Are your backups collecting virtual dust rather than readying you for the next unavoidable disaster? Get back to basics on crafting an ironclad disaster recovery plan. We outline the essential infrastructure, applications, staffing, and execution steps often glossed over by the check-the-box enterprise crowd.

Going beyond mere data recovery, we detail considerations around standing up replacement infrastructure, understanding system interdependencies, and restoring functionality faster with increased automation. Cloud's scaling and affordability make DR exercises less daunting these days if configured properly on the front-end.

With major outages increasingly likely, the principles detailed could dictate whether your business emerges unscathed or shutters for good. We share tips for pragmatic preparation reflecting our scar tissue from failures past when lackadaisical DR rigor proved painful. Ever try troubleshooting recovery steps in the midst of a raging hurricane...or gotten that dreaded 2AM offline alert while welcoming your newborn? We have!

Major takeaways:

• Start recovery documentation with manual steps, increase automation later
• Test often - the cloud enables cost-effective exercising at scale
• Availability outshines recovery - build resilient systems and staff cross-training
• Know precise RTOs and RPOs aligned to business priority and appetite

Stay tuned as we separate the mavens from the mayhem when adverse events strike. Get your data DR ducks in order now before things migrate south!

News articles from this episode:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/50k-wordpress-sites-exposed-to-rce-attacks-by-critical-bug-in-backup-plugin/

https://jorgedelacruz.uk/2023/12/06/veeam-whats-new-in-veeam-backup-and-replication-v12-1-major-new-features/