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P E E R T O P E E R M A G A Z I N E · W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 25 Identity-driven recovery ties endpoint device rebuilds directly to secure identity controls. Instead of relying on manual processes or ad hoc fixes, firms can enforce software to manage privileges at every stage of the recovery process. These automated resilience technologies allow compromised or disabled devices to be rebuilt remotely, consistently, and securely. This approach delivers several critical benefits. Recovery can be done at scale regardless of how many endpoints you have; every endpoint is rebuilt to the same secure baseline, eliminating human error and configuration drift. Automated recovery dramatically cuts RTO and MTTR, turning technical metrics into governance proof points but at speed. At every step, access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can initiate or approve recovery actions, protecting client data. Finally, and importantly, automated logs and rebuild records map directly to ISO 27001, SOC 2, and NIST CSF requirements, providing regulators and clients with verifiable evidence of due diligence. LESSONS FROM REAL-WORLD INCIDENTS Unfortunately, many events have underscored the importance of recovery readiness. In July 2024, a faulty update of CrowdStrike's systems led to a global endpoint outage. This had a damaging ripple effect, disrupting airlines, hospitals, law firms, and many other sectors. The organizations that had already deployed automated recovery strategies were able to restore operations quickly, minimizing reputational damage and regulatory exposure. But those without a strategy faced days of downtime, client frustration, and a damaged brand reputation. In multiple high-profile cases, ransomware has cost firms billions of dollars. But those that could rapidly rebuild endpoints from clean baselines avoided paying ransoms and demonstrated resilience to clients. These incidents illustrate a broader truth: recovery is no longer just about getting systems back online. It is about demonstrating resilience, protecting client trust, and prioritizing professional ethics. Recovery readiness is also a competitive differentiator, and with clients increasingly evaluating firms on their ability to bounce back without compromising confidentiality or continuity, it is vital for new business. TRANSLATING GUIDANCE INTO RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS One of the most pressing challenges for law firms is translating abstract guidance into concrete recovery requirements. Consider these examples: • ABA cybersecurity guidance: Calls for "reasonable efforts" to prevent and mitigate cyber incidents. Recovery automation provides a measurable, defensible way to demonstrate those efforts. • Outside counsel guidelines: Increasingly specify recovery expectations, including documented RTOs and MTTRs. Automated rebuilds enable firms to consistently meet these expectations. • ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST CSF: These frameworks emphasize incident response, business continuity, and system integrity. Automated recovery maps cleanly to these controls, providing audit-ready evidence. It is therefore vital that recovery processes are built on these frameworks. RECOVERY METRICS AS GOVERNANCE INDICATORS RTO and MTTR are emerging as critical governance indicators. Boards and clients want to know: • How quickly can the firm restore operations after a cyber incident? • How consistently can endpoints be rebuilt to a secure baseline? • How well does the recovery process enforce least privilege and protect client data? Automated recovery provides clear answers. It transforms technical metrics into governance proof

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