A strategic approach to ensure that an organization can continue operations during and after a cyber incident.
Description
Business Continuity Planning (BCP) in the cybersecurity industry refers to the process of creating systems of prevention and recovery to deal with potential threats to a company's operations. This includes identifying critical business functions, assessing risks, and developing strategies to maintain operations in the event of a cyber attack, natural disaster, or other disruptive incidents. For example, if a company experiences a ransomware attack that locks them out of their systems, a well-prepared BCP would outline steps to restore data from backups and implement alternative communication methods. Companies like Delta Air Lines have utilized BCP to recover from data breaches, ensuring flight operations continue while addressing security vulnerabilities. BCP is not only about recovery but also about resilience, enabling organizations to adapt to threats and minimize downtime. Regular testing and revisions of the BCP are crucial to address new threats and changes in business processes. Overall, effective BCP helps organizations protect their assets, maintain customer trust, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Examples
- Delta Air Lines implementing BCP to recover from a significant data breach in 2019, ensuring continued flight operations.
- Target's development of a comprehensive BCP after a massive cyber attack in 2013, focusing on customer data protection and operational resilience.
Additional Information
- BCP is essential for regulatory compliance, as many industries require documented plans to protect against data loss.
- Regular training and updates to the BCP ensure that employees are prepared to respond effectively to cyber threats.