Business continuity plans can be assessed via a number of tests. Which type of test continues up to the point of actual relocation to an offsite facility and actual shipment of replacement equipment?

A.
Parallel test

B.
Checklist test

C.
Structured walk-through test

D.
Simulation test

Explanation:
D: In a simulation test, all employees who participate in operational and support functions come together to practice executing the disaster recovery plan based on a specific
scenario. The scenario is used to test the reaction of each operational and support representative. This is done to ensure that specific steps were not left out and certain threats were
not overlooked, as well as to act as a catalyst to raise awareness of the people involved. The drill includes only those materials available in an actual disaster to portray a more realistic
environment. The simulation test continues up to the point of actual relocation to an offsite facility and actual shipment of replacement equipment.
A is incorrect because a parallel test is carried out to ensure that the specific systems can actually perform adequately at the alternate offsite facility. The systems are moved to the
alternate site and processing takes place. The results are compared with the regular processing that is done at the original site. This activity points out any necessary tweaking,
reconfiguring, or steps that need to take place to ensure that proper processing can take place at the alternate site.
B is incorrect because in a checklist test copies of the disaster recovery and business continuity plans are distributed to the different departments and functional areas for review.
This is done so that each functional manager or team can review the plan and indicate if anything has been left out or if some approaches should be modified or deleted. This is a
method that ensures that some things have not been taken for granted or omitted. Once the departments have reviewed their copy and made suggestions, the planning team then
integrates those changes into the master plan.
C is incorrect because in a structured walk-through test representatives from each department or functional area come together to go over the plan to ensure its accuracy. The group
goes over the objectives of the plan; discusses the scope and assumptions of the plan; reviews the organization and reporting structure; and evaluates the testing, maintenance, and
training requirements described. This gives the people who will be responsible for making sure that a disaster recovery happens effectively and efficiently a chance to review what has
been decided upon and what is expected of them. The group walks through different scenarios of the plan from beginning to end to make sure nothing was left out and to raise the
awareness of the recovery team members.