How to create a good Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?
A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ensures that your company can continue operating during and after a disaster, cyberattack, or other disruptions. A well-structured BCP helps minimise downtime, protect assets, and ensure business resilience.
🔹 Steps to Create an Effective BCP
1️⃣ Identify Key Business Functions & Risks 📊
✅ List critical business operations – What processes must continue during a crisis?
✅ Identify potential risks & threats – Cyber attacks, natural disasters, power failures, pandemics, supply chain disruptions.
✅ Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) – Determine the impact of disruptions on revenue, operations, and reputation.
2️⃣ Define Roles & Responsibilities 👥
✅ Assign a Business Continuity Team – Who is responsible for executing the plan?
✅ Define emergency contacts – Include key personnel, suppliers, customers, and IT support.
✅ Establish clear communication protocols – How will employees be informed during an incident?
3️⃣ Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) 🔄
✅ Backup data regularly – Use cloud storage and offsite backups.
✅ Ensure IT redundancy – Have failover systems for critical applications.
✅ Set Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) – How quickly should systems be restored?
✅ Set Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) – What is the maximum tolerable data loss?
🛠️ Use Disaster Recovery Tools: Veeam, Acronis, AWS Backup, Microsoft Azure Site Recovery.
4️⃣ Establish Alternative Work Arrangements 🏢 → 🏠
✅ Plan for remote work capabilities – Secure VPNs, cloud collaboration tools, and cyber security measures.
✅ Identify alternate office locations – In case the primary office becomes inaccessible.
5️⃣ Create a Communication Plan 📢
✅ Define internal & external communication strategies – How will you notify employees, customers, and stakeholders?
✅ Use multiple channels: Email, phone, SMS alerts, company website updates, social media.
✅ Have pre-drafted crisis messages to ensure quick response.
6️⃣ Test & Update the Plan Regularly 🔍
✅ Conduct BCP drills & simulations to test effectiveness.
✅ Gather feedback from employees & make necessary improvements.
✅ Update the plan at least once a year or after major business changes.
🛠️ Use BCP Testing Methods:
- Tabletop exercises – Discuss responses to hypothetical scenarios.
- Live simulations – Test real-world responses (e.g., cyber attack drill).
- Walkthroughs – Ensure employees understand their roles.
🔹 BCP Best Practices
✅ Align with ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Standard) for best practices.
✅ Store the BCP securely & accessibly – Ensure key employees have access.
✅ Include a supplier contingency plan – What happens if a key supplier is unavailable?
✅ Train employees on cyber security awareness – Prevent breaches that could disrupt operations.