What is a business continuity plan (BCP)?

A business continuity plan (BCP) is a comprehensive strategy that outlines how an organization will maintain essential functions and operations during and after a disaster or disruptive event. This plan is critical for ensuring that business processes continue with minimal downtime, particularly in the face of natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or any other incidents that could disrupt normal operations.

The BCP typically includes procedures for responding to emergencies, maintaining or quickly resuming critical functions, protecting vital data, and managing communications both internally and externally. The ultimate goal is to ensure organizational resilience, thereby safeguarding resources, staff, and infrastructure while minimizing losses and allowing for a smoother recovery.

By focusing on operational continuity, the BCP emphasizes preparedness, response, and recovery strategies, making it an essential component of effective organizational management in times of crisis.