787: Disaster Recovery & Incident Response For Accidental Techies – Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio

In today’s nonprofit tech landscape, disaster recovery and incident response are no longer optional luxuries—they’re essential safeguards for organizations that rely on limited IT resources. Amanda Bache of Paths for Families breaks down a practical, non‑technical roadmap that starts with safety first: establishing multiple communication channels, designating meeting points, and using a buddy system to check on remote staff during floods, fires, or power outages. By treating the plan as a living "table of contents" for every possible disruption, nonprofits can avoid panic‑driven decisions and keep staff protected, even when internet and email are down.

The conversation then shifts to the technical backbone of any recovery strategy: prioritizing critical software and assembling a robust incident response team. Bache recommends a three‑tier classification—tier‑one systems like email, website, and phone that must stay online; tier‑two tools such as Zoom and Teams that can tolerate brief downtime; and tier‑three services like FedEx or Stamps.com that have workarounds. She stresses that the response team should include IT leadership, managed‑service providers, MDR vendors, legal counsel, communications, HR, and, crucially, cyber‑security insurance partners. Real‑world experience shows that insurance can cover forensic investigations, client credit‑monitoring, and public‑relations costs that would otherwise threaten a nonprofit’s financial stability.

Finally, Bache highlights the importance of regular drills, hard‑copy plan copies, and meticulous documentation. Conducting fire‑drill‑style exercises, keeping printed versions in secure locations, and logging every incident with who, what, when, where, and why creates a feedback loop that strengthens future responses. Ongoing staff training on phishing detection and a clear reporting hierarchy turn a reactive culture into a proactive one, ensuring that even “accidental techies” can navigate crises confidently and keep their mission on track.