Which factor should be the basis of a business continuity plan?

Risk is the foundational factor upon which a business continuity plan (BCP) should be based. Managing Cloud principles explain that BCP development begins with identifying and analyzing risks that could disrupt critical business operations.

Risk assessment evaluates threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts, allowing organizations to prioritize resources and define recovery strategies. By focusing on risk, organizations ensure that continuity planning addresses the most significant threats to operations, data, and services.

Costs, customers, and locations are important considerations but are secondary to risk analysis. Therefore, risks form the correct basis for a business continuity plan.