In the world of operational technology (OT), a resilient disaster recovery (DR) plan is essential. OT environments are unique, relying on both physical and digital infrastructure, real-time operations, and specialized equipment. A disaster– whether caused by natural events, equipment failures, or cyberattacks– can severely impact these systems, leading to safety risks, production downtime and financial losses.
Unplanned downtime costs industrial manufacturers over $250 million annually.
More Than Just a Plan
A well-planned DR plan can mitigate the impact of disruptions, protect critical assets, and ensure business continuity in the wake of a catastrophic event. However, simply having a plan on paper is not enough. To ensure your DR plan’s effectiveness, it must be tested, regularly maintained, and integrated into your organization's overall risk management strategy.
76% of organizations lack a documented and validated Disaster Recovery plan.
Test and Validate
Regular reviews ensure the DR plan is comprehensive, accurate, and in alignment with the organization’s operations and technology. Further, it can illuminate potential gaps or areas for improvement. Methods include:
- Tabletop exercises: Simulated disaster scenarios to test the plan's effectiveness.
- Full-scale drills: Real-world tests involving actual equipment and personnel.
Verify
Verification is the process of testing the backup and recovery systems to ensure functionality is as intended. Elements include:
- Backup verification: Routine testing of backup processes and files to ensure a reliable recovery path.
- Recovery testing: Periodic testing of recovery procedures to ensure systems can be restored quickly and effectively.
- Failover testing: Validate the ability of systems to switch to backup resources in the event of a failure.
Provide Training
Ensure that all relevant personnel, from front-line OT operators to IT staff, are thoroughly trained on their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster. This includes understanding the DR plan, knowing how to activate it, and being familiar with the procedures for recovering critical systems and functions.
The Takeaway
A robust Disaster Recovery strategy is not a luxury but a necessity. Remember: it’s not if, but when.
From maintaining safe operations to safeguarding your organization’s reputation to mitigating overall impact, the testing and verification of DR plans is essential to ensure your organization is prepared for challenges that will arise.
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