This checklist is designed to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prepare for and effectively respond to IT disasters, minimizing downtime and data loss.
List all critical IT systems, applications, and data that must be restored in the event of a disaster.
Determine the maximum acceptable downtime for each critical asset identified.
Identify the maximum acceptable amount of data loss for each critical asset, determining how often backups should occur.
Create a plan for regular backups, including frequency, responsible personnel, and storage locations.
Designate a team responsible for executing the disaster recovery plan and assign specific roles and responsibilities.
Establish written procedures for responding to various disaster scenarios, including step-by-step recovery processes.
Provide training to the disaster recovery team and relevant staff on their roles in the plan and recovery procedures.
Regularly conduct drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of the disaster recovery plan and update it as necessary.
Schedule periodic reviews of the disaster recovery plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective against new threats.