Consider a scenario where the contingency planning management team (CPMT) of your organization has designated you as the disaster recovery team leader, and the preparation and planning of this component of the security program is now under your purview with a team of 11 employees including yourself. Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: Detail the DR team roles, responsibilities, and sub teams that would be implemented, and construct an organizational chart for the team through the use of graphical tools in Visio, or an open source alternative such as Dia. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length. Describe the proper procedures and policies that would be implemented specific to the DR team personnel as well as special equipment that would be required. Draft an executive summary to the DR plan and explain the purpose of the plan and high-level specifics for upper management. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment

Title: Disaster Recovery Team Roles, Responsibilities, and Procedures

Introduction:
In the event of a disaster, a well-coordinated and efficient disaster recovery (DR) team is essential for an organization’s ability to recover and resume normal operations. This paper outlines the roles, responsibilities, and sub-teams that would be implemented within the disaster recovery team. Additionally, it discusses the procedures, policies, and special equipment necessary for the team’s successful execution of their duties. Finally, an executive summary of the DR plan is provided, outlining its purpose and high-level specifics for upper management.

DR Team Roles and Responsibilities:
To ensure effective disaster recovery operations, it is crucial to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of team members. The following roles are suggested for the DR team:

1. Disaster Recovery Team Leader: As the team leader, they are responsible for overseeing and coordinating all DR activities. This includes planning, organizing, and executing recovery strategies and ensuring the team’s readiness to respond to a disaster.

2. Infrastructure Team: This team consists of individuals with expertise in network infrastructure, hardware, and software. They are responsible for assessing the status of infrastructure components, coordinating repairs, and restoring critical systems and applications.

3. Data Recovery Team: This team focuses on data restoration and retrieval. They work closely with the infrastructure team to ensure data backups are accessible, perform data recovery operations, and verify the integrity of restored data.

4. Communications Team: This team is responsible for maintaining effective communication channels during the recovery process. They manage internal and external communications, provide updates to stakeholders, and coordinate with the public relations department in case of a public-facing disaster.

5. Security Team: The security team plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of recovered systems. They implement necessary security measures, conduct vulnerability assessments, and monitor the recovery environment to mitigate potential risks.

Procedures and Policies for DR Team Personnel:
To ensure the smooth functioning of the DR team, the following procedures and policies are recommended:

1. Training and Awareness: All team members should receive comprehensive training on their roles, responsibilities, and procedures. This includes regular exercises and simulations to test the team’s effectiveness and preparedness for different disaster scenarios.

2. Incident Reporting: A robust incident reporting mechanism should be established to enable prompt reporting and escalation of any potential or actual disasters. This ensures that the DR team is alerted promptly and can initiate the necessary recovery actions.

3. Chain of Command: A clear and well-defined chain of command should be established within the team to facilitate effective decision-making and communication during the recovery process. This ensures that responsibilities and authority are clearly assigned, preventing confusion in high-pressure situations.

Special Equipment for the DR Team:
To perform their duties effectively, the DR team may require access to specialized equipment such as:

1. Data Backup and Recovery Systems: The team should have access to backup and recovery systems that can swiftly restore critical data in the event of a disaster. This may include off-site backup storage, redundant hardware, and cloud-based recovery solutions.

2. Network Monitoring Tools: Monitoring tools are essential for the infrastructure and security teams to continuously assess the status of network components, identify vulnerabilities, and monitor the recovery environment for potential security breaches.

3. Communication Equipment: Reliable communication tools, such as radios or satellite phones, should be provided to the team to ensure seamless communication during a disaster, particularly if conventional communication channels are disrupted.

Executive Summary of the DR Plan:
The executive summary provides upper management with an overview of the DR plan. It outlines the purpose of the plan, which is to ensure the organization’s ability to recover from a disaster and minimize the impact on operations. Additionally, it highlights the key components of the plan, including the roles and responsibilities of the DR team, procedures for incident reporting, and the special equipment required. The executive summary emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation, training, and ongoing testing to maintain readiness for various disaster scenarios.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, a well-structured and well-equipped disaster recovery team is crucial for an organization’s resilience in the face of a disaster. By clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and sub-teams, implementing appropriate procedures and policies, and ensuring access to necessary equipment, the DR team can effectively mitigate the impact of a disaster and facilitate the timely recovery of critical systems and operations.