Disaster can strike at any moment, bringing unpredictability and challenges that can test the resilience of any organization. Natural disasters, external attacks, internal issues and technology failures can halt an organization’s operations through physical damage, limiting access, destroying equipment and interrupting supply chains. Likewise, disasters can result in loss of key IT infrastructure, such as connection to a cloud provider and/or loss of crucial software and data systems. With a comprehensive Disaster Recovery (DR) plan, organizations can navigate setbacks with confidence and transform potential crises into opportunities.
Cherry Bekaert's knowledge and experience in disaster preparedness provide invaluable support to organizations at every stage, offering proven methodologies to navigate and mitigate the impacts of disasters effectively. A robust DR plan will streamline an organization’s response when disaster strikes. Below we have outlined five critical steps to take to help restore operations after a disaster:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the scale of disruption. Whether you are aware of a pending disaster, like preparing for a hurricane, or an unpredictable disaster, like a fire or cyberattack, each uniquely compromises the people, systems and processes that make up your organization. Clearly outline the scale of disruption to your affected people, systems and processes. Take stock of your critical assets, including hardware, software, data and other important business functions impacted.
- Identify key roles with who manages what in a disaster. With the potential of any disruption, systems, people and processes will be impacted. Executives, key stakeholders and managers must be assigned roles to manage recovery steps and communication. This will include assigning a hierarchy of mission-critical functions, providing status of recovery efforts, crises management, vendor recovery engagement if applicable, managing sales and cash flow, workforce operations, security, authorization, etc. The speed at which decisions are made and the delivery of clear communication to employees, vendors and customers will be paramount during recovery efforts.
- Identify and prioritize recovery objectives for business continuity. Set clear recovery objectives in order of importance. For example, identifying the age of your most recent system backup will help define the next steps in your contingency plan. This may include prioritizing the restoration of hardware and software based on their importance to business continuity. Meeting with stakeholders assigned to business-critical functions and determining the appropriate actions to take by priority will provide a clear approach to recovery.
- Designate disaster recovery sites. If offices or remote working locations have been impacted, identify alternative locations for employees to work to mitigate disruption to employee productivity. Remote sites may vary in functionality based on disaster recovery preparedness, with the most ideal site having the fastest failover and failback times. Pursuing cloud technology either prior to or after a disaster can provide quicker and more automated recovery processes.
- Check eligibility for relief programs and aid. This involves assessing the damages, gathering necessary documentation and understanding the specific criteria set by governmental and non-governmental agencies. This may include applying for monetary assistance and taking advantage of special tax law provisions. By doing so, organizations can access crucial resources to support recovery and rebuilding.
Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) has emerged as a critical tool for organizations aiming to safeguard their operations against unforeseen events. With managed DRaaS, organizations can entrust their entire disaster recovery planning and implementation to their providers, ensuring that every aspect of the process is expertly handled.
How Cherry Bekaert Can Help
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) are critical components of any cyber, IT and risk management program. Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity and Managed IT Services can provide comprehensive DRaaS services or guidance to organizations through BC/DR planning and testing reviews. Our experienced professionals can review BC/DR plans, observe and review test results in real time or after conclusion, and perform tabletop testing and training while documenting results in a report which can be given to auditors and regulators.
To discuss how Cherry Bekaert can help you assess and improve your third-party risk management (TPRM) posture or your cyber and IT security programs, please contact our cyber and IT security practices today or reach out to your Cherry Bekaert advisor.
