The Recovery Phase of Business Continuity Management 

The true measure of how your organisation deals with a security breach is how you recover. An effective return to normal operations is the aim for every business. Getronics knows that great Business Continuity Management is supported by strategic planning, technical expertise, and client collaboration. Through principles of the Recovery Phase of Business Continuity Management we can restore systems and services whilst minimising long-term impacts.  

Understanding the Recovery Phase 

The recovery phase follows the initial response to a disruption and focuses on restoring business operations to their pre-incident state—or better. This phase is about more than just fixing what is broken; it is about ensuring that systems are fully functional, data is secure, and business processes are back on track. For IT service providers, this phase is an opportunity to demonstrate their value by delivering swift, efficient, and reliable recovery solutions. 

Key Components of an Effective IT Recovery Plan 

1. Prioritization of Critical Systems 

Not all systems are created equal. During the recovery phase, IT service providers need to prioritise the repair of critical systems that are essential for operations. This should be guided by Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs), which outline the Minimum Business Continuity Objective (MBCO) and data loss for each system. 

2. Data Restoration and Integrity Checks 

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and its recovery is a top priority. IT service providers use backup solutions—whether on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid—to restore data to its most recent state. Integrity checks are performed to safeguard that the recovered data is accurate, complete, and free from corruption. 

3. System and Infrastructure Rebuilding 

In cases where hardware or infrastructure has been damaged or compromised. This may involve deploying replacement hardware, reconfiguring networks, or reinstalling software. The goal is to restore functionality while ensuring that systems are secure and optimised. 

4. Testing and Validation 

Once systems and data are restored, rigorous testing should be conducted to ensure everything is functioning. This includes stress-testing systems, verifying application performance, and confirming that all integrations are working. Validation makes sure that the recovery process has been successful and that you are ready to resume normal operations. 

5. Client Communication and Support 

Throughout the recovery phase, clear and transparent communication is essential. IT service providers need to keep clients informed about the progress of recovery efforts, any challenges encountered, and the expected timeline for full restoration. Post-recovery, we offer support to address any lingering issues and help clients transition back to business as usual. 

6. Post-Recovery Analysis and Improvement 

The recovery phase does not end when systems are back online. Getronics conducts a thorough post-recovery analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the response and recovery efforts. This includes identifying lessons learned, updating the Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and implementing improvements to enhance future resilience. 

The Role of Technology in the Recovery Phase of Business Continuity Management 

Leveraging advanced technologies to streamline the recovery process is a crucial part of making sure your recovery is always up to date and effective. Key tools and solutions include: 

– Back-up as a Service: A cloud-based approach to backing-up your crucial data for recovery. Offload the complexity, and the cost to a remote and secure provider. 

– Automation: Automated recovery processes minimise human error and speed up the restoration of critical systems. 

– Team Switch: A range of support teams on offer, in person and remote, that can be used whenever needed. From the Getronics Security Operations Center (SOC) to our Service Desk.  

Building Long-Term Resilience 

The recovery phase is not just about restoring operations, it is about building resilience for the future. Together we work with clients to strengthen their IT infrastructure, implement robust backup and recovery solutions, and develop proactive strategies to mitigate the impact of future disruptions. This includes regular testing of recovery plans, employee training, and ongoing risk assessments. 

The Value of Partnering with an IT Service Provider 

For businesses, navigating the recovery phase alone can be overwhelming. Partnering with an experienced IT service provider, like Getronics, ensures access to the expertise, tools, and resources needed to recover quickly and effectively. We act as a trusted partner, guiding clients through every step of the recovery process and helping them emerge stronger from disruptions. 

In an era where disruptions are inevitable, the ability to recover effectively is a competitive advantage. Mastering the recovery phase is not just about restoring systems, it is about empowering clients to thrive in the face of adversity. 

For even more information on the Recovery phase, as well as guidance into the preparedness and response phases, then read our Business Continuity Whitepaper. We dedicate resources to the safety and resilience of your organisation.   

Or get in touch with us to start a conversation about a Getronics partnership.

Whitepaper: Building Business Continuity Management Into Your Organisation