A disaster recovery plan also known as DRP,  is the procedure you have in place to protect and or recover your business computer system in case of a natural or man made disaster that damages your business computer system.

Emergency contacts should be written into this plan, so you are able to contact everyone who can help you in the event of a disaster. If your company’s phone system fails, you will need to know everyone’s cell phone number to maintain connect with one another.

If your power goes out for a week or more, what back-up do you have to stay online and in business, if that is possible during that time?

Your DRP should list different types of disasters and the likelihood of happening and potential short term and long term solutions to keep your business running. For example, when a big snowstorm knocks out the electricity for a few days and the roads aren’t safe for driving, how do you protect your computer equipment and the information in it? You also have to include a protection and recovery plan in case a man-made disaster happens and your computer system gets hacked.

Your company’s disaster recovery plan should include three key types of measures: preventive, detective and corrective.

One way to prevent a disaster from happening, even if there is a bad storm coming through your area, is to have your backup computer system located in another area, or outside of where you do business. Also, using surge protectors and having a backup generator can help save your data if the electricity goes out.

Of course having anti-virus software in place can help prevent a man made disaster to your computer system. Have a proper insurance policy in place provides financial security for your company from any unrecoverable situations.

Next you want to check for data loss. With proper backup systems in place, you should be safe. Always have a procedure that is required to know the identity of any person who signs on to your company’s computer system so you are able to know who is managing your data system

Once you have your disaster recovery plan in place, it’s a good idea to test it. Proper training of your employees is recommended so each person is aware of their role in the disaster recovery plan.

As soon as you complete your test, course correct any part of the procedure that didn’t work properly. It’s important to make sure that you have minimal interruptions of workflow and data loss if a disaster occurs.

For help getting your disaster recovery plan in place for your company please contact Alpha Engineering Associates today at 410-295-9500.