This IT Continuity Review Audit Work Program serves as an essential resource for organizations seeking to enhance their IT disaster recovery and continuity planning. This tool provides a structured framework for evaluating existing IT continuity processes, identifying potential risks and ensuring that critical systems can recover swiftly in the event of disruption. By utilizing this tool, organizations can improve their resilience against unforeseen challenges, align their IT strategies with business continuity objectives and ultimately safeguard their operations. The clear guidance and actionable insights offered by this audit program make it an asset for businesses committed to maintaining operational stability.

This audit tool includes nine key sections, each addressing vital aspects of IT continuity. It begins with the development of a formalized IT continuity framework that aligns with business goals, followed by guidelines for creating effective IT continuity plans based on business impact analysis. It also examines critical IT resources, emphasizing the importance of resource allocation and prioritization during disaster scenarios. Maintenance of the continuity plan is highlighted to ensure it remains up-to-date and relevant. Additionally, testing procedures are outlined to evaluate the effectiveness of the continuity strategies, while training requirements are addressed to ensure employees understand their roles during a crisis. Finally, the tool covers distribution methods for the continuity plan and off-site backup storage practices, providing a holistic approach to IT continuity management that organizations will find beneficial.

Audit work steps include:

• Obtain evidence that an IT continuity framework has been developed to support the overall corporate business continuity expectations to ensure that all mission-critical processes and applications have been included.
• Review policies, BIA and IT continuity plan processes to validate that updates occur throughout the year as needed, not only in preparation for the next DR test.
• Validate that electronic copies of the IT continuity plan are maintained and current.
• Ensure that vendors and suppliers have been contacted to discuss workarounds.