DRP involves preparing an organization for recovery from a disruptive incident, which encompasses way more than having a documented plan. It needs to include employee knowledge in terms of training and job roles in case a disaster strikes.
This article will explore some key elements of DRP testing, training, and awareness, as well as continued maintenance of BCP and DRP.
Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) testing
DRP testing is a formal activity that confirms the adequacy and effectiveness of a disaster recovery plan. The rationale behind testing is to ensure that the plan is functioning as it should in the event of a disaster. Various types of testing options can be conducted to include
- Tabletop Exercises: These are discussions wherein team members go through disaster scenarios using the DRP, and do it with verbal descriptions. Testing in this manner evaluates the comprehensiveness of the plan and the team members’ understanding of their roles in case of an emergency.
- Walkthrough testing: This is a structured approach where members would enact their functions based on the DRP as if a real disaster had happened, but without disrupting any systems. This approach helps in determining practical issues that may be difficult to discover within discussion-based exercises.
- Simulation Testing: This is the creation of a simulated environment in which aspects of a disaster and recovery are realistically acted out without causing damage or disruption to the organization’s operations.
- Full Interruption Testing: A comprehensive test in which the whole recovery process is executed right from its very beginning to its end; it provides full-scale all-inclusive insight into the effectiveness of the plan.
Real Life Scenario: Testing DRPs
Continuous simulation tests are conducted by a financial institution to ensure that the disaster recovery plan is effective. One such simulation test had a mock breach of data wherein critical customer data had to be recovered from backups. Such tests have unraveled the gaps in communication protocols and thus have been called for updates both at the DRP and employee training programs.
Training
Training forms an integral part of the employee orientation process for disaster recovery responsibilities. Training provides employees with the skill and knowledge necessary to implement the DRP in actuality. Some key elements of training would address:
- Technical Recovery Activities: Training on a few selected technical skills for recovering data or restoring systems.
- Emergency Response Activities: Training on how to assess the situations and respond in emergencies.
- Specialized Recovery Training: This may include training on systems recovery at various environments, such as at hot sites and cold sites.
Scenario: Implementation of a Training Program
A health organization should provide annual training to all its staff; the training should include practical workshops in data recovery procedures and emergency response plans. It shall be classified as an onboarding requirement for new employees so that each and every one of them will have the concept of his or her role to be performed for continuity during crises.
Awareness
It is also a key factor to create awareness about disaster recovery processes within the organization, which includes making all employees aware of their role in case of an emergency. Awareness programs may include:
- Regular Communications: Newsletter or communications regarding events taking place in DRP and/or any upcoming training sessions.
- Posters and Notices: Details about the various courses available in DR, dates of exercises, and recognition for successfully executing drills.
- Intranet Resources: Establishment of an intranet page which is devoted to explaining DR policies and procedures, as well as resources which will be available for use by the employees.
Importance of Programs for Awareness
The programs for awareness reduce confusion at the time of crisis because they make the people aware of what to do in case a disaster has occurred. Suppose the staff members, on the occurrence of fire alarms, go to the designated exits, then there is less panic and safety is guaranteed.
Continuing BCP/DRP
Ongoing BCP and DRP maintenance keeps the plans current and valid for the dynamically changing threats.
Change Management
Change management processes enable an organization to update its BCP/DRP based on the changing technologies and business environments. This would include updating plans at any time there is a significant change in either operations or infrastructure.
BCP/DRP Version Control
Version control ensures stakeholders use the most recent version of BCP/DRP documents. Confusion during incidents is reduced, and consistency in procedural implementation becomes widespread.
BCP/DRP Mistakes
Common mistakes made by organizations include:
- Lack of Regular Updates: Plans that are not updated regularly have outdated procedures, probably inappropriate against current realities.
- Lack of Testing: Not testing regularly may find itself unprepared when incidents occur.
- Lack of Employee Training: The ignorance of employees on what they should do in crises situations.
Specific BCP/DRP Frameworks
There are some frameworks that guide how appropriate BCP and DRP strategies should be designed. These include, among others:
- NIST SP 800-34: NIST Special Publication 800-34 provides a guide for contingency planning for federal information systems by adding a risk management focus, enabling resilience.
- ISO/IEC 27031: This international norm lays down guidelines on information and communication technology readiness for business continuity, putting much emphasis on risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- BS-25999 and ISO 22301: BS-25999 was among the pioneering standards for business continuity management systems before it got replaced by ISO 22301 that institutes the comprehensive requirements on the establishment and maintenance of efficient BCMS.
- BCI: The Business Continuity Institute provides materials and certifications on best practices in managing business continuity, which would add value to organizations by enhancing their resilience to disruptions.
Conclusion
Testing, training, awareness, and maintenance complete the disaster recovery process. Rigorous testing, in-depth training, awareness programs, change management processes, and version control-such as those informed through frameworks like NIST SP 800-34 or ISO 22301-are all ways to best prepare an organization for disruptive events while maintaining operations.