What should immediately precede restoring access to users after a disaster?

The step that should immediately precede restoring access to users after a disaster is to monitor system functionality. This is vital because it ensures that the system is stable and functioning correctly before allowing users to access it. If users are given access to a system that has not been thoroughly monitored for functionality, it could lead to further complications or data loss.

Monitoring involves checking that all systems are operational, verifying that applications and services are performing as intended, and assessing whether the recovery processes have returned the system to a stable state. This process helps identify any lingering issues that could affect user experience or data integrity, allowing for timely resolution before users are restored access.

Other options, while relevant in a broader disaster recovery context, do not directly address the immediate requirements prior to user restoration. For example, backups of user data are typically done prior to the disaster event, not afterward as a direct precursor to restoring access. Similarly, testing old system configurations may not be as crucial at the restoration moment as ensuring current system functionality is optimal. Lastly, a complete system overhaul would usually be a significant and time-consuming task that ideally would precede any user restoration, rather than be a step that comes immediately before it.