Backup, Disaster Recovery and Network Security

Backup, Disaster Recovery and Network Security

There are many facets to network security. First you have the network administrators who are concerned with providing proper access levels to users who may need a particular server’s services to perform their job. Environmental factors and computer faults cause concern for data security and by allowing only authorized users onto the network and disallowing outside access some of this concern can be eliminated. Data must be secure and recoverable in the event of a disaster, especially when that is all the company has.

We will now discuss the disaster recovery plan for a DDA, which operates in a fairly secluded area notorious for break-ins. At present, the company’s server is installed next to a window, which is obviously not a good idea. DDA has recently experienced a number of break-ins, in which one the server was taken. Tighter security at the site can help reduce this threat. DDA also prefers to back-up their data monthly. However, certain information must be backed up at least once a week in case of disasters. Add the fact that DDA is located in Tornado Alley and it is easy to see the enormous necessity for a disaster recovery plan.

Physical Measures:

The first step to creating a disaster recovery plan is to place your servers in a room where the doors can be kept locked. A locking server rack would also be beneficial. Server racks can be purchased from various vendors. Because one of DDA’s locations is prone to flooding, the best defense against possible water damage is to not have the server room on the ground floor. This is not an issue for DDA, but if they were to relocate to a one story building then their servers would need to be installed as high on the server rack as possible. The server should then be located behind at least two locked doors, requiring a different key for each door to limit the number of people with access.

To ensure the reliability of the data, the server will...