SSCP Systems Security Certified PractitionerIncident Response and RecoveryMedium

A financial institution is developing its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and has identified several critical business functions. To ensure the availability of these functions during a disruption, they need to establish a secondary operational facility that can be brought online with minimal delay, complete with hardware, software, and up-to-date data. Which type of alternative site best meets these requirements?

  1. AWarm Site
  2. BMobile Site
  3. CCold Site
  4. DHot Site
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Hot Site

A hot site provides a fully equipped, ready-to-use facility with necessary hardware, software, and current data, enabling immediate or near-immediate resumption of operations. This aligns with the requirement for minimal delay and up-to-date data.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A warm site has some equipment but may lack current data and full configuration, requiring moderate setup time.
  • B. A mobile site is a portable facility, which might not offer the same level of immediate readiness and full infrastructure as a robust hot site.
  • C. A cold site is a basic facility with infrastructure but no equipment or data, requiring significant time to become operational.

Hot Site

A fully operational off-site data center that has all the necessary hardware, software, and up-to-date data, ready to take over operations immediately or with minimal delay during a disaster.

  • Highest cost due to constant readiness.
  • Offers the fastest recovery time.
  • Requires continuous synchronization of data.

Memory trick: Hot is Ready, Warm is Waiting, Cold is Empty, Mobile is Moving.

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