1. Purpose
The purpose of this Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Policy is to ensure that Bayarcash can continue critical business operations and recover IT systems and data in the event of a disruption, emergency, or disaster.
This policy establishes the framework for preparedness, response, recovery, and restoration activities that minimize operational, financial, and reputational impacts.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All business units, departments, and staff within Bayarcash.
- All IT systems, data, and facilities essential to the organization’s operation.
- Disruptions caused by events such as cyberattacks, power outages, system failures, pandemics, and natural disasters.
3. Objectives
- Ensure the safety of personnel and protection of assets.
- Maintain continuity of critical business functions during disruptions.
- Restore normal operations within acceptable timeframes.
- Minimize data loss and service downtime.
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
4.1 Executive Management
- Approve and oversee the BCP and DR programs.
- Ensure adequate funding, staffing, and resources.
4.2 Business Continuity Team (BCT)
- Lead planning, testing, and implementation of business continuity strategies.
- Maintain up-to-date continuity documentation.
4.3 IT / Disaster Recovery Team
- Maintain regular system backups and secure offsite data storage.
- Develop and execute DR procedures for system restoration.
- Coordinate with vendors and cloud providers during recovery.
4.4 Department Managers
- Identify and prioritize critical business processes.
- Train staff in business continuity procedures.
4.5 Employees
- Follow BCP/DR procedures and report incidents promptly.
5. Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
The BIA identifies critical functions, interdependencies, and potential impacts of disruption.
Key outputs include:
- Critical Business Functions (CBFs): [List critical functions and responsible departments.]
- Maximum Allowable Downtime (MAD): [Define for each CBF.]
- Recovery Time Objective (RTO): [Define acceptable downtime.]
- Recovery Point Objective (RPO): [Define maximum acceptable data loss period.]
6. Risk Assessment
Identify potential threats such as:
- Cyberattacks (e.g., ransomware, data breach)
- Hardware/software failures
- Natural disasters (e.g., fire, flood, earthquake)
- Utility outages (power, internet)
- Human errors or malicious acts
Each risk should be evaluated for likelihood, impact, and mitigation strategies.
7. Business Continuity Strategies
- Implement redundant systems for critical operations.
- Establish remote work capabilities and secure communication channels.
- Maintain vendor and supply chain continuity plans.
- Store critical documentation securely (digitally and physically).
8. Disaster Recovery Procedures
8.1 Activation
- The Incident Commander (or designated officer) will declare a disaster and activate the DR plan.
8.2 Communication
- Notify employees, customers, and stakeholders via predefined channels (e.g., email, SMS, or emergency hotline).
- Provide regular updates until systems are restored.
8.3 Data Backup & Restoration
- Backups must be performed daily and stored securely offsite or in the cloud.
- Data restoration must align with defined RTO and RPO metrics.
8.4 System Recovery
- Prioritize restoration of core infrastructure (e.g., servers, databases, network access).
- Validate integrity of recovered data and systems before going live.
9. Testing & Maintenance
- Conduct BCP/DR drills at least annually.
- Review and update plans after each test or incident.
- Update contact lists, procedures, and system inventories regularly.
10. Training & Awareness
All employees must receive BCP and DR training annually and upon onboarding.
Key staff members should participate in simulated exercises to ensure readiness.
11. Compliance & Audit
Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Internal audits will verify adherence and effectiveness of BCP and DR measures. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.
12. Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed annually or following significant organizational, technological, or regulatory changes.