Which term best describes an overarching plan to keep essential business operations operating during and after a disruptive event?

• A. Incident Response Plan
• B. Continuity of Operations Plan
• C. Business Continuity Plan
• D. Recovery Plan

Answer: (B)

Maintaining essential operations during and after a disruption is what this term addresses. The Continuity of Operations Plan is built to ensure mission-critical functions stay active regardless of upheaval. It lays out who leads if key people are unavailable, the delegation of authority, alternate facilities, and the communications and vital records needed to keep those core functions running while normal operations are interrupted or restored. This focus on sustaining critical capabilities through the whole disruption life cycle makes it the best fit.

In contrast, an Incident Response Plan centers on detecting and handling specific events like security incidents; a Recovery Plan tends to emphasize restoring IT systems after a disruption; and a Business Continuity Plan is broader, aiming to keep the business operating more generally, not solely the essential functions that must continue.