What is the best indicator of the effectiveness of backup and restore procedures after a disaster?

The effectiveness of backup and restore procedures following a disaster is primarily indicated by whether the recovery time objectives were met. Recovery time objectives (RTO) define the maximum tolerable duration that an organization can be without its critical functions and impacted systems after a disaster. When RTOs are met, it demonstrates that the recovery process was efficient and that the organization could restore operations within an acceptable timeframe.

Meeting RTO is a critical aspect as it directly correlates to the organization's ability to maintain continuity in business operations and minimize downtime. If the recovery processes do not meet RTO, it may suggest inadequacies in planning, execution, or the backup systems themselves that could lead to prolonged disruptions.

While having members of the recovery team available and maintaining an inventory of backup tapes are important aspects of disaster recovery, they do not directly measure the outcome of the recovery process. Similarly, while restoring all backup tapes is beneficial, it does not necessarily mean that the organization met its operational goals regarding uptime and functionality. Therefore, the best indicator of effective backup and restore procedures is the attainment of established recovery time objectives.