In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the concept of “cyber resilience” has gained prominence, emphasizing not merely the prevention of cyber threats but also the importance of effective recovery strategies. According to Rick Orloff, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Everpure, and Scott Taylor, the Director of Cyber Resilience, organizations must focus on how they plan for recovery—not just how they prevent incidents. This insight underlines the notion that planning for effective recovery is crucial in ensuring that vital operations can continue without significant disruptions.

Orloff and Taylor advocate for a thorough identification of critical data and a clear definition of recovery priorities within organizations. Notably, many firms still operate under a misguided belief that backup solutions alone are a sufficient protective measure. This perspective often results in significant vulnerabilities during actual incidents, hindering swift restoration efforts. The duo emphasizes the need for clarity regarding system dependencies and business priorities to improve recovery outcomes effectively.

“It’s not just about backing up everything,” Orloff explained. Instead, he stresses the necessity of focusing on backing up critical components of the business. “It’s backing up the critical things that are going to run the business.” This philosophy reflects a fundamental shift in mindset, where businesses must prioritize their operations and focus on the minimum viable system that will allow them to operate following a cyber incident. Taylor elaborated, stating, “You want to focus on getting that minimum viable business or minimum viable company back up and operational, so you’re minimizing things like revenue disruption for your organization.” This approach is not just about resilience; it’s about maintaining business continuity even in the face of adversities.

During a recent video interview with the Information Security Media Group at the RSAC Conference 2026, both Orloff and Taylor discussed several critical topics surrounding cybersecurity recovery strategies. Among these discussions were the challenges posed by asset inventory gaps, which can significantly delay recovery efforts. Organizations that lack a comprehensive understanding of their assets risk facing extended downtimes when incidents do occur.

Moreover, the pair highlighted the importance of testing recovery plans in scenarios beyond traditional disasters. Ensuring that organizations frequently simulate various cyber-attack scenarios can expose weaknesses in recovery processes, allowing firms to strengthen their strategies before a real incident occurs. They also emphasized the need for enhanced cross-functional collaboration during cyber incidents, as coordinated responses can streamline recovery efforts and optimize outcomes.

Orloff’s extensive experience, spanning over two decades in cybersecurity, includes pivotal roles at prominent firms such as Apple and eBay, where he has contributed significantly to product security, incident response, and global risk management. His background positions him as a valuable resource in advising federal agencies on cybersecurity matters. On the other hand, Taylor leads Everpure’s team focused on cyber resilience solutions throughout the Americas. With nearly 25 years in the IT industry, he brings a wealth of insight into constructing resilient architectures that can withstand diverse modern threats.

Ultimately, the discourse presented by Orloff and Taylor signifies a vital perspective shift within the corporate world regarding cybersecurity. Emphasizing recovery as a core aspect of an organization’s resilience strategy can pave the way for more effective responses to cyber threats, enabling businesses to minimize disruption and maintain operations even under challenging circumstances.