How often must recovery plans be tested?

The frequency with which recovery plans must be tested is established under NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. Specifically, the requirement stipulates that recovery plans should be tested at least every 15 calendar months. This time frame ensures that the plans remain effective and applicable, reflecting any changes in operations, technology, or regulatory requirements that may have occurred since the last test.

Testing recovery plans at this interval is critical for several reasons. It allows organizations to assess their readiness to respond to incidents, ensures that personnel are familiar with their roles and responsibilities, and provides an opportunity to identify any weaknesses or gaps in the plans that need to be addressed. Regular testing also helps maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and demonstrates to stakeholders that the organization is committed to effective risk management and incident response.

In contrast, the other proposed intervals do not align with the regulatory requirements as accurately. For example, testing every 6 calendar months might seem proactive but exceeds the minimum standard and could place unnecessary strain on resources. Similarly, testing every year or every quarter does not meet the specific mandate established by NERC, highlighting the importance of adhering closely to the designated timeframe of every 15 calendar months to ensure compliance and effectiveness.