What is meant by "business continuity planning"?

Business continuity planning refers to the process of creating systems and protocols that enable an organization to continue its essential functions during and after a disruptive event. This includes anticipating potential risks—such as natural disasters, cyber incidents, or other emergencies—and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. By preparing for these disruptions, an organization can minimize downtime and maintain key operations, which is vital for preserving its reputation, safeguarding its finances, and ensuring service delivery to customers.

This proactive approach ensures that critical business functions remain operational, even when faced with unforeseen challenges. It emphasizes the importance of having clear plans in place for rapid response and recovery, thereby enhancing the organization's overall resilience.