Which disaster recovery test method involves performing an exercise on live systems and data, potentially causing a true disaster recovery event?

The chosen answer is appropriate because a full interruption test is the disaster recovery test method that involves shutting down live systems and conducting operations from a secondary location or environment. This is done to simulate a real disaster situation where normal operations are interrupted, allowing organizations to validate their disaster recovery plans under actual conditions.

During a full interruption test, all operational processes are halted, and it is expected that the transition to the backup facilities or alternatives is seamless. This method is critical for ensuring that systems can be effectively restored and that personnel are trained to respond during a genuine disaster scenario.

The intensity of this test means it is more disruptive than other methods, such as tabletop exercises or walk-throughs, which are more theoretical and do not impact live environments. The parallel test, while involving live systems, typically does not require a full interruption, allowing normal operations to continue. Therefore, full interruption is specifically designed to evaluate both the technical and operational readiness in the face of a disaster.