IT Blackout: Are You Truly Prepared?

Businesses are more reliant on technology than ever before. Process automation, improved communication, data analysis: digital transformation has revolutionized how we work and has become essential to competitiveness. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes organizations to significant risks.

An IT blackout is one of the most daunting scenarios. This term refers to a sudden and total interruption of IT systems, which can paralyze operations. Whether caused by a cyberattack, hardware failure, natural disaster, or even a simple power outage, an IT blackout is the ultimate test of organizational resilience.

In this article, we will explore why a specific plan for IT blackouts is crucial, how it differs from a business continuity plan (BCP), and what measures can be implemented to minimize its impacts. This is a way of achieving cyber-resilience.

The Consequences of an IT Blackout

An IT blackout can cause significant disruptions. Here are a few concrete examples of potential impacts:

1. Interruption of Critical Activities: For instance, a brokerage firm might lose its ability to transmit transaction data to exchanges and custodians. Even if brokers attempt to communicate by phone, modern, fully automated exchanges no longer have staff available to manually process transactions.

2. Degraded Internal Communications: In a call center, agents might still be able to answer calls using non-IP phones. However, without access to IT systems, they cannot record information or open service tickets, leading to an unmanageable backlog of requests and a high risk of data loss.

3. Breakdowns in Relationships with External Partners: A company that transmits data in batches or streams to suppliers might consider manual solutions like sending paper copies or making phone calls. However, if those partners are unprepared to receive and process information in alternative formats, these solutions could fail, creating a bottleneck.

4. A Reciprocal Risk: Blackout at a Critical Supplier: Imagine a food manufacturing company that relies on just-in-time deliveries of perishable raw materials like milk or meat. If a supplier experiences an IT blackout, shipments may be delayed or canceled because planning and communication systems are offline. The manufacturer, in turn, cannot produce finished goods, leading to stockouts and significant financial losses. This scenario highlights the importance of working proactively with suppliers to validate their continuity plans, stock critical materials, or identify alternative suppliers.

A Dedicated Plan for IT Blackouts: Why and How?

Unlike a BCP, which focuses on resuming critical activities by relying on alternate or redundant systems, a plan for IT blackouts starts from an even more radical premise: the total absence of IT systems for an extended period.

This plan requires a deep analysis to answer the following questions:

• What are the activities absolutely essential to the survival of the business?
• How can these activities be maintained without any technology?
• Which processes must be temporarily abandoned to avoid overloading resources?

Concrete Solutions to Prepare for the Unthinkable

1. Simplification of Processes: Prepare standardized paper forms or alternative tools (such as standalone systems) to collect essential information during a total outage. For example, a call center could prepare paper templates for the most common requests, with clear instructions on how to prioritize urgent cases.
2. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work with suppliers and partners to validate their ability to handle degraded scenarios. In the example of a company transmitting critical data, it is essential to verify whether partners can process information in paper format or through alternative channels.
3. Regular Testing: Conduct IT blackout simulations involving all relevant stakeholders, including external partners. These exercises help identify weaknesses and refine plans accordingly.

Mutual Preparation: The Key to Surviving an IT Blackout

An IT blackout does not stop at the boundaries of your organization. When a critical supplier or collaborator experiences a total system failure, it can have immediate repercussions on your operations. Make sure to anticipate these scenarios by establishing clear agreements with partners, validating their resilience capabilities, and planning joint solutions to minimize impacts.

In Conclusion: Prepare Today to Avoid Paralysis Tomorrow

The IT blackout is often an overlooked blind spot in organizational planning. Yet, its consequences can be devastating, affecting both internal operations and relationships with partners.

To protect your organization, it is essential to have a dedicated plan tailored to the specific challenges of such a scenario. If you would like to assess your preparedness or develop a robust plan, contact Benoit Racette Services-conseils inc. today at [email protected].

We will help you identify potential vulnerabilities, establish pragmatic solutions, and strengthen your organizational resilience.