Which of the following represents the time by which critical systems should resume operations after disruption?

The concept of Recovery Time Objective (RTO) is essential in business continuity and disaster recovery planning. RTO defines the maximum acceptable amount of time that critical systems can be unavailable following a disruption before the business operations would be significantly impacted. Essentially, it sets the target timeframe within which systems must be restored to minimize the effects of the downtime on the organization. This metric is crucial for planning and implementing effective recovery strategies, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately to meet this objective.

In the context of disaster recovery, understanding RTO helps organizations prioritize recovery efforts based on the criticality of various systems and the potential impact of their downtime. By establishing a clear RTO, organizations can develop comprehensive recovery procedures, set expectations for stakeholders, and ensure alignment with business needs.