During what scenario does a Full Interruption Test generally occur?

A Full Interruption Test is a critical component of disaster recovery planning, where business operations are fully halted to evaluate the effectiveness of recovery strategies in a realistic setting. This type of test typically takes place during a simulated disaster recovery scenario to assess how well an organization can recover in the event of a real disruption. The aim is to simulate stress on the system and ensure all components of the disaster recovery plan function as intended when put to the ultimate test.

During this simulated disaster recovery, the full range of operations is suspended, allowing the organization to identify weaknesses and make adjustments to their strategies. This testing does not occur during normal business operations, preparation for audits, or minor incidents since those situations do not provide the necessary environment for an effective assessment of the full recovery capabilities.