1.0 - Introduction
No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but as an IT service provider, preparing for them is part of the job. A robust IT Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Plan is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring business operations continue smoothly when the unexpected happens.
HighGround makes this process easier by providing a centralized platform where you can upload BCDR plans and conduct regular tests. This ensures your strategies are not just documented but are fully tested and ready for action when needed.
With HighGround, you can help keep your clients' businesses resilient—even when disaster strikes.
Tip: HighGround offers a free IT BCDR Plan Template and SOP Template. To learn more about this, please read our Free Resources in HighGround article.
2.0 - Key Components of IT BCDR Planning
Having a BCDR plan is essential, but it’s what your plan includes that makes it truly effective. A well-rounded BCDR plan should cover the following key components:
Risk Assessment: Identify specific risks and evaluate their potential impact on business operations. This allows you to plan effectively for various scenarios and prepare for the unexpected.
Backup Strategy: Implement redundant, secure, and regularly tested backups to ensure that critical data is protected and recoverable in case of an incident.
Recovery Procedures: Develop clear, actionable steps—standard operating procedures (SOPs)—to restore systems and services efficiently. These procedures ensure you can quickly return to normal operations.
Regular Testing: Run simulations and conduct recovery drills to verify that your plan works as intended when needed. Any gaps or lessons learned should be incorporated into the plan and SOPs, ensuring continuous improvement and readiness for future incidents.
3.0 - Uploading an IT BCDR Plan
Uploading your IT BCDR Plan to HighGround is quick and straightforward. All you need are a few key details and proof of your plan.
Tip: Don't have an IT BCDR Plan to upload? No problem! You'll find a free one you can download and get started with right away - it's right next to the upload option when you're in the Governance & Resilience > IT BCDR Plan module.
Steps to Upload Your IT BCDR Plan:
Select 'Upload': Navigate to the BCDR section and click the 'Upload' button.
Enter the Author's Name: Provide the name of the person who authored the BCDR plan.
List Approvers and Reviewers: Add the names of those who approved and reviewed the plan to ensure clear accountability.
Set the Implementation Date: Choose the date when the plan was first implemented or put into action.
Complete the Upload: Click 'Upload' to finalize the process and save the plan.
Your IT BCDR plan will now be stored in the Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery section of your Governance & Resilience module, ensuring it’s easily accessible when needed.
Note: Make sure to include a file or a link when uploading your plan—these serve as required sources of proof.
4.0 - Why you should Perform a BCDR Test
Performing an IT Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plan is like having an escape hatch in a submarine - essential when things go sideways. Here’s why it matters:
1. Minimize Downtime: When disaster strikes (e.g., cyberattacks, hardware failures, natural disasters), a well-prepared IT BCDR Plan helps keep critical systems running or restore them quickly. This minimizes downtime and keeps your business from grinding to a halt.
2. Data Protection and Recovery: Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. An IT BCDR Plan ensures essential data is identified and regular backups are taken. It also establishes processes for recovering data, preventing permanent loss.
3. Maintaining Client Trust: Especially in the managed IT services world, clients rely on you to keep their systems safe and operational. A solid IT BCDR Plan demonstrates professionalism and reliability, which keeps client trust intact even during tough times.
4. Regulatory Compliance: For industries with strict compliance requirements (like healthcare or finance), having an IT BCDR Plan is not just a good idea -it’s often a legal necessity. Failing to comply can lead to hefty fines and legal troubles.
5. Financial Impact Mitigation: Downtime and data loss can lead to significant financial losses. An IT BCDR Plan reduces the financial blow by ensuring swift recovery and reducing the costs associated with prolonged outages.
6. Risk Management: A BCDR plan involves assessing potential risks and preparing for them. This proactive approach means fewer surprises when disaster strikes.
7. Peace of Mind: Knowing that there’s a plan in place for worst-case scenarios allows IT teams and business leaders to focus on growth and innovation, rather than always worrying about what could go wrong.
5.0 - Performing a BCDR test in HighGround
Testing your BCDR plan is just as straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your plan is ready for any situation:
Select 'Perform BCDR Test': Go to the IT BCDR Plan tile in the Governance & Resilience module and click the 'Perform BCDR Test' button.
Complete the Test Sections: Fill out all 11 sections of the test in detail to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.
Submit the Test: Once you’ve completed all sections, click 'Complete' to finish the test.
After submission, HighGround will automatically generate your audit, and the completed test will be saved in your list of BCDR tests, ready for review whenever you need it.