Have You Planned for the Worst?

recovery process

It is not a question of if a disaster will happen; it is a matter of when it’s going to happen, and how badly it will hurt your business. Recovering from a disaster isn’t fun for any organization; it can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive for those who are unprepared. 

The disaster recovery process is really a “life cycle”. It comprises a comprehensive list of decisions made in advance, that outline necessary actions and steps for before, during, and after a disaster to ensure the continuity of key operational support systems.

The best outcome requires the least amount of decision-making at time of disaster!

A successful recovery process depends on the anticipation of the most likely risks, the development of a plan to minimize any disruptions of critical systems due to these exposures, and the ability to recover operations swiftly, in a cost-effective manner. Its primary concern is to protect the business in the wake of unplanned events. Businesses face a wide range of threats, from technology failure through to natural disasters. It is essential to identify and determine likelihood of occurrence in the first stage of the disaster recovery process. Simply put, the strategy should be based on the threats you feel most vulnerable to as a business.

Possible exposures to a business:

  • Security Breach: terrorist attacks, outside hackers, viruses, worms, spyware
  • Technology Failure: hardware, software, telecommunications
  • Loss of Service: power supply, water supply
  • Physical Damage: flood, fire, smoke, water
  • Facility Access: public transportation disruptions, hazardous spills, quarantines, public unrest
  • Environmental: weather-related flooding, earthquake, wind & ice storms, lightning
  • Human Error: turnover problems, neglectful employees

Many businesses depend on technology to run their business, and the disruption of systems can result in serious financial loss and, in some cases, even compromise survival. With each realistic threat, whether natural, technical or human, the projected consequence and impact should be analyzed and anticipated to ensure maximum protection. 

Businesses cannot always prevent disasters from happening; but they can control their readiness for dealing with the fall out and limiting damage.

Steve Tower

With many years of professional IT experience, and training as a Certified Management Consultant, a Project Management Professional, a Professional Engineer and a Member, Business Continuity Institute, Steve Tower has the skills and abilities required to assist with even the most complex disaster recovery planning initiatives. Below, Steve discusses the necessary tools involved in setting up a disaster recovery plan and program.