Information Technology Disaster Recovery Plan Revisio 298374

Information Technology Disaster Recovery Planrevision Historyrevisionc

Provide an introduction to the company/situation... A copy of this plan is stored in the following areas: · Department of Information Technology Office · Office and home of the Chief Information Officer

Determine/explain the scope of this plan.

Section 3: Assumptions

Section 4: Definitions

Outline the structure and responsibilities of the teams involved in disaster recovery, including Incident Commander, Incident Command Team, Data Center Recovery Team, Desktop, Lab, and Classroom Recovery Team, Enterprise Systems Recovery Team, Infrastructure and Web Recovery Team, and Telecommunications, Network, and Internet Services Recovery Team. Include team leads, contact information, and member roles.

Describe the recovery preparations necessary, such as data recovery, datacenter and server recovery, network and telecommunication recovery, application recovery, and desktop equipment recovery procedures.

Detail disaster recovery processes and procedures, including emergency response protocols, incident command functions, team recovery procedures, and general system/application recovery outlines.

Provide recovery guidelines specific to network and telecommunication recovery, including priorities and steps to restore services.

Include appendices with detailed contact lists for IT personnel and crisis management, recovery priority lists for IT infrastructure, systems, outsourced/cloud services, and facilities, as well as vendor information and a disaster recovery signoff sheet.

Paper For Above instruction

The increasing reliance on information technology in modern organizations underscores the critical importance of a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP). This plan ensures that an organization can effectively respond to and recover from various disruptions, ranging from natural disasters to technical failures. An effective DRP not only minimizes downtime but also safeguards essential data and maintains critical business functions during adverse events.

Introduction and Scope of the Disaster Recovery Plan

The Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) serves as a strategic blueprint tailored to the specific needs of an organization, in this case, a higher education institution or similar entity. The plan is stored in multiple secure locations, including the Department of Information Technology Office and the office and home of the Chief Information Officer, to ensure accessibility during emergencies. Its scope encompasses all critical IT infrastructure, systems, applications, and services that support university operations, including academic, administrative, and financial functions. The scope also considers external dependencies such as third-party vendors and cloud-based services, recognizing their pivotal role in the organization’s continuity.

Core Assumptions and Definitions

The plan operates under several assumptions, including the availability of designated recovery teams, the existence of pre-established contact lists, and the readiness of backup systems and data repositories. Definitions clarify terminologies such as Recovery Time Objective (RTO)—the targeted duration within which systems must be restored—and Recovery Point Objective (RPO)—the maximum tolerable period in which data might be lost without significant impact.

Disaster Recovery Teams and Their Responsibilities

The effectiveness of the DRP hinges on well-organized teams with clear roles. The Incident Commander, usually the Chief Information Officer, assumes overall responsibility during a crisis, coordinating efforts and making pivotal decisions. Supporting teams include:

  • Data Center Recovery Team: Led by the Manager of Infrastructure Services, responsible for restoring server environments, network hardware, and storage systems.
  • Desktop, Lab, and Classroom Recovery Team: Managed by the Manager of User Services, tasked with restoring end-user devices and workstations.
  • Enterprise Systems Recovery Team: Oversees critical applications such as payroll, enrollment, and other student information systems, led by the Manager of Information Systems.
  • Infrastructure and Web Recovery Team: Handles web hosting, web applications, and related infrastructure, led by the Manager of Infrastructure Services.
  • Telecommunications, Network, and Internet Services Recovery Team: Ensures communication channels and internet connectivity are restored, led by the Manager of Infrastructure Services.

Each team maintains detailed contact lists, as compiled in Appendix A, ensuring rapid mobilization during emergencies.

Recovery Preparations and Procedures

Preparation is fundamental to effective disaster response. This involves regular backups of critical data, incremental and full system backups stored off-site, and systematic validation of backup integrity. The plan emphasizes the need for clear procedures regarding data recovery, server restoration, network rebuilding, and hardware replacement. Notably, special attention is placed on prioritizing recovery activities based on their impact and dependencies, as set forth in the IT Recovery Priority List.

Disaster Recovery Processes

Upon occurrence of a disaster, the emergency response protocol involves immediate actions such as assessing the situation, initiating incident response, and notifying relevant teams. The Incident Command Team, led by the CIO, coordinates communication internally and externally, ensuring that all teams are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Recovery teams then implement their specific procedures, following established checklists and guidelines for restoring services.

The general system and application recovery outline emphasizes phased approaches, starting with the most critical systems as per defined priorities. Restoration involves verifying system integrity, conducting testing, and gradually bringing functionalities online to ensure minimal operational disruption. This structured process reduces downtime and data loss, supporting swift return to normal operations.

Network and Telecommunication Recovery

Given the centrality of connectivity in organizational operations, network and telecommunication recovery follow strict guidelines. Priorities are set considering critical infrastructure and services, with detailed steps including hardware replacement, configuration restoration, and security reintegration. The guide specifies different levels of priority—Critical, High, Medium, and Low—and defines the corresponding recovery time objectives, ensuring a targeted and efficient response. Such structured recovery efforts are crucial to restoring communication channels that are vital for coordination and service delivery.

Conclusion

A well-structured Disaster Recovery Plan is indispensable in safeguarding organizational resilience in an increasingly digital environment. By establishing clear roles, detailed procedures, and prioritized recovery strategies, organizations can significantly mitigate the impact of disruptions. Regular testing, continuous plan updates, and staff training further enhance preparedness, ensuring swift and effective responses that protect critical business functions, data, and reputation.

References

  • Bell, D., & Morse, S. (2013). The resilience of critical infrastructure: Inventory and overview. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 10(4), 1-20.
  • Wallace, M., & Webber, L. (2017). The disaster recovery handbook: A step-by-step plan to ensure business continuity and protect vital operations. AMACOM.
  • Snedaker, S. (2013). Business continuity and disaster recovery planning for IT professionals. Syngress.
  • Herbane, B. (2013). Small business continuity management: Strategic and operational aspects. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 7(2), 109-123.
  • ISO 22301:2012. Societal security — Business continuity management systems — Requirements. International Organization for Standardization.
  • FEMA. (2018). Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning Guide. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). (2011). IEEE Standard for Software Reliability. IEEE Std 1074-2006.
  • Gartner. (2020). Critical Infrastructure Resilience Strategies. Gartner Research.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
  • Livesey, R. (2014). Implementing an effective disaster recovery plan. IT Professional, 16(3), 8-14.

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