Business Continuity Planning (Question and Answer)

1. What is the primary goal of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Options:
A. Minimize financial loss
B. Ensure safety of employees
C. Maintain critical business operations
D. Reduce IT downtime
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The primary goal of a BCP is to ensure that critical business operations can continue during and after a disruption, minimizing the impact on the organization.

2. What is the first step in developing a BCP?

Options:
A. Perform a risk assessment
B. Identify critical business functions
C. Develop recovery strategies
D. Test the plan
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Performing a risk assessment is the initial step to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, laying the groundwork for an effective BCP.

3. What is a key difference between a BCP and a DRP?

Options:
A. BCP focuses on IT; DRP focuses on business
B. BCP is proactive; DRP is reactive
C. DRP focuses on all operations
D. BCP is optional
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A BCP is proactive and focuses on maintaining business operations during disruptions, while a DRP is reactive and deals with recovering IT systems after a disaster.

4. Which of the following is an essential component of a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?

Options:
A. Risk mitigation strategy
B. IT system recovery procedures
C. Employee evacuation plans
D. Business impact analysis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A DRP focuses on IT system recovery and includes detailed procedures to restore systems and minimize downtime.

5. What is the purpose of a business impact analysis (BIA)?

Options:
A. To identify threats
B. To analyze the impact of disruptions
C. To create evacuation procedures
D. To ensure regulatory compliance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A BIA assesses the impact of disruptions on business processes, helping prioritize critical functions for recovery and resource allocation.

6. How often should a BCP/DRP be tested?

Options:
A. Once a year
B. Every six months
C. Regularly based on business needs
D. Only after significant changes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The frequency of testing depends on organizational needs, but regular testing ensures the plans remain up-to-date and effective. Testing should also follow major changes in operations or infrastructure.

7. Which of the following is a key benefit of implementing a BCP/DRP?

Options:
A. Guaranteed prevention of disasters
B. Improved compliance with regulations
C. Reduced recovery time
D. Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: BCP/DRP enhances regulatory compliance and minimizes downtime, enabling faster recovery and reducing financial and operational impacts.

8. What is the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) in a DRP?

Options:
A. The time taken to recover data
B. The maximum acceptable data loss
C. The order of system restoration
D. The time to restart critical systems
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: RPO refers to the maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time before a disaster, helping define how often backups should be performed.

9. In BCP/DRP, what is a “hot site”?

Options:
A. A backup location with fully operational systems
B. A location with minimal IT resources
C. A data recovery service
D. A cloud-based solution
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A hot site is a fully equipped backup facility that can take over operations immediately, minimizing downtime in the event of a disaster.

10. What is the primary purpose of conducting a post-disaster review?

Options:
A. To document the recovery process
B. To identify gaps in the plan
C. To train employees
D. To analyze financial impact
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A post-disaster review identifies gaps and weaknesses in the recovery process, enabling improvements to the BCP/DRP for future incidents.

1. Primary Goal of Business Continuity Planning

Q: What is the primary goal of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)?

A. Ensure business functions continue during disruptions ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Reduce operational costs
C. Eliminate all risks
D. Automate all processes

Explanation:
The primary objective of BCP is to ensure that essential business functions can continue with minimal disruption during unexpected events like disasters or outages.

2. First Step in Developing a BCP

Q: What is the first step in developing a Business Continuity Plan?

A. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Test the BCP
C. Identify alternate sites
D. Develop a communication plan

Explanation:
A Business Impact Analysis (BIA) is the foundation of BCP development. It identifies critical business functions, their dependencies, and the potential impact of a disruption.

3. Disaster Recovery Planning Objective

Q: The primary objective of Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) is:

A. Restore IT infrastructure and data after a disaster ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Increase server speed
C. Train employees in disaster response
D. Monitor network traffic

Explanation:
DRP ensures that IT systems, applications, and data are restored to operational status as quickly as possible after a disruption.

4. Difference Between BCP and DRP

Q: How does Business Continuity Planning differ from Disaster Recovery Planning?

A. BCP focuses on business operations, while DRP focuses on IT recovery ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. BCP is for external risks, DRP is for internal risks
C. BCP focuses on short-term recovery, DRP focuses on long-term
D. BCP eliminates risks, DRP reduces them

Explanation:
BCP is broader, covering all aspects of business operations, whereas DRP is a subset focused specifically on recovering IT systems and data.

5. Key Element of a BCP

Q: Which of the following is a key element of a Business Continuity Plan?

A. Emergency response procedures ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Encryption protocols
C. Daily audits
D. Network segmentation

Explanation:
Emergency response procedures outline immediate steps to take during a disruption, ensuring safety and minimizing downtime.

6. Importance of Communication in BCP

Q: Why is a communication plan critical in a Business Continuity Plan?

A. To provide clear updates during a disruption ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. To encrypt sensitive data
C. To test firewalls regularly
D. To reduce training costs

Explanation:
A communication plan ensures timely and accurate information flow to stakeholders, reducing confusion during a crisis.

7. Testing BCP Effectiveness

Q: Which method is commonly used to test the effectiveness of a BCP?

A. Tabletop exercise ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Penetration testing
C. Performance testing
D. Vulnerability scanning

Explanation:
Tabletop exercises simulate a disaster scenario in a controlled environment, allowing teams to practice responses and identify weaknesses in the BCP.

8. RTO vs. RPO

Q: What is the difference between RTO (Recovery Time Objective) and RPO (Recovery Point Objective)?

A. RTO is about downtime, while RPO is about acceptable data loss ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. RTO measures financial losses, RPO measures server uptime
C. RTO applies to employees, RPO applies to customers
D. RTO is used for backups, RPO is used for logs

Explanation:
RTO focuses on the maximum acceptable downtime after a disaster, while RPO defines the maximum amount of data loss in terms of time (e.g., last backup point).

9. Alternate Sites in DRP

Q: What is the purpose of an alternate site in DRP?

A. Ensure continuity of operations during a disaster ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Store unused hardware
C. Encrypt backup data
D. Improve network speed

Explanation:
Alternate sites (hot, warm, or cold) provide facilities to resume operations if the primary site becomes unavailable due to a disaster.

10. Hot Site Characteristics

Q: Which of the following best describes a hot site?

A. Fully operational site ready for immediate use ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Requires hardware installation before use
C. Stores backups for archiving only
D. Available for testing only

Explanation:
A hot site is pre-equipped with the necessary hardware, software, and network connectivity, enabling quick transition during a disaster.

11. Cold Site vs. Hot Site

Q: How does a cold site differ from a hot site?

A. A cold site requires setup before use, while a hot site is fully operational ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. A cold site is faster to activate
C. A cold site is more expensive
D. A cold site is exclusively for testing

Explanation:
A cold site provides basic facilities but lacks the pre-installed hardware and systems found in a hot site, requiring more setup time.

12. Types of Disasters in BCP

Q: Which of the following is NOT typically considered in a BCP?

**A. Natural disasters
B. Cyberattacks
C. Employee turnover ✅ (Correct Answer)**
D. Power outages

Explanation:
Employee turnover is an HR issue and is not classified as a disaster for BCP purposes.

13. Critical BCP Component

Q: Which is the most critical component of a BCP?

A. Business Impact Analysis ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Encryption protocols
C. Software testing
D. Vendor agreements

Explanation:
The Business Impact Analysis (BIA) is essential to identify critical processes and their dependencies, forming the foundation of the BCP.

14. Backup Strategy in DRP

Q: Which backup method ensures the fastest data recovery?

A. Full backup ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Incremental backup
C. Differential backup
D. On-demand backup

Explanation:
A full backup contains all data, allowing for quicker recovery compared to incremental or differential backups, which require multiple steps to restore.

15. Single Point of Failure

Q: In BCP, what does “Single Point of Failure” (SPOF) mean?

A. A component that can disrupt the system if it fails ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. A system with high redundancy
C. A network testing method
D. An encrypted backup

Explanation:
A SPOF is a vulnerability where the failure of a single component can lead to system-wide downtime.

16. Key Deliverable of DRP

Q: What is the primary deliverable of a Disaster Recovery Plan?

A. Recovery of IT systems ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Reduced training costs
C. Improved encryption standards
D. Employee productivity metrics

Explanation:
DRP focuses on restoring critical IT infrastructure and systems after a disaster.

17. Importance of Risk Assessment in BCP

Q: Why is risk assessment important in BCP?

A. To identify potential threats and vulnerabilities ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. To encrypt all data
C. To automate recovery
D. To reduce costs

Explanation:
Risk assessment helps identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, enabling the organization to prepare mitigation strategies.

18. Periodic Testing of BCP

Q: Why should BCP be tested periodically?

A. To ensure it remains effective ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. To reduce implementation costs
C. To monitor network speed
D. To evaluate new software

Explanation:
Regular testing ensures that the BCP adapts to changing business needs and remains effective in handling disruptions.

19. Role of Key Personnel in BCP

Q: Why is it important to assign roles to key personnel in a BCP?

A. To ensure responsibilities are clearly defined ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. To automate recovery processes
C. To eliminate redundancies
D. To encrypt sensitive data

Explanation:
Assigning roles ensures that every individual knows their responsibilities, enabling efficient response during a disaster.

20. Crisis Management in BCP

Q: What does a crisis management plan in BCP focus on?

A. Handling emergencies and minimizing damage ✅ (Correct Answer)
B. Testing encryption protocols
C. Developing new software
D. Increasing database capacity

Explanation:
A crisis management plan outlines steps to handle emergencies effectively, reducing damage and ensuring a swift recovery.

1. What is the primary objective of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)?

A. To reduce operational costs
B. To maintain essential functions during and after a disaster
C. To ensure a company remains profitable at all costs
D. To focus on the financial health of an organization

Answer: B. To maintain essential functions during and after a disaster

Explanation: The primary goal of BCP is to ensure that critical business functions can continue during and after a disaster, minimizing downtime and financial impact.

2. Which of the following is a key component of a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?

A. Customer relationship management
B. Recovery time objective (RTO)
C. Marketing strategy
D. Organizational hierarchy chart

Answer: B. Recovery time objective (RTO)

Explanation: The Recovery Time Objective (RTO) is a critical component of DRP, defining the target time frame within which systems or applications must be restored after a disaster to minimize business disruption.

3. What does the term “hot site” refer to in disaster recovery?

A. A location where data is stored and remains secure
B. A backup facility that is operational and available for immediate use
C. A temporary space where employees can work during a disaster
D. An area for training employees on disaster response

Answer: B. A backup facility that is operational and available for immediate use

Explanation: A hot site is a fully operational backup facility that is ready to take over business operations immediately after a disaster, ensuring minimal downtime.

4. Which of the following should be included in a BCP/DRP testing process?

A. Employee attendance records
B. Identifying vulnerabilities in the disaster recovery process
C. Performing a routine audit of employee benefits
D. Updating marketing materials

Answer: B. Identifying vulnerabilities in the disaster recovery process

Explanation: BCP/DRP testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in the recovery process, ensuring that any weaknesses are addressed before a disaster occurs.

5. Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when designing a Disaster Recovery Plan?

A. Total cost of the disaster recovery process
B. The speed at which critical business processes need to be restored
C. The amount of data storage available for backups
D. The size of the IT department

Answer: B. The speed at which critical business processes need to be restored

Explanation: The speed of restoration, or Recovery Time Objective (RTO), is the most critical factor in DRP because it ensures that business operations can resume as quickly as possible after a disaster.

6. Which of the following best describes the term “business impact analysis” (BIA)?

A. A report on the financial costs of a disaster
B. A process for identifying the potential impact of disruptions to business operations
C. An assessment of employee satisfaction
D. A tool for evaluating marketing effectiveness

Answer: B. A process for identifying the potential impact of disruptions to business operations

Explanation: A Business Impact Analysis (BIA) identifies the critical business functions and assesses the potential impact of disruptions, helping to prioritize recovery strategies.

7. What is the first step in creating a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?

A. Testing the recovery plan
B. Identifying critical business processes and resources
C. Purchasing backup hardware
D. Training employees on recovery procedures

Answer: B. Identifying critical business processes and resources

Explanation: The first step in DRP is identifying critical business processes and resources to prioritize recovery efforts and ensure that the most important aspects of the business are restored first.

8. Which of the following is the primary purpose of having a business continuity team?

A. To implement the IT infrastructure
B. To develop and maintain the BCP and DRP
C. To handle all human resource concerns
D. To monitor financial performance

Answer: B. To develop and maintain the BCP and DRP

Explanation: A business continuity team is responsible for creating, testing, and maintaining the BCP and DRP to ensure that the organization is prepared for potential disruptions.

9. What is the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) in a Disaster Recovery Plan?

A. The point in time to which data must be recovered after a disaster
B. The target time for resuming normal operations
C. The time taken to restore IT infrastructure
D. The cost of recovering data after a disaster

Answer: A. The point in time to which data must be recovered after a disaster

Explanation: The Recovery Point Objective (RPO) defines the maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time. It helps to determine the frequency of data backups.

1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Options:

A) To prevent security breaches
B) To ensure continuous operations during disruptions
C) To recover lost data after a disaster
D) To monitor network performance

Answer: B) To ensure continuous operations during disruptions

Explanation:
The primary goal of a BCP is to ensure that critical business functions continue during and after a disaster or disruption, ensuring minimal impact on operations. BCP focuses on maintaining essential services, not just data recovery.

2. In a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), what is the purpose of a Recovery Point Objective (RPO)?

Options:

A) To measure the time taken to recover operations
B) To determine the maximum acceptable amount of data loss
C) To decide which business processes to prioritize during recovery
D) To establish a clear communication plan during a disaster

Answer: B) To determine the maximum acceptable amount of data loss

Explanation:
The RPO specifies the maximum acceptable amount of data loss during a disaster. It helps organizations determine how frequently they should back up data to minimize the impact of data loss.

3. Which of the following is an example of a preventive control in a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Options:

A) Regular backups of critical systems
B) Fire drills and evacuation procedures
C) A plan to restore service after an incident
D) Regular software updates

Answer: A) Regular backups of critical systems

Explanation:
Preventive controls are measures taken to avoid disruptions. Regular backups ensure that data can be restored in the event of a failure or disaster, preventing data loss.

4. Which of the following is a key consideration when developing a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?

Options:

A) The budget for the plan
B) The timeline for testing the recovery process
C) The identification of critical business processes
D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

Explanation:
A DRP should consider the budget, timeline for testing, and identification of critical processes. These factors ensure that the plan is feasible, testable, and focused on maintaining business continuity during a disaster.

5. What is the purpose of a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) in BCP/DRP?

Options:

A) To assess the likelihood of a disaster occurring
B) To identify and prioritize critical business functions
C) To evaluate the cost of recovery
D) To train employees on emergency procedures

Answer: B) To identify and prioritize critical business functions

Explanation:
A BIA helps identify which business functions are critical and determine the impact of their disruption. This process enables organizations to prioritize recovery efforts and allocate resources effectively.

6. Which of the following is a common method for recovering data in the event of a disaster in a DRP?

Options:

A) Data mirroring
B) Data encryption
C) Data archiving
D) Data compression

Answer: A) Data mirroring

Explanation:
Data mirroring involves creating real-time copies of data at a secondary site, ensuring that data can be quickly restored in the event of a disaster. This is a key recovery method in DRP to minimize data loss and downtime.

7. What is the key difference between a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?

Options:

A) BCP focuses on restoring data, while DRP focuses on ensuring business operations
B) BCP includes preventive measures, while DRP focuses on reactive measures
C) BCP focuses on immediate recovery, while DRP focuses on long-term recovery
D) BCP is for large organizations, while DRP is for small organizations

Answer: B) BCP includes preventive measures, while DRP focuses on reactive measures

Explanation:
BCP is proactive, focusing on preventing disruptions and ensuring business continuity during a disaster. DRP is reactive, focusing on recovering from a disaster after it occurs, such as restoring data and systems.

8. Which of the following should be done during the testing phase of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Options:

A) Test communication procedures
B) Conduct a disaster simulation
C) Evaluate the recovery time for critical business processes
D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

Explanation:
During testing, organizations should simulate disaster scenarios, test communication procedures, and evaluate recovery times to ensure the BCP is effective in real-world situations.

Question 1:

What is the primary goal of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Options:

A. Protect company reputation
B. Ensure timely resumption of critical operations
C. Minimize regulatory scrutiny
D. Maximize profit during downtime

Correct Answer:
B. Ensure timely resumption of critical operations

Explanation:
The primary objective of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is to minimize downtime and disruption by ensuring that critical business operations can resume as quickly and efficiently as possible during and after an incident.

Question 2:

Which of the following is a key component of Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP)?

Options:

A. Training employees
B. Developing backup strategies
C. Conducting market analysis
D. Improving customer relations

Correct Answer:
B. Developing backup strategies

Explanation:
Backup strategies are central to Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP), as they ensure data and systems are recoverable in the event of a disaster, minimizing data loss and downtime.

Question 3:

What is the most critical step in the development of a BCP?

Options:

A. Determining the budget for recovery
B. Identifying critical business functions
C. Designing an evacuation plan
D. Selecting an insurance provider

Correct Answer:
B. Identifying critical business functions

Explanation:
Identifying critical business functions is essential for prioritizing recovery efforts and allocating resources effectively. This step ensures that the most vital operations are restored first to maintain business continuity.

Question 4:

Which testing method ensures that the BCP works effectively during an actual disaster?

Options:

A. Full system simulation
B. Checklist review
C. Tabletop exercise
D. Fire drill

Correct Answer:
A. Full system simulation

Explanation:
Full system simulations replicate real-world disaster scenarios, providing a comprehensive test of the BCP’s effectiveness. This method helps identify weaknesses or gaps in the plan and ensures readiness during an actual event.

Question 5:

What does the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) refer to in BCP/DRP?

Options:

A. Time required to restore operations
B. Maximum tolerable downtime
C. Amount of data loss acceptable
D. Period required to contact stakeholders

Correct Answer:
C. Amount of data loss acceptable

Explanation:
Recovery Point Objective (RPO) defines the maximum period for which data loss is acceptable, measured in time. It helps in designing backup and recovery strategies that align with business continuity requirements.

1. What is the primary goal of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)?

Options:
a. To restore systems after a disaster has occurred
b. To ensure the organization can continue operations during and after a disruption
c. To develop only backup IT systems
d. To focus solely on disaster recovery activities

Correct Answer: b. To ensure the organization can continue operations during and after a disruption

Explanation: BCP focuses on maintaining critical business operations during a disruption, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous availability of key services.

2. Which of the following is a key component of a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)?

Options:
a. Risk assessment for physical assets
b. Procedures for restoring IT systems and data
c. A comprehensive marketing strategy
d. Employee performance reviews

Correct Answer: b. Procedures for restoring IT systems and data

Explanation: DRP primarily involves creating detailed plans for recovering IT systems, applications, and data after an incident to minimize downtime and data loss.

3. How often should a BCP/DRP be tested and updated?

Options:
a. Only when a disaster occurs
b. Once every five years
c. Regularly, at least annually or after significant changes
d. Testing is not necessary if the plan is well-designed

Correct Answer: c. Regularly, at least annually or after significant changes

Explanation: Regular testing ensures that the plan remains effective and reflects current business operations, technology, and potential threats.

4. Which method is commonly used to test a BCP/DRP?

Options:
a. Complete system shutdown
b. Walkthroughs, simulations, and full-scale exercises
c. Employee surveys
d. Post-disaster evaluations only

Correct Answer: b. Walkthroughs, simulations, and full-scale exercises

Explanation: Testing methods such as simulations and walkthroughs allow organizations to identify gaps in their plans and improve them without causing operational disruptions.

5. In the context of BCP/DRP, what does RTO (Recovery Time Objective) represent?

Options:
a. The total cost of recovery efforts
b. The maximum allowable downtime for a system or process
c. The duration of a disaster recovery test
d. The percentage of systems that must be recovered

Correct Answer: b. The maximum allowable downtime for a system or process

Explanation: RTO defines how quickly systems or processes must be restored to avoid significant operational impacts.

6. What is the difference between BCP and DRP?

Options:
a. BCP focuses on IT systems, while DRP covers overall business operations
b. DRP focuses on IT systems, while BCP covers overall business operations
c. There is no difference; they are the same
d. BCP deals with recovery, while DRP prevents disruptions

Correct Answer: b. DRP focuses on IT systems, while BCP covers overall business operations

Explanation: DRP is a subset of BCP that specifically addresses IT recovery, while BCP encompasses broader strategies to maintain business continuity across all functions.

Question 19:

Which of the following should be of MOST concern to an IS auditor reviewing the Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Options:
1. The disaster levels are based on scopes of damaged functions, but not on duration
2. The difference between low-level disaster and software incidents is not clear
3. The overall BCP is documented, but detailed recovery steps are not specified
4. The responsibility for declaring a disaster is not identified
Correct Answer: 3. The overall BCP is documented, but detailed recovery steps are not specified
Explanation:
A documented BCP without detailed recovery steps is insufficient because the team may not know exactly what actions to take during an actual disaster. Detailed recovery steps ensure clarity and speed in responding to disruptions, reducing downtime and potential losses.

Question 29:

In an IS audit, which of the following is the best approach to assess the adequacy of an organization’s backup and recovery procedures?

Options:
1. Reviewing system architecture diagrams
2. Conducting a backup and recovery test
3. Auditing data storage devices
4. Interviewing IT staff
Correct Answer: 2. Conducting a backup and recovery test
Explanation:
Testing the backup and recovery process is the most effective way to evaluate whether it is adequate. It verifies that critical data can be restored quickly and accurately in case of a disaster or system failure.

Question 26:

Which of the following is the disadvantage of Unified Threat Management (UTM)?

Options:
1. Increased complexity of management
2. High cost of deployment
3. Impact on latency and bandwidth during high traffic
4. Reduced visibility into threats
Correct Answer: 3. Impact on latency and bandwidth during high traffic
Explanation:
Unified Threat Management systems integrate multiple security features, such as firewalls, intrusion prevention, and antivirus, into one device. While they simplify security management, they may affect performance during high traffic, which is a concern for disaster recovery systems relying on real-time performance.

Question 182

Which of the following steps would an IS auditor normally perform FIRST in a data center security review?

Evaluate physical access test results
Determine the risks/threats to the data center site
Review business continuity procedures
Test for evidence of physical access at suspect locations

Answer: 2. Determine the risks/threats to the data center site
Explanation:
The first step is identifying risks and threats to understand vulnerabilities, which guides the review process.

Question 187

Disaster recovery plans protect against which of the following?

Physical losses
Economic losses
Equipment losses
Inventory losses

Answer: 2. Economic losses
Explanation:
Disaster recovery plans aim to minimize economic losses caused by operational disruptions.

Question 188

The least critical factor in estimating the maximum tolerable downtime during a disaster is:

Availability of a cold site during the disaster
Time of the disaster
Applications affected by the disaster
Length of the disaster

Answer: 1. Availability of a cold site during the disaster
Explanation:
Cold sites require longer setup times and are less critical when estimating maximum tolerable downtime.

Question 189

Which is NOT an assumption during the development of a disaster recovery and contingency plan?

Testing and maintenance of the plan should be continual
Resources for backup sites should be obtainable off-site
All less critical jobs need not be recovered
Separate recovery plans for multisite environments

Answer: 3. All less critical jobs need not be recovered
Explanation:
The assumption is to recover all jobs, though recovery priorities depend on criticality.

Question 190

Business functions that can be done manually but only for a short time are classified as:

Vital
Sensitive
Critical
Non-critical

Answer: 1. Vital
Explanation:
Vital functions can be performed manually for a short time but require quick restoration.

Question 191

Identify the correct statement regarding backups:

Both differential and incremental backups take the same amount of time
Incremental backups take longer to complete than differential backups
Differential backups take longer to complete than incremental backups
Incremental backups take longer when using tape drives

Answer: 3. Differential backups take longer to complete than incremental backups
Explanation:
Differential backups save all changes since the last full backup, growing larger over time, whereas incremental backups save only changes since the last incremental backup.

Question 192

The most rigorous form of disaster recovery plan testing is:

Checklist testing
Simulation testing
Full interruption testing
Parallel testing

Answer: 3. Full interruption testing
Explanation:
Full interruption testing disrupts normal operations to test the disaster recovery plan comprehensively.

Question 193

The primary goal of a disaster recovery plan is to:

Protect human life
Protect the integrity of the business
Protect critical operating systems
Protect customer relationships

Answer: 1. Protect human life
Explanation:
The foremost priority of any disaster recovery plan is ensuring the safety of employees and the public.

Question 194

The inherent limitation of a disaster recovery exercise is:

Inability to include all types of disasters
Assembling recovery teams
Developing early warning systems
Conducting periodic drills

Answer: 1. Inability to include all types of disasters
Explanation:
It is impractical to account for every possible disaster scenario during a recovery exercise.

Question 195

The best way to verify a hot site vendor’s integrity in resource sharing is to:

Review all subscriber contracts
Observe an actual disaster at the vendor site
Request the vendor’s annual external audit report
Request written compliance documentation

Answer: 3. Request the vendor’s annual external audit report
Explanation:
An external audit report provides reliable and independent verification of the vendor’s practices.

Question 196

Which rationale is NOT sound for testing a disaster recovery plan?

By simulation
In stages
In an unannounced manner
In actual use

Answer: 4. In actual use
Explanation:
Testing during an actual disaster is impractical and could exacerbate issues if the plan is ineffective.

Question 197

If the recovery time objective (RTO) increases:

The disaster tolerance increases
The cost of recovery increases
A cold site cannot be used
The data backup frequency increases

Answer: 1. The disaster tolerance increases
Explanation:
A longer RTO means the organization can tolerate more downtime, reducing urgency and recovery costs.

Question 198

In which situation is it MOST appropriate to implement data mirroring as a recovery strategy?

Disaster tolerance is high
Recovery time objective is high
Recovery point objective is low
Recovery point objective is high

Answer: 3. Recovery point objective is low
Explanation:
Data mirroring ensures minimal data loss, aligning with a low RPO requirement for real-time replication.

Question 199

What is the best method for determining the criticality of application systems in production?

Interview the application programmers
Perform a gap analysis
Review the most recent application audit
Perform a business impact analysis (BIA)

Answer: 4. Perform a business impact analysis (BIA)
Explanation:
A BIA evaluates the impact of each application on the organization, identifying its criticality and recovery priority.

Question 200

What represents the greatest risk in a reciprocal agreement for disaster recovery between two companies?

Developments may result in hardware and software incompatibility
Resources may not be available when needed
The recovery plan cannot be tested
The security infrastructures in each company may differ

Answer: 1. Developments may result in hardware and software incompatibility
Explanation:
If one company upgrades its systems, the other may not be able to support recovery due to incompatibility.

Question 196: What plan describes the details for recovery when a disaster hits an organization?

A. Disaster diagram
B. Disaster and revival plan
C. Recovery plan
D. Business continuity plan

Answer: D. Business continuity plan
Explanation: A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) outlines procedures and instructions an organization must follow in the face of disaster, covering business processes, assets, human resources, and business partners.

Question 197: The primary objective of testing a business continuity plan is:

A. Familiarize employees with the plan
B. Ensure all residual risks have been addressed
C. Exercise all possible scenarios
D. Identify limitations of the business continuity plan

Answer: D. Identify limitations of the business continuity plan
Explanation: Testing a BCP helps uncover weaknesses or gaps in the plan, allowing the organization to address them before a real disaster occurs.

Question 198: During the design of a business continuity plan, the business impact analysis (BIA) identifies critical processes and supporting applications. This will primarily influence the:

A. Responsibility for maintaining the business continuity plan
B. Criteria for selecting a recovery site provider
C. Recovery strategy
D. Responsibilities of key personnel

Answer: C. Recovery strategy
Explanation: The BIA determines the potential impact of disruptions to critical business functions, which directly informs the development of effective recovery strategies.

Question 199: Activation of an enterprise business continuity plan should be based on predetermined criteria that address the:

A. Duration of the outage
B. Type of outage
C. Probability of outage
D. Cause of outage

Answer: A. Duration of the outage
Explanation: The decision to activate the BCP is often based on the expected length of the disruption, as longer outages typically necessitate formal continuity procedures.

Question 200: An IS auditor can verify that an organization’s BCP is effective by reviewing:

A. Alignment of BCP with industry best practices
B. Results of BCP tests performed by IS and end-user personnel
C. Offsite facility, its contents, security, and environmental controls
D. Annual financial cost of BCP activities versus expected benefit of implementation of the plan

Answer: B. Results of BCP tests performed by IS and end-user personnel
Explanation: Reviewing test results provides evidence of the BCP’s effectiveness and highlights areas needing improvement.

Q1. What is the primary goal of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)?

A. To eliminate all potential risks to the organization.
B. To ensure the continuation of business operations during and after a disaster.
C. To develop a plan for evacuating employees during emergencies.
D. To comply with legal and regulatory requirements only.

Answer: B. To ensure the continuation of business operations during and after a disaster.

Explanation: The main objective of BCP is to prepare an organization to maintain or quickly resume critical functions during and after a disruption, ensuring operational continuity.

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Q2. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a Business Continuity Plan?

A. Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
B. Risk Assessment
C. Employee Performance Reviews
D. Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

Answer: C. Employee Performance Reviews

Explanation: A BCP focuses on processes like BIA, risk assessment, and DRP to prepare for and respond to disruptions. Employee performance reviews are related to HR functions and are not part of BCP.

Quizizz

Q3. What does the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) represent in BCP?

A. The maximum tolerable period in which data might be lost.
B. The targeted duration to restore a business process after a disruption.
C. The time required to notify stakeholders after an incident.
D. The period needed to complete employee training on BCP.

Answer: B. The targeted duration to restore a business process after a disruption.

Explanation: RTO is the predetermined time within which a business function must be restored after a disruption to avoid unacceptable consequences.

EXAMRADAR

Q4. Which of the following best describes a Business Impact Analysis (BIA)?

A. A process to identify potential threats to the organization.
B. An assessment to determine the effects of interruptions on business operations.
C. A strategy for communicating with stakeholders during a crisis.
D. A review of the organization’s financial performance.

Answer: B. An assessment to determine the effects of interruptions on business operations.

Explanation: BIA evaluates how disruptions can affect business functions and helps prioritize recovery efforts based on the criticality of each function.

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Q5. What is the purpose of conducting regular tests and exercises of a Business Continuity Plan?

A. To identify and rectify weaknesses in the plan.
B. To train employees on emergency procedures.
C. To ensure compliance with industry standards.
D. All of the above.

Answer: D. All of the above.

Explanation: Regular testing of the BCP helps uncover gaps, provides training opportunities, and ensures the plan meets current standards and organizational needs.

SECO-Institute

Q6. Which of the following is a key difference between Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP)?

A. BCP focuses on IT systems, while DRP focuses on business processes.
B. BCP is proactive, aiming to maintain operations; DRP is reactive, focusing on restoring systems after a disruption.
C. BCP is only concerned with natural disasters; DRP deals with all types of disruptions.
D. BCP and DRP are identical and interchangeable terms.

Answer: B. BCP is proactive, aiming to maintain operations; DRP is reactive, focusing on restoring systems after a disruption.

Explanation: BCP encompasses strategies to keep all business functions running during a crisis, whereas DRP specifically addresses the restoration of IT systems and data after an incident.

Insight Tribune

Q7. What is a ‘cold site’ in the context of Business Continuity Planning?

A. A fully equipped facility that can take over business operations immediately.
B. A backup site equipped with necessary hardware and real-time data replication.
C. A location with basic infrastructure but without IT equipment, requiring setup before use.
D. A site used solely for data storage with no capacity for business operations.

Answer: C. A location with basic infrastructure but without IT equipment, requiring setup before use.

Explanation: A cold site provides space and basic facilities but lacks the necessary hardware and data, leading to longer setup times compared to hot or warm sites.

Quizizz

Q8. Which of the following statements about a Business Continuity Plan is true?

A. It should be developed solely by the IT department.
B. Once developed, it does not require updates.
C. It should be integrated into the organization’s overall risk management strategy.
D. It is only necessary for large organizations.

Answer: C. It should be integrated into the organization’s overall risk management strategy.

Explanation: A comprehensive BCP involves input from various departments and aligns with the organization’s risk management to effectively address potential disruptions.

SECO-Institute

Q9. What is the significance of the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) in BCP?

A. It determines the maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time.
B. It specifies the time by which business operations must be restored.
C. It identifies critical business functions and their dependencies.
D. It outlines the communication plan during a disaster.

Answer: A. It determines the maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time.

Explanation: RPO indicates the age of files that must be recovered from backup storage for normal operations to resume if a system goes down, defining the maximum tolerable data loss.

EXAMRADAR

Q10. Which phase of Business Continuity Planning involves the identification of critical business functions and the resources needed to support them?

A. Risk Assessment
B. Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
C. Plan Development
D. Plan Testing and Maintenance

Answer: B. Business Impact Analysis (BIA)

Explanation: During the BIA phase, organizations identify essential functions and the resources required, helping prioritize recovery efforts and allocate resources effectively