A plan and set of procedures to recover and protect a business IT infrastructure in the event of a disaster.
Description
Disaster Recovery (DR) in the cybersecurity industry refers to the processes and strategies employed to restore IT systems and data after a disruptive event. This can include natural disasters, cyberattacks, hardware failures, or human errors. A well-defined disaster recovery plan outlines the necessary steps to recover critical systems and data, ensuring business continuity. It typically involves regular data backups, maintaining redundant systems, and using cloud-based solutions to facilitate quick recovery. The effectiveness of a disaster recovery plan is often tested through simulations and drills to ensure all team members understand their roles. For instance, in 2020, the city of New Orleans utilized a disaster recovery plan to restore services after Hurricane Laura, ensuring critical infrastructure remained operational. Similarly, companies like Delta Airlines have implemented robust DR strategies to address potential disruptions from cyberattacks, ensuring customer data and flight operations are minimally affected.
Examples
- The city of New Orleans restored vital services after Hurricane Laura in 2020 using its disaster recovery plan.
- Delta Airlines implemented a disaster recovery strategy to mitigate disruptions from cyberattacks, protecting customer data.
Additional Information
- Disaster recovery plans should be reviewed and updated regularly to adapt to changing technology and threats.
- Organizations often conduct DR drills to ensure that staff are trained and ready for real-life disaster scenarios.