(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of offsite storage in disaster recovery?

1. Geographically distant

2. Cheap to maintain

3. Always operational

4. Requires no manual transfer

The correct answer is: Geographically distant

A characteristic of offsite storage in disaster recovery is that it is geographically distant from the primary site where the data is usually processed and stored. This distance is crucial because it mitigates risks associated with localized disasters, such as natural disasters, fires, or other catastrophic events, that could potentially affect both the primary site and any immediate backup locations. Keeping data in a separate geographical location ensures that it remains accessible and secure when local systems become compromised. This feature enhances the resilience of data recovery strategies, allowing organizations to restore services more readily in the event of a site failure. In contrast, other options present attributes that may not accurately reflect the nature of offsite storage. For example, while it can be relatively economical, it may also incur notable costs depending on the provider or technology used. Offsite storage can have operational times that vary based on access methods and provider reliability, meaning it may not always be operational at all times. Additionally, offsite storage often requires manual transfer processes for data backups, involving either physical transportation of storage devices to the offsite location or intentional, scheduled data transfers. Therefore, the emphasis on geographical distance effectively captures the essence of what makes offsite storage a resilient option in disaster recovery planning.