Page 265 - Cyber Defense eMagazine RSAC Special Edition 2025

Fortunately, these risks can be significantly reduced by implementing a disaster recovery plan. A well-
defined protocol ensures that in the event of a cyberattack, IT teams can swiftly restore systems and
resume operations. In today’s digital landscape, a failsafe mechanism is not optional—it’s essential.

The high cost of inaction

The dangers of having a vulnerable network are twofold—both operational and reputational. Temporary
server outages disrupt efficiency, frustrate clients and stakeholders, and, in severe cases, generate
negative press. Security breaches can erode trust, deterring potential customers and damaging long-
term business relationships.

Beyond the immediate impact, cyberattacks can have lasting consequences. In some cases, restoring
systems to their original state can take weeks, months, or even years. Certain malware strains
compromise the core of IT infrastructure, making recovery without a structured protocol an uphill battle
that drains valuable resources.

If your company lacks a disaster recovery plan, chances are you already have existing IT practices that
can serve as its foundation. Here are a few ways to ensure you can get your systems back up and running
if disaster strikes.

IT documentation and automation

Most organizations maintain IT documentation to share internal knowledge, but its role in disaster
recovery is often overlooked. Detailed filing enables teams to rebuild systems quickly, reducing downtime
and minimizing disruption.
To ensure effectiveness, documentation must be continuously updated. The more precise and
comprehensive the records, the faster IT teams can restore configurations, settings, and workflows.
However, since IT and business professionals often prioritize troubleshooting, customer support, and
daily operations, manual documentation can become an afterthought.

Automation is a powerful solution. By automating system information, businesses ensure they always
have accurate, real-time information available. Automated failover mechanisms can further enhance
resilience—if a system goes down, another seamlessly takes over, keeping operations running smoothly
even in an IT professional’s absence.

Key aspects of a disaster recovery plan

The first step for businesses that have not formalized disaster recovery protocols is conducting a risk
assessment. Identifying potential vulnerabilities allows companies to strengthen their infrastructure
proactively rather than reacting to threats after they occur. Risk assessments can also help detect
unusual activity early, preventing minor issues from escalating into major disruptions.

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