What recommendation should an IS auditor make if a RAID system is installed without offsite backups?

Implementing a RAID system is an important step in enhancing data availability and redundancy; however, it does not serve as a complete substitute for comprehensive backup strategies. When a RAID system is installed without offsite backups, the most prudent recommendation is to reinstate offsite backups.

RAID technology primarily safeguards against hardware failures, such as disk failures. However, it does not protect against risks such as data corruption, accidental deletion, ransomware attacks, or catastrophic events like fires or floods that could affect the physical location of the servers. By having offsite backups, an organization can ensure that data remains protected and recoverable in the event of a disaster that compromises onsite data availability. Offsite backups provide an additional layer of security and resilience, ensuring business continuity.

While increasing the frequency of onsite backups is a valid practice, it does not address the fundamental issue of geographic redundancy and risk mitigation provided by offsite backups. Upgrading to a level 5 RAID offers enhanced redundancy features compared to lower levels but still doesn't eliminate the need for offsite backups. Establishing a cold site in a secure location involves significant costs and resource commitments, which may not be immediate requirements compared to simply reinstating offsite backups. Therefore, the best course of action is to reinstate