Which indicator best verifies that disaster recovery procedures meet requirements?

The best indicator that disaster recovery procedures meet requirements is the conduct of a tabletop exercise using those procedures. This approach goes beyond merely having documentation or theoretical alignment with industry best practices. A tabletop exercise simulates a disaster scenario where team members can walk through the procedures in a controlled environment, testing their understanding of the protocols and uncovering any gaps or weaknesses in the plan.

This hands-on evaluation allows for real-time feedback, encourages team collaboration, and identifies necessary adjustments, ensuring that the procedures are practical and effective. Successful execution of such an exercise demonstrates that the team is prepared and that the procedures align with actual operational capabilities. Thus, the performance and outcomes of the tabletop exercise serve as a strong indication of the effectiveness of the disaster recovery plan.

While documented procedures and management approval are essential for establishing a framework, and reviews against best practices are valuable for benchmarking, the practical application through a tabletop exercise directly tests the readiness and resilience of the organization’s disaster recovery strategies. Additionally, the presence of documented recovery teams and their roles provides structure but does not confirm the actual capability to respond effectively in a disaster scenario.