Which testing method involves a structured review of the disaster recovery plan to identify weaknesses?

The method that involves a structured review of the disaster recovery plan to identify weaknesses is referred to as a walk-through test. This type of test typically engages stakeholders in a detailed examination of the procedures documented in the disaster recovery plan. During this process, participants discuss their roles and responsibilities, and they evaluate the effectiveness of the plan. The goal is to uncover any potential gaps, ambiguities, or areas for improvement in the plan.

This structured approach allows team members to visualize the execution of the plan in a simulated environment, enabling them to assess whether the intended processes would work effectively in a real disaster scenario. It creates an opportunity for critical thinking about the plan's logistics, thereby strengthening it before a real event occurs.

Other testing methods, while valuable in their own right, do not focus specifically on the structured review aspect characterized by the walk-through. For example, full operational tests typically involve actual simulation of operations to assess overall effectiveness, whereas deskcheck tests may involve reviewing documents for clarity but lack the interactive and discussion-based components critical for identifying weaknesses. Preparedness tests focus more on readiness and operational capabilities rather than the document review process provided by a walk-through test.