What is one of the first steps in effective disaster recovery planning?

Identifying critical business functions and dependencies is a fundamental step in effective disaster recovery planning because it allows an organization to understand which aspects of its operations are essential for continuity. This identification process involves evaluating the various functions that support the core mission of the organization and determining how these functions interconnect with one another. By assessing these dependencies, organizations can prioritize their recovery efforts and allocate resources more effectively to ensure that vital functions are restored quickly in the event of a disaster.

This step not only aids in mapping out a recovery strategy but also helps in recognizing the critical resources—such as personnel, technology, and data—that must be protected or restored to maintain operational integrity. Understanding these dependencies will further guide the development of a disaster recovery plan that is practical and aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.

Other options, while relevant to disaster recovery and business continuity, do not serve as foundational steps in the planning process. For instance, regular employee training sessions are important for preparedness but come after the critical functions have been established. Outsourcing IT management or investing in cloud solutions may be part of the recovery strategy, but they are contingent on understanding what needs to be recovered and how. Without first identifying critical business functions and their dependencies, these later actions may not address the organization's most pressing