CIS Controls 11.1: Establish and Maintain a Data Recovery Process
Data recovery isn't just about restoring files—it's a critical safeguard against ransomware, hardware failure, and extended downtime. CIS Controls 11.1 requires you to document a formal recovery process that defines scope, priorities, and backup security controls. SMBs often skip this step until disaster strikes.
What this means
You must create and maintain a documented data recovery process that clearly defines: (1) which data and systems are covered by recovery efforts, (2) the order in which critical systems and data are restored, and (3) security controls protecting your backups from compromise or unauthorized access. This documentation must be reviewed and updated at least annually, and immediately after major infrastructure or business changes that could affect recovery capabilities.
How to comply
- 1.Document the full scope of your data recovery program, identifying all critical data, systems, and applications that require backup and recovery capabilities
- 2.Define recovery prioritization by classifying systems and data by business criticality and establishing Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs)
- 3.Implement security controls for backup data, including encryption in transit and at rest, access restrictions, and immutable backup copies to prevent ransomware deletion
- 4.Document backup locations, retention schedules, and testing procedures to ensure backups remain viable and accessible
- 5.Establish a testing schedule for recovery procedures, including full restore tests at least annually to validate effectiveness
- 6.Review and update all documentation annually or immediately following significant infrastructure, system, or business changes
Evidence auditors look for
- Data recovery process document outlining scope, prioritization criteria, and security controls
- System inventory with assigned RTO/RPO values based on business criticality
- Backup storage infrastructure documentation showing encryption, redundancy, and access controls
- Backup testing logs and recovery drill reports demonstrating successful data restoration
- Change log showing annual documentation reviews and updates triggered by major infrastructure changes
- Backup retention and deletion policies aligned with regulatory requirements
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates data recovery documentation, tracks RTO/RPO assignments, schedules and logs backup testing activities, and alerts you to annual review deadlines—eliminating spreadsheet chaos and ensuring CIS 11.1 compliance without manual effort.
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