Contingency Planning

Contingency & Business Continuity Planning are very important aspects, not only for disaster recovery but also for computer security. Describe the key elements that might lead to an IT- related disaster and suggest ways in which the worst effects of such a disaster might well be curtailed.



Introduction
All too often businesses take their IT services for granted.   While most are aware of the importance security and backing up information, the value of having an effective contingency and continuity plan is often not appreciated until it is too late.   This essay will identify factors that could trigger critical incidents and propose strategies to mitigate the effects of such a disaster.   The purpose of this essay is to outline the key elements of risk management in IT, as well as provide insight into the problem from the perspective of a risk management consultant.

This essay recognises that contingency and business planning are very important aspects of any company’s overall strategy.   This type of planning is especially important to computer security.   In order to demonstrate the value of effective risk management, this essay will first outline the most common IT threats facing organisations and identify how these can be addressed and managed.   This essay will not only identify IT disaster triggers but also identify possible strategies to mitigate these triggers.   It is possible to minimise the effects of an IT disaster by cultivating an awareness of the risks and developing strategies to address them.
The conclusion will draw on the research gathered within the essay, emphasising effective IT risk management depends on the ability to identify and assess risk factors then develop strategies to either avoid or minimise these risks.  

Risk Management
The field of risk management is a broad one, encompassing a number of industries and sectors from oil and gas to agriculture, retail to manufacturing.   When the field of risk management first emerged, it...