Episode 22 — Build Contingency and Disaster Recovery

Contingency and Disaster Recovery (DR) planning ensures mission continuity when systems or facilities fail. This episode defines how FedRAMP expects providers to document, test, and maintain recovery strategies aligned with system impact levels. We explain how Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) translate into technical and procedural commitments within the SSP, and why evidence of tested backups, alternate processing sites, and communication plans matter during assessment. You will learn to categorize functions as essential, supporting, or deferrable, and to design recovery tiers that meet both agency mission needs and cloud service dependencies. The DR plan must not only exist—it must be measurable, tested, and mapped to controls for continuity of operations.

We explore implementation and testing in realistic terms. Examples include verifying data replication across regions, validating restore integrity, and ensuring management access to recovery environments even under degraded conditions. We discuss tabletop and functional exercises, documentation of outcomes, and updates triggered by significant architectural or personnel changes. Assessors look for proof that lessons learned from tests are recorded and applied, forming a feedback loop of continuous resilience improvement. We also note integration with incident response and configuration management so that recovery systems remain secure and aligned with baselines. Robust contingency and DR practices confirm that authorization is not just about prevention but also about recovery and continuity under stress. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.