DCTR-10

Are redundant power strategies tested?

Explanation

This question is asking whether your organization tests the backup power systems in your datacenter to ensure they work properly when needed. Redundant power strategies refer to backup power systems like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, or multiple power feeds that keep your datacenter operational during power outages. Why this matters in security assessments: 1. Availability: Power outages can cause service disruptions, which violates the 'availability' aspect of the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability). 2. Data Protection: Sudden power loss can corrupt data or damage systems. 3. Business Continuity: Organizations need to ensure critical systems remain operational during power failures. 4. Compliance: Many regulations and standards (like NIST 800-53, ISO 27001) require testing of backup power systems. A good answer should include: - What redundant power systems you have in place - How frequently you test them - What your testing procedures involve - How you document and address any issues found during testing - Whether the tests are performed under load conditions that simulate real outages

Example Responses

Example Response 1

Yes, our datacenter implements a comprehensive redundant power testing program We have dual power feeds from separate utility substations, on-site diesel generators with 72-hour fuel capacity, and N+1 UPS systems We conduct monthly generator start-up tests under no-load conditions, quarterly transfer switch tests, and bi-annual full-load tests where we deliberately cut utility power to verify seamless failover All tests are documented with performance metrics, and any issues are tracked through our incident management system with defined SLAs for remediation Our most recent full-load test was conducted on March 15, 2023, with all systems performing as expected with a transfer time of less than 10 milliseconds.

Example Response 2

Yes, we test our redundant power infrastructure quarterly according to our Business Continuity Plan Our datacenter utilizes a 2N UPS configuration with battery backup systems capable of supporting full load for 30 minutes, and diesel generators that activate automatically during extended outages Testing includes simulated power failures during maintenance windows to verify automatic transfer switch operation and UPS performance under load We also perform annual full-building power outage tests during scheduled downtime All test results are reviewed by our Infrastructure team and our Director of Operations, with findings and remediation plans documented in our compliance management system Our last full test on November 12, 2022, identified a 3-second delay in generator startup which was addressed by replacing a faulty sensor.

Example Response 3

No, we have redundant power systems in place but do not currently have a formal testing program Our datacenter is equipped with UPS systems and backup generators, but we have only tested them during initial installation We rely on the manufacturer's specifications and monitoring systems to alert us to potential issues We recognize this is a gap in our infrastructure resilience program and are developing a testing schedule to implement in the next quarter In the meantime, we have monitoring in place to track battery health and generator fuel levels, and we perform visual inspections monthly We have not experienced any power-related outages in the past 24 months.

Context

Tab: Infrastructure
Category: Datacenter