IT disasters typically involve loss of business data. While the IT infrastructure, including applications, can be replaced (even though it might cost a fortune), unique business data is irreplaceable. Unless the business had prepared for the disaster by, say through systematic backup of the data, business operations can come to a stop.
1. Preparations for disaster recovery start with a detailed look at the kinds of disasters that can happen and the impact each of these can have. With a clear idea on these matters, it is possible to develop practical, complete and optimal disaster recovery plans.
2. IT disasters can typically be classified into man-made, system-caused, infrastructure-related and natural disasters. Examples include accidental or intentional deletions of data, virus and hacker attacks, hardware or software crashes or electrical disturbances leading to data loss or corruption and wholesale destruction caused by fires, floods and cyclones.
3. Disaster recovery plans include plans for preventive, detective and remedial measures. A total package of measures like these can enhance effectiveness and minimize costs. Waiting for disasters to happen before thinking of how to recover from them is the worst possible scenario.
4. Preventive measures include physical measures such as using uninterruptible power supplies and surge suppressors, and barriers to prevent entry of unauthorized persons into the data center. They also include antivirus and firewall software to prevent viruses and hackers sneaking into the system over the network or other paths.
5. Data access restriction through assigning user levels and privileges, and password protecting systems, folder and files is another major preventive measure. Most data losses have been attributed to employee actions, accidental or malicious.
6. Detective measures include installation of smoke and intruder alarms, and the antivirus and other software that detect virus infections and other malicious visitors.
7. The major preparation for remedial action is backing up data in a systematic manner. All relevant data, including transaction and system data, applications, licenses and activation keys must be backed up. Backups must also follow a well-planned cycle under which full and incremental backups ensure that all data is backed up in an up-to-date manner while reducing the incidence of redundant backup.
8. Another major issue is ensuring the integrity of backed up data and testing that these are recoverable if it becomes necessary. Neglecting these distracting procedures can render the backup a meaningless routine if the backup turns out to be corrupted or otherwise non-restorable.
9. Offsite storage of backed up data at a location that is not likely to be affected by the same natural events as the primary location can make the backups available in case a natural disaster like earthquake or cyclone destroys the primary site. Storing the backups on the Web is such a possibility.
IT disaster recovery is a specialized task that needs expert assistance to be fully effective. However, certain obvious actions such preventing access to the data through physical and electronic means, systematic backup procedures and installation of antivirus and firewall software can minimize the chances of a disaster and make recovery a feasible possibility.