This checklist outlines the essential steps to create and implement an IT disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster or major incident. It provides guidance on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disruptions affecting IT operations.
List all critical systems and data that are essential for business operations. Prioritize based on their importance and impact on the business.
Define the maximum acceptable downtime for each critical system and data set to ensure that business operations can resume effectively.
Determine the types of backups (full, incremental, differential) and the frequency of backups to ensure data integrity and availability.
Establish a plan for internal and external communication during a disaster. Specify roles and responsibilities for communication.
Clearly outline the step-by-step procedures to follow for recovering each critical system and data set in the event of a disaster.
Conduct regular drills and tests of the disaster recovery plan to ensure all team members understand their roles and that the plan is effective.
Set a schedule to review and update the disaster recovery plan regularly, especially after any significant IT changes or incidents.