One of the most frequent questions that you might ask yourself as an entrepreneur is, “Can my website survive another massive internet outage?” We are living in a world where cyber-attacks and internet outages happen way more frequently than before. There were the 2016 DDoS attacks that took down major websites for hours like Amazon, Netflix, and PayPal. Then there was the 2017 attack on Dyni.com which crippled the internet for days around the world. This brings up a question – What can businesses do to ensure their websites are always up?
What Causes Internet Outages?
The answer to this question is not simple. There are many things that could cause an internet outage, including a break in the physical infrastructure, a cyberattack, or simply bad luck.
But one thing is for sure: no one is safe from another massive internet outage.
In fact, even small outages can have serious consequences for businesses and individuals, especially when they coincide with major holidays or events.
Here are 3 reasons why you should be prepared for an internet outage:
- Businesses rely heavily on online communication and commerce. If the internet goes down, so does business. This can result in lost sales, missed deadlines, and even potential financial disaster.
- Internet outages can also affect public services such as healthcare and government operations. Hospitals may be forced to cancel surgeries or clinics may be unable to keep up with demand because of a lack of electronic records. Schools may be forced to delay tests or close early because of a loss of email and online registration systems.
- Individuals rely heavily on the internet for both personal and social activities. If the internet goes down, so does everything from homework help to online gaming sessions with friends.
How to Prevent the Biggest Internet Outage?
If you’re like most people, you’re paranoid about the internet. We’ve all been there: scrolling through our Facebook feed, checking our email, and suddenly our internet connection goes out. You panic, thinking that maybe your business was shut down or your family is stranded without access to the internet.
But what if that’s not the case? What if another massive internet outage is happening right now and you don’t even know it?
Here are a few tips to help prevent the biggest internet outage of your life.
- Make sure your router is up to date. Most routers are updated automatically, but it’s always a good idea to check for updates yourself just in case. Routers can be updated with a new firmware that can fix networking issues and improve your overall internet experience.
- Use a VPN when possible. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all of your traffic and helps keep you safe from hackers and other online threats. They’re especially helpful in situations where the internet is unstable or doesn’t work properly on your device.
- Keep an emergency fund ready. This might seem like a boring tip, but having an emergency fund set aside can really help you out in a pinch. The best way to keep your finances afloat during an unforeseen financial crisis is to save as much money as possible and then contribute that money to an emergency fund. You never know when you’re going to find yourself in a bind and need the extra cash, so it’s important that you have at least some sort of emergency fund on hand.
Should Your Company Be Prepared For an Internet Outage?
Is anyone safe from another massive Internet outage? According to studies, as many as 43% of all North American households are at risk of a power outage that would disable their Internet service. And if you’re like most businesses, your website is one of your critical connections to the global marketplace. So how can you ensure that your company is prepared for an Internet outage?
First and foremost, make sure that your servers are fully redundant and configured with multiple backup systems in case of an outage. Make sure that all data is backed up on a regular basis, and store it off-site in case of a disaster. Also, test your website regularly for any glitches or problems, and keep up with the latest online security measures. In addition, make sure that your customer service is prepared to handle any issues that may arise during an Internet outage. Last but not least, be sure to communicate with your customers about potential disruptions and how they can maintain essential business functions during an outage.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that the internet is a critical part of our lives, and when something goes wrong it can be frustrating as hell. Yesterday, reports began to circulate on social media that another massive internet outage was impending, and people everywhere were beginning to panic. Thankfully, this particular internet outage turned out to be nothing more than a false alarm. However, even in the event of a true emergency like yesterday’s power outage, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your family. Here are five tips for surviving an internet outage:
