DISASTER RECOVERY VS BUSINESS CONTINUITY

As a business IT provider, we always recommend a high level of security to protect your business’s data as well as that of your clients and partners. 

Of course, even with the best security available, there is always a risk of a breach, which is why part of your cyber security needs to be a good Disaster Recovery and/or Business Continuity plan. People often ask us what the difference is between a Disaster Recovery and a Business Continuity plan.

DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN VS BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN 

Although many businesses may use the terms disaster recovery plan and business continuity plan interchangeably, they are, in fact, different elements and need to be treated differently. 

WHAT IS A DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN 

A disaster recovery plan is a detailed set of instructions explaining how a business will respond should a disruption occur that causes it to be unable to function as normal. This disruption is usually an IT disaster, and so the plan focuses largely on IT functions and elements. 

Each business should have a unique plan that focuses on its most important aspects. The plan will involve steps such as risk assessment, business impact analysis, response procedures, data backup and recovery procedures, continuity planning, training, and documentation maintenance.  

Full details of each IT Disaster Recovery plan element can be seen here. https://inreachgroup.co.uk/what-is-an-it-disaster-recovery-plan/

WHAT IS A BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN 

A business continuity plan outlines how the business can remain functional during a disaster. It can be an element of a disaster recovery plan or a stand-alone plan to incorporate any type of business disruption. 

A good business continuity plan will result in little downtime for your business should a cyber-attack hit you or a different disaster occur. This could include functioning using backup data, installing alternative power sources, or moving to a new location.

So, whereas a disaster recovery plan encompasses how a business will protect itself from an IT disaster, a continuity plan is what the business will do to continue should any disaster occur.  

DISASTER RECOVERY VS BUSINESS CONTINUITY – THE KEY DIFFERENCES 

The key differences to note when it comes to disaster recovery vs business continuity are; 

The Scope

Business Continuity plans encompass a broader range of considerations beyond IT systems and data. They aim to ensure the continuity of essential business functions, processes, and services across the entire organisation during and after a disruption or disaster.

Disaster Recovery plans primarily focus on restoring IT systems, data, and infrastructure following a disaster or disruptive event. They deal with the technical aspects of recovering IT operations to minimise downtime and data loss.

The Objectives

Business Continuity plan objectives are to maintain critical business operations and minimise the impact of disruptions on customers, employees, suppliers, and partners.

Disaster Recovery plans aim to restore IT services and data as quickly as possible after a disaster, meeting predefined recovery time objectives and recovery point objectives outlined in the plan to minimise business downtime and data loss.

The Plan Focus

Business Continuity focuses on identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, conducting business impact analyses, developing response strategies, and implementing measures to ensure the continuity of operations across the organisation.

Disaster Recovery focuses specifically on IT systems and data, including backup and recovery processes, redundant systems, failover mechanisms, and other technical measures to restore IT operations during a disaster.

Overall Timeframe

Business Continuity plans typically address short-term disruptions, such as power outages or equipment failures, and long-term crises, such as natural disasters or pandemics, focusing on maintaining operations over an extended period.

Disaster Recovery plans are more narrowly focused on the immediate aftermath of a disaster. They aim to restore IT services and data within predefined timeframes to minimise downtime and data loss.

DISASTER RECOVERY AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY FROM iNREACH 

If you are looking into cyber security, disaster recovery and business continuity and would like some help and support, contact iNREACH today. Our experts are here for you, will talk you through various options and provide advice where needed. 

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