Backup, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Organization: {{COMPANY_LEGAL_NAME}} Document owner: {{POLICY_OWNER_ROLE}} Approved by: {{APPROVER_NAME}}, {{APPROVER_TITLE}} Version: {{VERSION}} · Effective: {{EFFECTIVE_DATE}} · Next review: {{REVIEW_DATE}} Classification: Internal
1. Purpose
This policy makes sure {{COMPANY_LEGAL_NAME}} can restore critical {{DATA_TYPES}} and services within agreed recovery-time and data-loss targets after a disruption, for workloads running in {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}} and subject to {{GEO_SCOPE}} requirements.
2. Scope
This policy covers production databases, file stores, configuration repositories, and the essential SaaS services that support {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}} and handle {{DATA_TYPES}}. It applies to the {{LOCATION}} workforce, and only managed {{DEVICE_TYPES}} may perform backup or restore actions.
3. Policy statements
3.1 Backup strategy and frequency
Critical production {{DATA_TYPES}} are backed up in full daily and kept online for at least 30 days. Infrastructure-as-code and configuration are snapshotted before each major change to {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}}. Backup jobs alert on failure so misses are caught quickly.
3.2 Storage and encryption
Backups are stored in a separate region or provider while honoring any {{GEO_SCOPE}} residency constraints. Data is encrypted at rest with managed keys, restore permissions follow least privilege, and every restore is logged. Only authorized staff on managed {{DEVICE_TYPES}} may initiate a restore into {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}}.
3.3 Recovery testing and targets
We test restores quarterly and record the actual recovery-time and data-loss figures for key systems in {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}}. Results are compared to targets, and the strategy is adjusted whenever a target is missed. Test plans, results, and any remediation are kept, and failed tests are tracked to closure.
3.4 Business continuity
A concise continuity playbook covers loss of workspace, loss of key staff, and SaaS outages for the {{LOCATION}} team. It is reviewed annually or after significant operational change, and critical scenarios are exercised in a tabletop at least once a year with outcomes recorded.
3.5 Disaster recovery activation
Clear thresholds define when disaster recovery is triggered. An incident commander authorizes activation and coordinates restoration of {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}} services. Activation decisions, timelines, and handoffs are documented, and a current contact list for critical vendors and providers is maintained.
3.6 Compliance measurement
The program is healthy when backups succeed at least 95 percent of the time and the most recent quarterly restore test is documented and within target. Larger teams (over {{EMPLOYEE_COUNT}} people) widen sampling across systems in {{CRITICAL_SYSTEMS}}.
3.7 Continual improvement
Findings from recovery exercises and advances in technology feed back into the backup and continuity strategy, reflecting {{INDUSTRY}} expectations and any change to {{GEO_SCOPE}} obligations.
4. Roles and responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Executive sponsor | Accountable for the program; approves this policy |
| {{POLICY_OWNER_ROLE}} | Maintains this policy and its procedures |
| Incident commander | Authorizes disaster-recovery activation and coordinates restoration |
| All personnel | Follow recovery procedures; report issues promptly |
5. Compliance and exceptions
Missed backups or failed restore tests are escalated to leadership for immediate remediation. Any system excluded from backup requires documented justification and an alternative safeguard (such as rebuild automation), including any effect on {{DATA_TYPES}} residency in {{GEO_SCOPE}}. Exceptions require documented risk acceptance by {{APPROVER_TITLE}} and are time-limited and reviewed.
6. Review
This policy is reviewed at least annually and when significant change occurs.
Aligned to ISO/IEC 27001:2022.