Disaster recovery planning standards are crucial for ensuring business continuity in the face of unexpected disruptions. A Business Resumption Plan (BRP) outlines strategies and procedures to resume operations swiftly after a disaster, minimizing downtime and mitigating financial losses. Adhering to recognized standards such as those set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides businesses with a framework for developing comprehensive disaster recovery plans. These standards typically include risk assessment methodologies, contingency planning, backup and recovery procedures, and communication protocols to ensure a coordinated response across all levels of the organization.

Implementing disaster recovery planning standards not only enhances a company’s ability to recover from disasters but also instills confidence among stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies. By following established guidelines, businesses can systematically identify vulnerabilities, prioritize critical assets, and allocate resources effectively to minimize the impact of disruptions. Moreover, compliance with recognized standards demonstrates a commitment to resilience and fosters a culture of preparedness within the organization. With a robust Business Resumption Plan in place, businesses can navigate unforeseen challenges with greater agility and safeguard their long-term viability in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Sample from template

The following required and/or recommended information inputs should be completed using the full electronic version of the Disaster Recovery Plan Template and the Technology Components Recovery Plan Templates.  These templates can be obtained.  Those sections marked with a “Required” are sections that are required to be completed.  Sections with a “Recommended” are recommended and “Optional” are optional.

A.  General Information

Confidentiality Statement (Required)

All your documents should remain confidential to your company.  You will need to put a confident statement in this section.  If your company has a confidentiality statement that is used for all documents, use that here.

Plan Maintenance (Required)

Document all revisions, deletions, additions, etc. that have been made to this document.

  1. Record the Version of the Document that is located at the Top Right-hand side on the cover page.
  2. Record the description of the change (i.e.: updated contact information.)
  3. Identify what Chapter, Section, and Page that was updated.
  4. Document the name of the person who made the change.
  5. Record the date the change was made.

This log should be kept with the document at all times.  Never delete revision history.  Just keep expanding the table.

Plan Exercise (Required)

Document any exercises (tests) that have been conducted using this plan.  This will help the auditing of the plans by providing information about the testing activities that have taken place.

  1. Record the date of the tests.
  2. Identify the type of exercise that was conducted.  (Call Tree, Walkthrough, Table Top, etc.)
  3. Record the results of the exercise.  (It was successful, etc.)

 

Table of Contents for Disaster Recovery Planning Standard

TERMINOLOGY     
ACCOUNTABILITY
COMPLIANCE

I. DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING STANDARDS

A.  General Information
B.  Executive Summary
C.  Scope & Objectives
D.  Recovery Strategy
E.  Plan Assumptions & Exposures
F.  Disaster Declaration Procedures
G.  Recovery Teams
H.  Contact Lists
I.   Alternate Locations
J.  Plan Certification

II. APPLICATION RECOVERY PLAN STANDARDS

A.  General Information
B.  Plan Introduction
C.  Application Profile
D.  Plan Activation Procedures
E.  Team Members & Responsibilities
F.  Recovery Procedures
G.  Contact Lists
H.  Alternate Locations
I.  Restoration of Normal Operations

III. SERVER RECOVERY PLAN STANDARDS

A.  General Information
B.  Plan Introduction
C.  Server Profile
D.  Plan Activation Procedures
E.  Team Members & Responsibilities
F.  Recovery Procedures
G.  Contact Lists
H.  Alternate Locations
I.  Restoration of Normal Operations

IV. NETWORK RECOVERY PLAN STANDARDS

A.  General Information
B.  Plan Introduction
C.  Network Profile
D.  Plan Activation Procedures
E.  Team Members & Responsibilities
F.  Recovery Procedures
G.  Contact Lists
H.  Alternate Locations
I.  Restoration of Normal Operations

V. TELECOMMUNICATIONS RECOVERY PLAN STANDARDS

A.  General Information
B.  Plan Introduction
C.  Telecommunication Profile
D.  Plan Activation Procedures
E.  Team Members & Responsibilities
F.  Recovery Procedures
G.  Contact Lists
H.  Alternate Locations
I.  Restoration of Normal Operations

VI. DATABASE RECOVERY PLAN STANDARDS

A.  General Information
B.  Plan Introduction
C.  Database Profile
D.  Plan Activation Procedures
E.  Team Members & Responsibilities
F.  Recovery Procedures
G.  Contact Lists
H.  Alternate Locations
I.  Restoration of Normal Operations

To view a specific section of this document, please contact us at Bob@supremusgroup.com or call us at (515) 865-4591.

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