The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has ramped up efforts to encourage firms to run incident response exercises and recently launched a new scheme to highlight the importance of running through these plans to test their effectiveness.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, having a solid disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity (BC) plan is like having a safety net—it’s something you hope to never use, but it’s absolutely critical to have. Businesses face a range of potential disruptions, so regularly reviewing and practicing these plans is not just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a lifeline that can make or break your company’s ability to weather unexpected storms.

The Basics: What Are Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans?

Let’s keep things simple. Disaster recovery is about having a game plan for when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s a cyber attack, a natural disaster, or something else entirely, disaster recovery ensures that your business can get back on its feet as quickly as possible.

Business continuity, on the other hand, is all about keeping the show running smoothly even when faced with disruptions. It’s not just about recovering data; it’s about making sure your team can keep doing what they do best, no matter what curveballs come your way.

Why Regular Reviews Matter: Keeping Up with Change

Now, let’s talk about why it’s not enough to create these plans and forget about them. Imagine your business as a well-oiled machine; if you don’t give it a tune-up every now and then, it might start creaking and sputtering when you need it the most. The same goes for your DR and BC plans for the following reasons:

• Evolving Threats:  Cyber criminals are sneaky villains always coming up with new tricks. Regularly reviewing your plans helps you stay one step ahead, ensuring that your defenses are up-to-date and ready to thwart the latest threats.
• Changing Technology:  Technology is like a fast-paced dance, and your business needs to keep up. If your plans don’t jive with the latest tech, they might become outdated and leave you vulnerable. Regular reviews make sure your plans are in sync with the latest trends and technology.
• Adapting Workflows:  Just as your team grows and changes, so do your workflows. If your plans don’t keep up, they might not fit your team’s rhythm. Regular reviews help you tweak your plans to match how your team works, ensuring everyone can stay on their feet even during disruptions.

Why Practice Makes Perfect

Creating plans is just the first step; you need to know they actually work when the chips are down. Imagine having a fire drill at school—it’s not fun, but it ensures everyone knows what to do when there’s a real fire. The same principle applies to your business.

• Identifying Weak Spots:  Practicing your plans reveals any weak spots or bottlenecks. It’s like stress-testing your business to see where the kinks are. Maybe your data recovery process takes longer than expected, or your backup system isn’t as foolproof as you thought. These drills help you iron out the wrinkles.
• Building Team Confidence:  Knowing what to do in a crisis is crucial, but confidence is key. Regular practice builds your team’s confidence in executing the plans. When they’ve been through the motions before, they’re less likely to panic and more likely to handle the situation like pros.
• Continuous Improvement:  Practice sessions aren’t just about going through the motions; they’re about learning. Each drill offers insights into what works and what doesn’t. It’s an opportunity for continuous improvement, making your plans stronger and more resilient with each run-through.

How often should these plans be reviewed?

The frequency of reviews will vary based on the specific needs of your business, a good rule of thumb is to review your DR and BC plans at least annually. However, if there are significant changes in your business, such as expansions, new technologies, or shifts in personnel, it’s wise to review and update more frequently.

The Dangers of Standing Still

Now, let’s face the unpleasant truth—neglecting your DR and BC plans is like neglecting to fix a leaky roof. It might not be a problem right now, but when the storm hits, you’re in for a rude awakening.

• Extended Downtime:  Without a well-rehearsed plan, downtime can stretch on for much longer. Every minute your business is down translates to potential revenue loss and customer frustration.
• Data Loss:  Imagine losing all your important files and customer data. Without a solid disaster recovery plan, this nightmare scenario can become a reality, leading to irreplaceable losses.
• Reputation Damage:  In the age of social media and instant communication, news of a business disruption spreads like wildfire. A poorly handled crisis can tarnish your reputation, affecting customer trust and loyalty. The Talk Talk cyber attack in 2015 is a great example of the impact of reputational damage. The data breach cost the company £60 million and 95,000 lost customers. Company profits halved in the year following the attack.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

In the dynamic world of business, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Regularly reviewing and practicing your disaster recovery and business continuity plans isn’t about paranoia; it’s about being prepared and resilient. It’s about ensuring that your business can face the unexpected with confidence, knowing that you have a solid plan and a team ready to execute it flawlessly.

So, don’t just create your plans and toss them in a drawer; dust them off, review them regularly, and give your business the best chance to thrive, no matter what comes its way.