Description: Business Continuity Management refers to the systematic process of ensuring that business operations, especially in the field of information technology (IT) services, can continue or recover quickly in the face of disruptions or disasters. This approach involves identifying potential risks, planning appropriate responses, and implementing strategies that minimize the impact of adverse events. Key features of Business Continuity Management include risk assessment, contingency planning, staff training, and conducting regular tests to ensure the effectiveness of the plans. The relevance of this management lies in its ability to protect critical assets of an organization, maintain customer trust, and ensure financial stability. In an increasingly technology-dependent world, Business Continuity Management becomes an essential component for organizational resilience, allowing companies to adapt and recover from unexpected situations such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or technical failures.
History: Business Continuity Management has its roots in emergency planning and crisis management, which developed in the mid-20th century. However, the term ‘Business Continuity Management’ began to gain popularity in the 1990s, especially after significant events such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and the September 11, 2001 attacks, which highlighted the need for robust plans to ensure operational continuity. Since then, various regulations and standards, such as ISO 22301, have been developed to guide organizations in implementing effective business continuity management practices.
Uses: Business Continuity Management is used across various industries to ensure that critical operations can continue during and after a disruptive event. It is applied in sectors such as banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and utilities, where service interruptions can have serious consequences. Organizations use this management to develop disaster response plans, conduct recovery drills, and establish crisis communication protocols.
Examples: An example of Business Continuity Management is the plan implemented by a financial institution that, after a cyberattack, managed to restore its services in less than 24 hours due to a well-structured recovery plan. Another case is that of a hospital that, after a natural disaster, used its continuity plan to ensure medical care for patients and the operation of essential services.
