Resiliency strategies often involve planning for various service areas to ensure that organizations can effectively respond to and recover from disruptions or emergencies. These service areas are essential components of a comprehensive resiliency plan. Here are key elements that are typically included in the plan section of service areas within resiliency strategies:
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Objective: Identify potential risks and threats that could impact the organization's operations.
Activities:
Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and potential hazards.
Classify risks based on likelihood and potential impact.
Prioritize risks to focus resources on the most critical areas.
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Objective: Understand the potential impact of disruptions on critical business functions and processes.
Activities:
Identify critical business processes and functions.
Assess the financial, operational, and reputational impacts of disruptions.
Determine recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) for each critical process.
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Objective: Establish a framework for responding to and managing incidents promptly and effectively.
Activities:
Develop incident response plans outlining roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.
Conduct tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of the incident response plan.
Integrate incident response with broader resiliency strategies.
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Objective: Ensure effective communication both internally and externally during and after an incident.
Activities:
Develop communication plans that include contact lists, communication channels, and protocols.
Establish a crisis communication team and define their roles.
Test communication systems regularly through drills and exercises.
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Objective: Ensure the availability and resilience of critical infrastructure and technology systems.
Activities:
Identify and prioritize critical infrastructure components.
Implement redundancy and backup systems.
Test and update technology recovery plans regularly.
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Objective: Ensure that the organization has the necessary resources and personnel to respond to and recover from disruptions.
Activities:
Identify and allocate resources needed for recovery efforts.
Establish agreements with external vendors for additional resources.
Cross-train personnel to ensure flexibility in roles during emergencies.
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Objective: Ensure that employees are trained and aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disruption.
Activities:
Conduct regular training sessions and drills for employees.
Provide educational materials on emergency procedures.
Foster a culture of resilience and preparedness within the organization.
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Objective: Regularly review and update the resiliency plan to incorporate lessons learned and changes in the organization's operations.
Activities:
Conduct post-incident reviews to identify areas for improvement.
Update the resiliency plan based on feedback and new information.
Ensure that the plan evolves to address emerging threats and challenges.
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Objective: Ensure that the organization's resiliency plan aligns with relevant regulations and compliance requirements.
Activities:
Stay informed about regulatory requirements related to business continuity and resiliency.
Conduct regular assessments to ensure compliance.
Adjust the plan as needed to address changes in regulations.
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Objective: Establish connections with external entities, such as local emergency services and community organizations, to enhance overall resilience.
Activities:
Collaborate with local emergency responders and community organizations.
Participate in community resilience initiatives.
Share information and resources with external partners.