SecureFirst | CIS18 Controls SafeGuard 11.1

How to

Establish and Maintain a Data Recovery Process

- SafeGuard 11.1

Here's a step-by-step guide to establishing and maintaining a data recovery process as per the requirements in CIS Control 11 - Data Recovery, Implementation Group 1 (IG1):

Step 1: Define Data Recovery Scope:

Identify the scope of your data recovery process. Determine which types of data, systems, applications, and services are covered by the process.

Step 2: Prioritize Recovery:

Establish a system for prioritizing data recovery activities based on factors such as criticality, impact on operations, legal/regulatory requirements, and customer impact.

Step 3: Develop Data Recovery Procedures:

Create detailed procedures for recovering different types of data and systems. This includes step-by-step instructions, tools needed, and required personnel.

Step 4: Backup Data Security:

Ensure the security of backup data by implementing encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability assessments for backup systems.

Step 5: Regularly Test Backups:

Conduct regular tests to verify the integrity and effectiveness of your backup and recovery systems. This helps ensure that data can be restored when needed.

Step 6: Review Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO):

Define Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) - the acceptable data loss during recovery.
Define Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) - the maximum allowable downtime before recovery must be completed.

Step 7: Documentation and Playbooks:

Document the data recovery procedures in clear and detailed playbooks. Include troubleshooting steps for common issues that might arise during recovery.

This process will ensure that your organization can effectively recover its data and systems in the event of a security incident.

Step 8: Recovery Team and Roles:

Identify and designate members of the data recovery team. Assign roles and responsibilities for each team member.

Step 9: Security During Recovery:

Ensure that security controls, such as access controls and malware scans, are applied to recovered data and systems before they are brought back online.

Step 10: Communication Plan:

Develop a communication plan for notifying relevant stakeholders, including internal teams, customers, and partners, in case of data recovery events.

Step 11: Regular Testing and Drills:

Conduct periodic testing and drills of the data recovery process to ensure that team members are familiar with their roles and procedures.

Step 12: Annual Documentation Review:

Review and update your data recovery documentation annually to account for changes in technology, systems, and organizational structure.

Step 13: Review During Changes:

Revisit your data recovery process documentation when significant changes occur within your organization or in the IT landscape that could impact data recovery.

Step 14: Continuous Improvement:

Continuously assess and improve your data recovery process based on lessons learned from incidents and testing.

By following these steps, you'll establish a robust data recovery process that aligns with the requirements of CIS18 Controls. This process will ensure that your organization can effectively recover its data and systems in the event of a security incident.