“Security is not about preventing all attacks. It’s about reducing the impact when they happen.”
Introduction: Why Recovery Is Just as Important as Prevention
So far, we’ve talked about identifying what matters in your business, putting protections in place, and having systems to detect and respond to cyber threats. But what happens after the dust settles? What if an incident occurs despite your best efforts?
That’s where Recover comes in—the final stage in the cybersecurity lifecycle and one that’s often overlooked. Yet it’s the most human part of cybersecurity: helping people, systems, and operations return to normal—and learning how to be better next time.
Cyber Incidents Are Not the End—They’re a Test of Resilience
Let’s be clear: cyber incidents are disruptive. They can halt operations, shake customer confidence, and create chaos for teams trying to put the pieces back together. But recovery isn’t just about fixing systems. It’s about protecting your brand, your customers, and your future.
A well-thought-out recovery plan ensures that your business can:
- Minimise downtime
- Communicate effectively during a crisis
- Restore systems and data quickly
- Strengthen defences for next time
Why Every Business Needs a Recovery Plan
Imagine this: a ransomware attack hits your company. Files are encrypted, your email system is offline, and staff can’t access the tools they need to work. What do you do?
Do you know where your backups are stored?
Do you have a checklist for bringing systems back online?
Do your staff know who to report to, and how to keep customers informed?
Without a plan, even a small incident can turn into a long-term crisis. But with the right recovery framework, you can contain the damage and restore trust.
Key Elements of a Strong Recovery Strategy
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) Planning
Recovery starts with planning—long before anything goes wrong. Business Continuity (BC) is about keeping essential operations running, while Disaster Recovery (DR) is about restoring systems and data.
A good plan answers:
- What are your critical systems and processes?
- What’s your maximum acceptable downtime (RTO)?
- How much data can you afford to lose (RPO)?
These metrics help you align your recovery priorities with your business needs.
- Regular and Reliable Backups
You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again: backups are your lifeline. It’s not enough to run backups—you need to test them regularly and ensure they’re stored securely (ideally in an off-site or cloud-based location).
Follow the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage types
- 1 offsite copy
Without working backups, recovery becomes guesswork.
- Clear Communication Channels
Recovery isn’t just technical—it’s also about communication. Who do you notify in the event of a breach? How do you communicate with staff, clients, and stakeholders without causing panic or spreading misinformation?
A recovery plan should include:
- Internal communication templates
- Media statements (if applicable)
- Guidance on reporting obligations under the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme in Australia
- Post-Incident Review and Continuous Improvement
Every incident—whether it’s a major breach or a minor disruption—is an opportunity to learn.
After recovery:
- Hold a debrief with key staff
- Identify what worked and what didn’t
- Update your policies, procedures, and response plans
This is where resilience is truly built—by learning from the past to prepare for the future.
Real-World Example: The Toll Group Ransomware Attack
In early 2020, Australian logistics giant Toll Group was hit by two separate ransomware attacks within three months. The incidents disrupted parcel tracking, customer service, and even some core operations.
Toll took systems offline, notified customers, and began the recovery process. The events caused reputational harm and exposed the need for more robust defences. But what stands out is how the company communicated clearly, worked methodically to restore systems, and publicly committed to improving its cybersecurity posture.
It wasn’t perfect—but it showed that how you recover matters just as much as how you protect.
How MSA Helps You Recover
At Managed Services Australia, we don’t just stop at prevention. We actively help businesses plan, test, and execute recovery strategies:
- Managed Backup and Recovery – Secure, off-site backups with automated testing and rapid restoration
- Business Continuity Planning – Customised BC/DR planning that aligns with your operations and risk appetite
- Breach Communication Support – Templates and guidance for regulatory notifications and client communication
- Recovery Simulation Exercises – Tabletop drills and scenario-based testing to build real-world readiness
- Post-Incident Analysis and Recommendations – Identify root causes and build stronger future safeguards
Our role is to ensure that a cyber event doesn’t become a business-ending disaster—but rather a manageable detour on the road to resilience.
Cyber Insurance Readiness – We help businesses align their cybersecurity posture with insurer requirements. Many policies now require proof of backup testing, incident response plans, detection capabilities, and user training. Our support ensures you’re not only covered—but eligible in the first place.
Final Thoughts: Resilience Is the New Security
Cybersecurity isn’t about being bulletproof—it’s about being able to take a hit and keep going. The Recover phase is where leadership shines. It’s about staying calm in a storm, making informed decisions, and showing your team and customers that you’re in control.
This wraps up our Managing Cyber Risk series. But managing risk is never really finished. It’s an ongoing process of preparation, protection, detection, response—and recovery.
Want to talk about how recovery planning can fit into your business continuity strategy?
📞 Call us on 1300 024 748
📧 Email [email protected]
🌐 Visit our website at Managed Services Australia
Because the question isn’t whether something will go wrong—it’s whether you’re ready when it does.
