERSECURITY

Datto EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)

Datto EDR is an integrated cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors endpoint devices to detect and block threats that evade other defenses. Datto’s cloud-based EDR uses automated threat response to protect all end-user devices and servers, across Windows, MacOS and Linux operating systems.

Key advantages include:

• Advanced Threat Detection: Datto EDR uses sophisticated endpoint monitoring technology to detect suspicious activity that traditional antivirus solutions might miss.
• Stronger Endpoint Protection: Significantly strengthens defenses on end-user devices, minimizing their vulnerability to compromises. In case of a ransomware attack, the Ransomware Rollback feature ensures rapid recovery and quick return to work by reverting files to their pre-attack state, utilizing real-time change tracking.
• Faster Response: Rapidly responds to threats automatically, stopping a potential attack before damage is done and reducing the need for manual intervention.
• Reduced False Alarms: Datto EDR software prioritizes threats by severity and filters out false positives to eliminate “alert fatigue”.
• Seamless Integration: Integrates with other security solutions, including Datto AV and Datto SOC, for unparalleled endpoint protection.
• Affordability: Datto EDR pricing is more affordable than traditional EDR solutions, enabling smaller organizations to gain enterprise-level threat protection without an enterprise price tag.

Datto AV (Next-Gen Antivirus)

Datto AV is next-generation antivirus software designed to protect businesses from malware and sophisticated cyber threats. It offers real-time scanning and advanced threat detection aided by AI, machine learning and up-to-date threat intelligence.

Key advantages include:

• Critical Threat Defense: Datto AV detects the threats that other antivirus solutions miss. This advanced protection is crucial for every company in today’s evolving threat landscape.
• Reduced Downtime: Datto AV reduces the risk of cyberattacks and operational downtime by proactively detecting and blocking threats.
• Lower IT Management Overhead: Datto Antivirus is easy to deploy, configure and manage. Plus, updates are automated, which means fewer manual interventions by your IT teams.
• Scalability: Datto AV protects organizations of all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises. And, since Datto AV pricing is per device, your protection is easy to scale as your needs grow.
• Affordability: Pricing for Datto AV starts as low as $20 per month, making advanced protection affordable for every budget.

ENDPOINT MANAGEMENT

Datto RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management)

Datto RMM is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management solution. It simplifies endpoint management for IT infrastructures of any scale, keeping your devices secure, patched and operational.

Key advantages include:

• Seamless Endpoint Management: Simplified management of all devices, across networks of any scale.
• Increased Efficiency: Automated to streamline processes and boost operational efficiency.
• Reduced IT costs: Saves time and reduces the need for manual intervention.
• Intuitive UI: User-friendly interface for effortless navigation.
• Faster Time to Value: Rapid deployment + affordable Datto RMM pricing = instant efficiency gains.

How to access your Datto device

Datto makes it easy to access and manage all your deployed Datto products through an online portal, locally or remotely. Once you or your Datto Partner have logged in, you’ll view the Device Overview page, where you can find information for each Datto appliance.

Remote access:

• Log into the Datto Partner Portal at https://portal.dattobackup.com.
• Click the Status tab and select the drop-down for BCDR Status.
• Find your Datto appliance by name and click Device Web to start a remote session with the device.

Local access:

• Go to http://device.dattobackup.com and log in (or enter the device’s IP address in a web browser).
• Select the Datto appliance device you wish to access.

Note: Local access via the LAN is disabled by default as a security measure. To enable local access, use the Datto Device Web UI to navigate it to: Configuration > Global Device Settings > Local Access Control. With local access enabled, you can bypass the Partner Portal to directly access each device if you are on the same LAN as the appliance.

Where to buy Datto products and devices

Datto products are available exclusively through Datto’s network of approved managed-service providers, known as Datto Partners. Working with a Datto Partner ensures that businesses get the highest level of expertise and service from IT professionals who have the most extensive knowledge of Datto’s products.

As a Blue Diamond Datto Partner, Invenio IT maintains a long-term strategic partnership with Datto that has allowed us to successfully deploy and manage BCDR solutions for clients throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

Try It First: Demo Any Datto Products for Free

Request a free demo to test-drive any of the Datto products and solutions listed above. For one-on-one guidance, schedule a meeting with one of our data protection specialists, or contact us at (646) 395-1170 or success@invenioIT.com.

That assumption is becoming increasingly risky.

AI can help attackers create convincing emails, imitate voices and produce realistic images and video at a speed and scale that wasn’t previously possible. At the same time, employees are introducing another type of AI risk by using public AI tools for everyday work without always considering what happens to the information they enter.

The answer isn’t to teach employees to become experts at detecting AI. As AI-generated content improves, identifying a fake based on how it looks, sounds or reads will become increasingly unreliable. Businesses need verification procedures and security controls that still work when the person on the other side of an interaction appears completely legitimate.

1. AI impersonation makes familiar voices less trustworthy

Imagine someone in accounting receives a call from an executive asking for an urgent wire transfer. The voice sounds right. The caller knows the name of the vendor, references a current project and explains why the payment can’t wait.

Traditionally, recognizing the executive’s voice might have provided some reassurance. With AI voice cloning, it shouldn’t.

The same problem extends beyond phone calls. Attackers can use synthetic audio, images and video to strengthen impersonation attempts and make fraudulent requests more convincing. That changes what businesses should rely on when verifying sensitive transactions.

For financial transfers, payroll changes, password resets, requests for sensitive information and other high-risk actions, verification should happen through a separate, trusted channel. Instead of replying to the message or calling a number provided by the requester, employees should use contact information already on file or follow an established approval process.

The important shift is simple: verify the request, not the realism of the person making it.

2. AI-generated phishing removes many of the old warning signs

Employees have been told for years to look for spelling mistakes, awkward wording and strange formatting in phishing emails. Those clues haven’t disappeared entirely, but businesses shouldn’t depend on them.

Generative AI can produce polished messages in seconds. Attackers can create emails that sound professional, incorporate information about a company or employee and closely resemble ordinary business communication. An email doesn’t have to look suspicious to contain a dangerous request.

That’s why employees should pay attention to what a message is asking them to do. A sudden change in banking information, an unexpected login request, pressure to bypass a normal procedure or a request for confidential information deserves verification even when the message itself looks flawless.

This is also why email security needs to extend beyond traditional spam filtering. Modern phishing defenses can analyze factors such as sender identity, behavior and message intent instead of relying exclusively on obvious malicious links, attachments or keywords.

Related: Why Traditional Spam Filters Are Struggling Against AI-Generated Phishing Emails

3. AI creates risk even when there is no attacker

Not every AI cybersecurity risk comes from a cybercriminal. Sometimes an employee can expose sensitive information simply by trying to get work done faster.

An employee might ask an AI tool to summarize a financial report, rewrite a customer email, analyze meeting notes or troubleshoot proprietary code. The task may seem harmless, but the information entered into the tool could include customer records, financial information, intellectual property, credentials or other confidential business data.

This is often referred to as shadow AI: employees using AI applications without formal approval or oversight from the organization.

Banning AI altogether isn’t necessarily the answer. Businesses should establish clear rules about which AI platforms employees may use, what information can be entered into them and what types of company or customer data should never be shared with a public AI tool.

Employees should not have to guess whether an AI application is appropriate for a particular task.

Related: 6 Types of Insider Threats & How to Protect Your Business

Stop trying to spot AI. Build processes that account for it.

AI-generated scams will continue to improve. The security strategy can’t be hoping employees will always notice something strange about a voice, video or email.

Instead, businesses should establish procedures that remain effective even when a fake is extremely convincing. That includes requiring independent verification for financial and account changes, using strong multi-factor authentication, defining which AI tools employees are allowed to use, limiting access to sensitive information and making sure employees know exactly how to report suspicious activity.

Technology matters too. Advanced email protection, identity security and monitoring can help identify suspicious behavior that an employee may not recognize from the message itself. The goal is to create multiple opportunities to stop an attack rather than depending on one person to recognize a fake at exactly the right moment.

Related: 5 Ways Hackers Bypass MFA

Is your business prepared for AI-powered cyber threats?

AI hasn’t made the fundamentals of cybersecurity obsolete. It has made some of them more important.

Businesses still need strong authentication, controlled access, employee awareness, monitoring and clear procedures for handling sensitive requests. What has changed is how convincing an attack can look before those safeguards are tested.

If your cybersecurity strategy still depends heavily on employees recognizing when something “looks suspicious,” it’s worth taking another look.

Schedule a free discovery call with Invenio IT. We’ll help you identify gaps in your current cybersecurity strategy and determine where stronger safeguards, verification procedures or monitoring could reduce your risk.

Business continuity providers can help to ensure that your company can rapidly recover after an operational disruption. But with so many different vendors providing different types of business continuity services, the choices can be overwhelming.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the key players in the industry, from data backup solutions to disaster recovery planning.

Recommended Business Continuity Providers & Services

Always remember that disaster recovery is not limited to IT solutions. Business continuity planning services can be focused on many different aspects of operations, from personnel to physical assets. With that in mind, here are some providers and resources you should know – categorized by their area of focus to help you find the right partners for your needs.

1. Data Backup & Recovery
Datto

Older backup technologies are notoriously unreliable and slow, often corrupting data during the recovery process. Datto has become one of the most trusted business continuity providers for data backup and recovery, because of its fully unified, all-in-one approach to BCDR. This provides both local and cloud backup and recovery, in addition to instant virtualization capabilities so that data can be rapidly restored with little to no downtime. You can request Datto SIRIS pricing to get more information on Datto’s flagship product and receive a custom quote for your company.

Datto’s screenshot verification process checks the backup integrity and performs a daily mock recovery to ensure it can be booted in a disaster. Datto also offers backup for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, which is critical for protecting your data in cloud-based productivity suites.

2. SaaS Application Backup
Redstor

If you’re evaluating different SaaS backup solutions (and are not currently using Datto for other BC/DR), then Redstor is another good option to consider. Organizations increasingly use cloud-based platforms like M365 and Google Workspace for file sharing, email, calendar, contacts and storing other data that previously lived on local servers.

But just because this data is in the cloud does not mean it’s immune from data-loss incidents. SaaS data loss is extremely common and has numerous causes: accidental deletion, failed migrations, expired licenses and even malicious deletion. Like Datto SaaS Protection, Redstor backs up all data in M365 and Google Workspace and stores it in a secondary cloud, where files can be quickly recovered when these incidents occur. But Redstor can also protect other popular SaaS applications with solutions such as QuickBooks backup, Salesforce backup and Xero backup, as well as backup for Azure cloud workloads. Learn about all Redstor backup solutions here.

3. Business Continuity Management & Education
Disaster Recovery Institute International

If your organization hasn’t given much thought to disaster recovery up until now, this is a great place to start. Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI) is a nonprofit that helps businesses prepare for (and recover from) disasters. They are a leader in business continuity education, offering corporate training for businesses of all sizes. Corporate training is available on-site, off-site or online, customized to the business’s needs. DRI is a great resource for understanding all aspects of business continuity and for putting together a comprehensive plan.

4. Emergency Communications
Everbridge

In a disaster, communication is critical. You’ll need an effective way to send emergency communications to personnel, whether it’s a few key stakeholders, team managers or an entire global workforce. Everbridge’s platforms provide integrated solutions for delivering “the right message, to the right people, at the right time, during critical events.” The platform is designed to know the best way to reach people at any given time and will keep on trying to connect with them via various modes until they confirm.

5. Business Continuity Software
Riskonnect

A single software solution won’t help you magically restore your operations after a disaster. However, business continuity applications like those from Riskonnect can be great tools for planning, identifying your risks, complying with federal regulations and managing incidents. It replaces your standard disaster plan document and allows your plan administrators to easily update and manage the plan online via mobile or desktop devices.

6. Operational Recovery
Agility Recovery

FEMA has historically estimated that about 25% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster – often because of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that arise within the first 48 hours. For many businesses, the chance of survival significantly diminishes with each day of downtime. Agility Recovery provides a range of solutions that gives businesses on-demand access to recovery resources and operational support, including emergency office space, backup power supplies and restoration of communications and computer systems.

7. General Emergency Preparedness
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA has a lot of great resources on all aspects of emergency preparedness. It can also point you to specific business continuity providers for things like disaster assistance, disaster cleanup and protecting financial records, just to name a few. If you’re looking for general information on disaster preparation for small businesses, this is another great place to start.

8. Disaster Planning

Ready.gov (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a trove of disaster planning resources via its Ready.gov website. While the agency itself is not technically a “business continuity provider,” it does provide extensive guidance on how to prepare for disasters, mitigate risks and maintain operational continuity. The site provides a variety of toolkits on disaster preparation, as well as advice on creating business continuity plans, disaster recovery plans, training exercises and more.

What do these business continuity providers do?

The above list provides a brief overview of various business continuity providers and what they offer. But as we address below, it’s critical to make sure you identify vendors that are well-suited to the specific needs of your organization.

As such, it’s worth taking a closer look at each of these providers to understand what they do and how they can benefit your continuity planning. Not every business will need the assistance of every provider on the list. And in fact, you may find that your organization has even greater needs that aren’t covered by these entities. However, these overviews will provide a good starting point for identifying the services you need and where to go from here.

1. What is Datto?

Datto is a provider of data backup, business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. Part of Kaseya’s BCDR portfolio, Datto’s flagship product is the Datto SIRIS, a unified backup system that combines local backup storage with replication in the Datto Cloud. The company also offers a similar backup solution for small businesses, known as the ALTO.

In addition to its core BCDR products, Datto also offers a suite of networking products and a SaaS Protection solution, which provides cloud backup for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

What they provide:

• All-in-one BCDR solutions (SIRIS and ALTO) that back up physical and virtual infrastructure running on Windows or Linux.
• Local backup appliances that store backups as virtual machines, allowing them to be booted instantly (via the on-site device or in the cloud) for quick access to protected files, applications and operating systems.
• Optional software-only deployments that enable SIRIS to be implemented on existing hardware and/or as a virtual machine.
• Wide range of data recovery capabilities, including Rapid Rollback, which allows you to restore file systems after massive unwanted changes (such as in a ransomware attack), without needing to reimage the entire machine.

Why you need it:

• Prevents a break in continuity caused by ransomware or other disasters by providing robust data backup and recovery.

2. What is Redstor?

Redstor is a cloud-first backup solution that protects a wide range of data sources and offers on-demand recovery of files and databases. Redstor is unique from other cloud-based backup solutions in that it can protect all of your environments—local, VM, cloud and SaaS—and makes them simple to manage, all in one place.

What they provide:

• Reliable cloud backups for local infrastructure, including physical servers, virtual machines and endpoints.

• SaaS application backup for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, QuickBooks and Xero.

• VM and cloud environment backups for Azure and AKS Kubernetes.

• Proprietary InstantData technology that enables organizations to instantly access protected data. No waiting for a full restore to complete – you can access the critical files you need immediately while other data is recovered behind the scenes.

Why you need it:

• Ensures quick recovery of destroyed data in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other cloud-based platforms.

3. What is Disaster Recovery Institute International?

Disaster Recovery Institute is a nonprofit organization that helps businesses with their business continuity planning and emergency preparedness planning. They do this primarily by providing education and accreditation in the areas of disaster recovery, cyber resilience, risk management and related fields.

What they provide:

• Online training programs on creating a business continuity program.
• Industry-specific education for healthcare, the public sectors and other organizations.
• Certification for individuals or vendors who wish to become a “DRI Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)”.
• Online and in-person workshops covering business continuity management (BCM) architecture and disciplines.

While DRI is heavily focused on providing training to individuals aiming to receive certification as a business continuity professional, their training programs are also a valuable resource for organizations.

Why you need it:

• Provides comprehensive guidance for all aspects of business continuity planning and disaster preparedness.

4. What is Everbridge?

Everbridge is a provider of critical event management solutions. The company offers a variety of products that help to automate the steps for responding to a critical event by aggregating data from third-party sources.

What they provide:

• Critical Event Management platform that helps organizations to accelerate disaster response and mitigate or eliminate the impact of a threat.
• Location tracking to pinpoint missing employees’ whereabouts during an emergency and alert them of approaching danger.
• Communications platform for sending email, SMS and voice alerts during emergencies.
• Visual command center that serves as the core orchestration engine for the Everbridge Critical Event Management Platform.
• Automated incident management platform (xMatters) that streamlines operations workflows.

Why you need it:

• Prevents communication breakdowns, confusion and delayed response to critical events.

5. What is Riskonnect?

Riskonnect is a provider of software and consulting services for business continuity management. Founded in 2007, the company expanded its continuity capabilities by acquiring and integrating several different business continuity providers, including Castellan, Assurance Software, Avalution Consulting and ClearView Continuity.

What they provide:

• Business continuity management software that helps to streamline continuity planning, including documentation, risk assessments, business impact analyses and testing.
• Consulting services that provide individualized guidance and training to help businesses with any phase of their continuity planning.
• Crisis management tools that enable communication and emergency notifications during a disaster, helping recovery teams to collaborate even if normal communication channels are compromised.

Why you need it:

• Identifies your organization’s risks to inform disaster planning and supports compliance and audit requirements.

6. What is Agility Recovery?

Agility Recovery is a provider of on-demand business continuity solutions designed to help organizations quickly restore critical operations. Through a membership model, the company combines physical turnkey recovery assets, such as backup power and mobile workspaces, with risk planning, testing and cyber resilience.

What they provide:

• On-Demand Physical Recovery: Rapid deployment of backup generators, emergency fuel, mobile or offsite workspaces and pre-configured replacement servers, computers and communications equipment.
• A central platform to manage continuity plans using built-in templates and checklists, coordinate incident response and request recovery assets.
• Emergency notification system with built-in alerting capabilities via voice, SMS text, email and mobile push notifications to keep employees informed and accounted for during an outage.
• Risk planning & continuity testing: Facilitated tabletop exercises, live simulations, risk assessments, and structured annual testing programs designed to satisfy regulatory and audit requirements.

Why you need it:

• Provides your business with necessary equipment and resources to maintain operational continuity during a disaster.

7. What is the SBA?

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a government agency that offers a wide range of support for American small businesses, including counseling, financing and business-development resources. Within the realm of business continuity, the SBA offers a host of guidance for disaster preparedness and emergency response.

What they provide in terms of business continuity and disaster recovery:

• Resources for creating disaster recovery plans, including free toolkits and checklists for preparing for various types of disasters.
• Support for businesses that are recovering from disaster, including guidance and financial assistance.
• Cybersecurity training and guidance for preventing malware, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks and other common threats to businesses.

Why you need it:

• Prepares your business for disruptive incidents by providing guidance on disaster planning, prevention and response.

8. What is Ready.gov?

Ready.gov is an online portal run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that provides disaster planning resources for businesses and families. For businesses, the site offers an extensive range of guidance to support all phases of a business’s continuity planning and disaster response.

What they provide:

• Hazard-specific toolkits that provide step-by-step guides to building preparedness for disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, power outages and severe storms.
• Guidance for creating business continuity plans, disaster recovery plans and other documentation.
• Resources for conducting risk assessments, business impact analyses, employee training and disaster preparedness exercises.

Why you need it:

• Equips your teams with the tools and information they need to respond appropriately to disaster.

What to consider when choosing business continuity providers

As we touched on above, each business has its own unique risks and business continuity strategies. Choosing a provider to support your continuity planning will ultimately depend on your unique objectives and needs.

Here are a few key questions to consider to help you identify the right vendors for your needs.

1. Have you already created a business continuity plan?

If not, this is likely the first step you need to take. A business continuity plan (BCP) is the foundation of all your disaster planning. It outlines your organization’s unique risks, the impact of various disasters and the necessary systems for preventing and recovering from those events.

Creating a BCP will help you identify which providers you need to support your continuity objectives. If you need help creating the BCP, check out this business continuity plan template for a basic idea of how to approach it. Separately, some of the vendors and providers we outlined above can guide you along this process, including the Disaster Recovery Institute, the Small Business Administration and Ready.gov.

2. What are your objectives for data backup?

Data backup is arguably the most vital component of your business continuity infrastructure. So it’s critical that you deploy the right backup system for your needs.

Why does it matter?

For starters, a major loss of data can cripple your business. Threats like ransomware can quickly destroy your file systems and render servers inoperable. For unprepared businesses, recovery can take weeks or even months, if they can recover at all. Plus, ransomware is only one of several threats to your data. Every day, businesses lose valuable files due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, software corruption and other types of malware. So having a robust data backup system is essential.

But since not all backup systems offer the same level of protection or performance, you need to compare your options carefully.

The following questions can help you narrow your options to solutions that fit your specific needs:

• How often will you need backups to be performed to limit the risk of major data loss?
• How quickly will data need to be restored?
• Will you need to back up virtual environments in addition to physical?
• Where will backups be stored? Locally? In the cloud? Both?

In our list of business continuity vendors above, we recommend Datto’s business continuity and disaster recovery solutions for dependable data backup. The Datto SIRIS is an all-in-one BCDR solution that can perform backups as often as every five minutes and can restore systems instantly with features like backup virtualization.

3. Which experts can provide the guidance and services you need?

Online resources like those from Ready.gov are great for small businesses that plan to manage their continuity planning by themselves. But larger organizations will often need to partner with third-party business continuity experts who can provide individualized guidance and assistance with their planning.

The question is: which providers are best for your needs? For example, maybe you need an expert specifically to develop your BCP. Or, maybe you need an agency that specializes in risk assessments and impact analyses. Whatever your specific need, it’s crucial to hire the right team for your needs.

Some questions to consider:

• Which areas of your continuity planning will require the expertise of outside providers?
• Do the prospective providers specialize in those services?
• How much experience do they have?
• Do they currently support other companies in your industry that have similar continuity objectives?
• How well are they rated? Can they provide references? Are there any online reviews from current/previous clients?

If you’re starting from scratch and don’t have the resources to conduct all this research internally, then you’ll likely want to work with a business continuity consultant who can manage the whole process for you. But again, you’ll want to select that consultant based on their credentials (who they’ve worked for and whether they’ve been successful at providing these services to other businesses like yours).

4. Is your continuity planning also focused on emergency preparedness?

Business continuity and emergency preparedness often go hand in hand, but there are important differences between the two. Business continuity is principally focused on strategies to keep the business running during a disaster. In contrast, emergency preparedness is typically focused on safety measures for the people who work at that business.

Organizations often develop an emergency response plan separate from their business continuity plan. But some types of business continuity providers specialize in emergency preparedness, making it an ideal resource for organizations that don’t currently have a response plan in place.

Here are some examples of how such providers can support your business:

• Developing safety drills and evacuation procedures
• Creating protocols for sheltering-in-place during severe weather or other emergencies
• Acquiring first aid supplies and emergency medical equipment
• Conducting employee CPR training
• Outlining steps for immediately responding to an incident to stabilize it
• Developing procedures for damage assessments
• Identifying regulations and requirements for compliance

Conclusion

Partnering with business continuity providers is essential for most organizations. But since there is such a wide range of providers and services, you’ll need to determine which are best suited to the needs of your business. Working with the right providers will help ensure that you have the resources, planning and systems needed to prevent disruptions to your critical operations. Use the list above as a starting point for identifying providers that can support your continuity strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Continuity Providers

1. Which are the best business continuity providers?

Choosing a business continuity provider depends on the unique objectives of each business. Organizations can identify the best providers for their needs by uncovering gaps in their business continuity planning. This can help to identify the right providers for data backup, disaster preparedness, risk assessments and other needs.

2. Who prepares a business continuity plan?

Business continuity plans are typically prepared by senior managers across a company’s various divisions, with guidance from IT administrators. This ensures the plan adequately addresses the risks and recovery protocols for all departments. Some organizations may also choose to have their plan developed with help from external business continuity providers.

3. Who handles business continuity?

Business continuity is typically a joint effort between IT managers and senior leadership of an organization. IT managers can help to identify risks and protocols related to technology, while senior leaders can identify the department-specific impact of various business disruptions.

4. What do business continuity services typically include?

Depending on the provider’s focus, business continuity services can include risk assessments, a Business Impact Analysis (BIA), automated data backups, IT disaster recovery, crisis communication plans or system testing. Some providers specialize in technical IT recovery, while others support company-wide operational readiness.

Don’t Put Off Continuity Planning. Get Help Today.

Take action before disaster strikes. Schedule a meeting with one of our specialists at Invenio IT to explore easy-to-implement solutions that can safeguard your business from data loss, ransomware and other threats. You can also contact us directly at (646) 395-1170 or success@invenioIT.com.

Unused accounts, excessive permissions, missing updates and untested backups can all create unnecessary risk. In many cases, addressing these issues costs nothing beyond the time it takes to identify and fix them.

Before investing in another security tool, start with these six practical cybersecurity improvements.

Quick Summary: Some meaningful cybersecurity improvements don’t require new technology. Strengthening authentication, removing unused accounts, limiting administrator access, installing updates, improving password practices and testing backups can help close common security gaps using tools your business may already have.

1. Strengthen multi-factor authentication

If multi-factor authentication (MFA) isn’t enabled across your most important accounts, start there.

MFA requires users to provide additional verification beyond a password before accessing an account. If an attacker steals or guesses a password, that additional step can make it significantly harder to gain access.

Prioritize MFA for:

• Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
• Banking and payroll systems
• Cloud storage
• Remote access and VPN accounts
• Administrator accounts
• Business-critical applications

But simply enabling any form of MFA shouldn’t be the end goal. Not all MFA methods provide the same level of protection. SMS codes, for example, can be vulnerable to interception and social engineering, while some sophisticated phishing attacks are designed to capture authentication codes or trick users into approving fraudulent requests.

CISA recommends moving toward phishing-resistant MFA, such as FIDO/WebAuthn-based authentication, where possible.

If your existing platforms already include stronger authentication options, enabling them can be one of the most valuable cybersecurity improvements you make without purchasing another product.

Resource: 5 Ways Hackers Bypass MFA

2. Remove accounts you no longer need

Former employees aren’t the only source of forgotten accounts. Temporary workers, contractors, vendors, old administrator accounts and accounts created for short-term projects can remain active long after they’re needed.

Every unnecessary account creates another potential path into your systems.

Review accounts across your important applications and ask:

• Does this person still work with us?
• Does this account still serve a business purpose?
• Has the account been inactive for an extended period?
• Does this user still need access to everything the account can reach?

Disable or remove accounts that are no longer required and adjust access when someone’s responsibilities change.

Better yet, make account reviews part of your normal onboarding and offboarding processes. When an employee or vendor leaves, there should be a defined process for removing access rather than relying on someone to remember every application they used.

3. Stop giving everyone administrator access

Administrator accounts can install software, change configurations, create users and alter security settings. That makes them useful for IT teams — and particularly valuable to attackers.

Review who currently has elevated privileges and whether each person actually needs them to perform their job.

The goal is least privilege: users should have only the access necessary to perform their responsibilities. Someone who occasionally needs administrative access doesn’t necessarily need to operate with those privileges throughout the day.

Where practical, use separate administrator accounts for privileged tasks and standard user accounts for routine work. If an everyday account is compromised, limiting its permissions can also limit what an attacker is able to do with it.

Don’t forget to review administrator privileges within individual applications, either. A user may not be a network administrator but could still have unnecessary elevated access to Microsoft 365, financial software, cloud platforms or other critical systems.

4. Turn on automatic updates

Software vulnerabilities are continually discovered, and updates frequently include security fixes designed to address them.

Check whether automatic updates are enabled for commonly used devices and applications, including:

• Windows and macOS
• Phones and tablets
• Web browsers
• Microsoft 365 and other productivity software
• Security applications
• Frequently used business applications

Don’t stop at employee laptops. Servers, networking equipment and other connected devices may also require software or firmware updates.

Some business-critical systems require testing before updates are deployed, so automatic updating isn’t appropriate in every environment. The larger goal is to make sure updates are being managed rather than ignored.

A vulnerability that’s already been fixed by the vendor shouldn’t remain an unnecessary opening simply because the update was never installed.

5. Improve password management

Employees are often told to create strong, unique passwords for every account. The problem is that remembering dozens of complex passwords isn’t realistic.

That’s when password reuse, predictable variations and other risky habits can creep in.

If your organization already provides a password manager, make sure employees are actually using it. Password managers can generate and store unique credentials so users don’t have to rely on memory or reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

Also look at whether your existing systems support single sign-on or passwordless authentication. Reducing the number of passwords employees have to manage can improve both security and usability.

This is the one item on the list that may not be completely free if your current technology doesn’t include password-management capabilities. Before purchasing another product, however, check what functionality is already included in the platforms and licenses you’re paying for.

6. Test whether your backups actually work

A successful backup notification isn’t the same thing as a successful recovery.

The purpose of a backup is to restore data and systems after ransomware, hardware failure, accidental deletion or another disruption. If nobody has tested the recovery process, you don’t really know whether your backups can do what the business expects them to do.

Start with a few questions:

• When did our last successful backup complete?
• What systems and data are actually being backed up?
• Has anyone performed a test restore recently?
• How long would recovery take?
• Who is responsible for initiating recovery?
• Does that recovery time meet the needs of the business?

This last question is particularly important. Having the data isn’t enough if restoring critical operations takes significantly longer than the business can tolerate.

Backup testing should therefore be part of a broader disaster recovery strategy. Regular recovery testing can help uncover missing data, configuration problems and unrealistic recovery expectations before you’re dealing with an actual outage.

Free doesn’t mean unimportant

Cybersecurity conversations often focus on what businesses should buy next. Sometimes the better question is whether you’re fully using and properly managing what you already have.

These six steps don’t replace a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, and depending on your environment, additional technology, monitoring or expertise may still be necessary. But adding more tools before addressing basic security gaps can leave you spending more without necessarily becoming more secure.

Start with the controls you already have. Strengthen authentication. Clean up unnecessary accounts. Reduce excessive privileges. Keep systems current. Improve password practices. And make sure your backups can actually recover what your business needs.

Then you can make better decisions about where additional cybersecurity investments will have the greatest impact.

Related: More Cybersecurity Tools Don’t Always Mean Better Security

Where are your cybersecurity gaps?

Not sure which security improvements should come first? Invenio IT can help you evaluate your current environment, identify gaps and prioritize practical improvements based on your business, systems and risk level.

Schedule a short discovery call with Invenio IT to take a closer look at your current cybersecurity environment.

Individually, those decisions may make sense. The problem comes later, when a collection of useful tools turns into a security stack that nobody fully understands or manages as a whole.

Too many cybersecurity tools can create overlapping capabilities, disconnected alerts and configuration gaps that make security harder to manage. The goal isn’t to have the largest security stack. It’s to make sure every tool has a defined purpose and works as part of a coordinated cybersecurity strategy.

Quick Summary: More cybersecurity tools don’t automatically create better protection. An overcrowded security stack can increase complexity, duplicate costs, overwhelm teams with alerts and leave configuration gaps. Businesses should regularly evaluate each tool’s purpose, coverage and integration before adding more technology.

1. More cybersecurity tools can create more complexity

Security stacks rarely become complicated overnight. A business adds email security, endpoint protection, backup, identity protection, vulnerability management and other solutions as new needs arise.

Eventually, the bigger challenge becomes understanding how everything fits together. IT teams may need to move between dashboards, review separate reports, manage licenses and renewals and determine which system is responsible for detecting or responding to a particular threat.

Complexity can also make it harder to identify what’s not protected. Two products may provide overlapping protection in one area while another risk receives little attention.

That’s why visibility matters. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) emphasizes maintaining visibility into organizational assets and the effectiveness of deployed security controls as part of an effective information security continuous monitoring strategy.

A cybersecurity stack should make your environment easier to understand and protect, not harder.

2. Too many alerts can make important threats harder to find

Security alerts are useful only when someone can determine what they mean and take appropriate action.

When multiple security products generate their own notifications, IT teams can end up sorting through a constant stream of information. Some alerts indicate normal activity, others require investigation and a small number may signal an active threat.

That volume can create alert fatigue. When people encounter too many low-priority or repetitive notifications, important warnings can become harder to distinguish from routine noise. A suspicious login, unusual file transfer or malware detection shouldn’t become just another item in a crowded queue.

Businesses need a process for consolidating, prioritizing and responding to security events so the most significant risks receive attention quickly. This is where the management behind the technology becomes as important as the technology itself. Adding another product that generates more data doesn’t necessarily improve security if nobody has the capacity or process to act on that information.

3. Overlapping security tools can waste money

A growing security stack can also hide unnecessary spending. Businesses may discover they are paying for multiple products with similar capabilities or maintaining standalone tools for features already included in another platform.

That doesn’t automatically mean overlapping protection is bad. Some security controls intentionally provide multiple layers of defense. The important question is whether that overlap is deliberate.

If two tools perform similar functions, there should be a clear reason both are necessary. Otherwise, the business may be paying additional licensing costs while creating more administrative work for the IT team.

Redundant tools can become particularly problematic during an incident. If two platforms report conflicting information or trigger separate workflows, the team may have to determine which data is authoritative before deciding how to respond.

A regular review of your security stack can identify these redundancies and determine whether each product still provides enough value to justify its cost and management requirements.

4. A security tool is only as effective as its configuration

Buying security software doesn’t automatically create protection. Every tool needs to be configured correctly, updated and monitored to ensure it continues protecting the systems and users it was intended to cover.

This is one of the easiest places for security gaps to develop. A security feature may be disabled temporarily while troubleshooting and never re-enabled. A new employee might not be added to the appropriate protection policy. A company may adopt new cloud applications without updating monitoring. Security settings that made sense when a tool was originally deployed may no longer match the organization’s current environment.

The result can be a dangerous gap between having a security product and actually receiving the protection the business assumes it provides.

NIST’s guidance on security-focused configuration management emphasizes managing and monitoring system configurations throughout their lifecycle to help reduce organizational security risk.

Businesses should therefore review security configurations regularly rather than treating implementation as a one-time project.

How to tell if your security stack has become too complicated

You don’t necessarily need fewer tools. You need the right tools, with clear responsibilities and effective management.

A useful security stack review starts with a few practical questions:

• What risk is each tool intended to address?
• Who is responsible for managing and monitoring it?
• Does another product already provide the same capability?
• Are all intended users, devices and systems actually covered?
• Are alerts reaching the right people?
• When was the configuration last reviewed?
• Is the product integrated with the rest of your security environment?
• Does the value it provides still justify its cost?

If those questions are difficult to answer, the problem may not be that your business needs another cybersecurity product. It may be that the existing stack needs to be evaluated first.

Build your cybersecurity strategy before your stack

Cybersecurity technology should support a strategy, not become the strategy.

Start by identifying the systems, data and business operations you need to protect. Consider where an attack could have the greatest operational or financial impact and which controls are already addressing those risks. Then look for gaps.

Only after that assessment should you determine whether another tool is necessary.

This approach can also reveal opportunities to simplify. You may find redundant products, unused features, outdated configurations or tools that no longer fit the way your organization operates.

The result doesn’t necessarily have to be a smaller security stack. It should be a more intentional one — where every product has a defined role, the people managing it understand that role and the different layers work together.

Strategy beats quantity

The strongest cybersecurity environment isn’t necessarily the one with the most products. It’s the one in which technology, people and processes work together to address the risks that matter to the business.

Adding another tool can improve security when it closes a known gap. Adding one because more technology simply feels safer can have the opposite effect.

Before making the next purchase, understand what you already have, what it protects and where genuine gaps remain. Your security stack should give you greater visibility and control — not more complexity.

Is your security stack working as a system?

If you’re unsure whether your cybersecurity tools overlap, leave gaps or create unnecessary complexity, Invenio IT can help you evaluate your current environment and determine where your defenses can be strengthened or simplified.

Schedule a short discovery call with Invenio IT to review your cybersecurity needs and determine whether your current tools are working together effectively.