How to create a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?
A Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is a structured approach to recover IT systems, data, and infrastructure after a disaster (cyber attack, hardware failure, natural disaster, etc.)
A strong DRP helps minimise downtime, reduce financial losses, and ensure business continuity.
🔹 Steps to Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
1️⃣ Conduct a Risk Assessment & Business Impact Analysis (BIA) 📊
✅ Identify potential threats: Cyber attacks, system failures, natural disasters, insider threats.
✅ Evaluate critical business functions that rely on IT systems.
✅ Determine Recovery Time Objective (RTO) – Maximum acceptable downtime.
✅ Define Recovery Point Objective (RPO) – Maximum tolerable data loss.
2️⃣ Identify Critical IT Assets & Dependencies 💾
✅ List servers, databases, cloud services, applications, and network components that must be restored first.
✅ Document dependencies – Which systems rely on others to function?
✅ Ensure data classification – Prioritise recovery of sensitive and essential data.
🛠️ Tools for Inventory & Risk Assessment:
- NIST Cyber security Framework
- ISO 27001 Risk Assessment Templates
- Microsoft Azure or AWS Risk Management Tools
3️⃣ Define Data Backup & Recovery Strategies 🔄
✅ Regular backups – Implement automated daily/weekly backups.
✅ Use the 3-2-1 backup rule:
- 3 copies of data
- 2 different storage types (cloud & on-premises)
- 1 offsite copy for disaster protection
✅ Enable real-time replication for mission-critical systems.
🛠️ Backup Solutions: Veeam, Acronis, AWS Backup, Microsoft Azure Backup
4️⃣ Establish a Recovery Plan for IT Systems 🛠️
✅ Define step-by-step procedures to recover:
- Servers & databases
- Email systems
- Cloud services & SaaS applications
✅ Assign roles & responsibilities – Who restores what?
✅ Ensure redundancy for critical infrastructure (e.g., failover systems, hot/cold sites).
5️⃣ Develop an Emergency Communication Plan 📢
✅ Define who to notify and how during a disaster.
✅ Use multiple communication channels – Phone, SMS, email, Microsoft Teams, Slack.
✅ Pre-draft crisis response templates for faster action.
6️⃣ Test & Update the Plan Regularly 🔍
✅ Conduct disaster recovery drills to test effectiveness.
✅ Perform tabletop exercises for hypothetical disaster scenarios.
✅ Update the DRP at least annually or after major system changes.
🛠️ Testing Methods:
- Tabletop exercise – Team discussion of a simulated disaster.
- Failover testing – Switching to backup systems to test reliability.
- Live simulations – Fully activating the DRP in a controlled environment.
🔹 Disaster Recovery Best Practices
✅ Align with ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management) and NIST SP 800-34.
✅ Store the DRP securely in multiple locations.
✅ Ensure vendor support & third-party SLAs include disaster recovery clauses.
✅ Train employees to recognise cyber threats that could trigger a disaster.