What is the purpose of business continuity planning (BCP)?

The purpose of business continuity planning (BCP) is to create systems for threat prevention and recovery. BCP involves outlining procedures and strategies to ensure that critical business functions can continue during and after a disruptive event, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or any situation that threatens normal operations. By focusing on threat prevention, organizations can identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, recovery plans are integral to BCP, as they provide clear actions to restore operations and minimize the impact of disruptions.

The development of these plans allows businesses to safeguard their essential functions, protect their assets and personnel, and ensure a quicker return to normalcy following an interruption. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining organizational resilience and safeguarding stakeholder trust during difficult times.