When a storm hits, your accountholders aren’t just counting on you for financial support. They’re counting on you to be there – online, on the phone, and in their corner.
You already know how to board up windows and protect your buildings. But what about your data, your systems, and your ability to serve accountholders when it matters most?
Hurricane Impacts on Banks and Credit Unions
Every storm leaves a trail of lessons.
Hurricane Helene flooded branches across the Southeast, forcing financial institutions to deploy mobile units and scramble for basic amenities. Hurricane Ian shut down services across Florida – but some financial institutions kept accountholders connected by waiving fees and restructuring loans. And after Hurricane Ida, nearly 80 credit unions closed their doors, relying on grants and emergency support to recover.
These stories aren’t just headlines – they’re reminders of what’s at stake.
4 Ways to Protect Your Financial Institution Before the Next Storm
You don’t have to wait for a hurricane to strengthen your digital defenses. Here’s how you can prepare now – so you’re ready when it counts.
1. Cybersecurity Best Practices During Hurricane Response
Storms create distractions. Cybercriminals know that. When your team is stretched thin, your systems are more vulnerable.
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Require multi-factor authentication for all remote access.
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Train staff to spot hurricane-themed phishing attempts – especially on social media and over the phone.
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Patch firewalls and antivirus software before the storm hits.
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Limit system access to essential personnel only.
2. Data Backup Strategies for Hurricane Resilience
Your data is more than numbers – it’s trust. Losing transaction logs or accountholder records can break that trust instantly.
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Automate backups for all critical systems.
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Store backups in multiple locations – including offsite and cloud-based.
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Test your backups regularly to make sure they’ll work when you need them.
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Encrypt everything to keep it safe from prying eyes.
3. Disaster Recovery – Get Back Online Fast
A strong recovery plan means you won’t be scrambling when the power comes back on.
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Build a disaster recovery runbook with clear, step-by-step instructions.
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Set recovery time and recovery point objectives that match accountholder expectations.
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Run drills that simulate hurricane scenarios.
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Confirm your vendors have their own recovery plans – and can support yours.
4. Your Business Continuity Checklist –Tactics to Maintain Banking Services
When accountholders are dealing with a crisis, they need to know you’re still there.
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Review your business continuity checklist and identify what must stay online.
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Make sure your team can work remotely – securely and reliably.
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Communicate early and often using email, SMS, and your website.
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Double-check your insurance coverage – including cyber and natural disaster protection.
You’re the Calm in the Storm
Hurricanes are unpredictable. Your response doesn’t have to be.
When you integrate cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning into your hurricane strategy, you’re not just protecting your operations – you’re protecting the trust accountholders place in you.
Stay ready. Stay resilient. Stay connected.
Want to talk through your preparedness strategy? Connect with a Jack Henry™ technology expert
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