The Insicon Cyber Guide to Business Continuity Plan Testing

Key Steps in Business Continuity Plan Testing

1. Define Clear Objectives

Before beginning any test, establish specific goals. These might include:

• Validating recovery time objectives (RTOs)
• Assessing communication protocols
• Evaluating backup systems

2. Choose the Right Testing Method

Different testing methods serve various purposes:

• Tabletop Exercises: Team discussions about hypothetical scenarios
• Simulations: Controlled recreations of disruptive events
• Full-Scale Drills: Comprehensive tests involving all aspects of the BCP

3. Create Realistic Scenarios

Develop detailed, plausible disaster scenarios that challenge different aspects of your BCP.

Consider:

• Natural disasters
• Cyber attacks
• Supply chain disruptions
• Public health emergencies
• Insider threats

4. Involve Key Stakeholders

Engage a diverse group of participants, including:

• Executive leadership
• IT teams
• Department heads
• Frontline staff
• External partners or third-party vendors

5. Document and Analyse Results

Thoroughly record all test outcomes, including:

• Response times
• Decision-making processes
• Resource allocation effectiveness

6. Update Your Plan

Use the insights gained from testing to refine and improve your BCP. This may involve:

• Revising procedures
• Updating contact lists
• Enhancing training programs

Best Practices for Effective BCP Testing

1. Schedule Regular Tests: Aim for at least annual testing, with more frequent exercises for critical systems.
2. Vary Test Scenarios: Don't rely on the same scenarios each time. Mix it up to challenge your team.
3. Embrace Technology: Use simulation software and digital tools to enhance testing effectiveness.
4. Learn from Real Events: Incorporate lessons from actual incidents into your testing scenarios.
5. Foster a Culture of Preparedness: Encourage ongoing awareness and readiness among all employees.

The Shift in Board Expectations for Modern Business Continuity Plan Testing

Traditional tabletop exercises followed a predictable pattern. An external consultant would present a ransomware scenario, walk the board through a predetermined incident timeline, discuss various response options, and conclude with generic recommendations about improving communication protocols. Everyone would nod, agree to review the incident response plan, and return to their day feeling they'd fulfilled their governance obligations.

But boards across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly recognising that this approach fails to address the actual challenges they face during cyber incidents. The real decisions that keep directors awake at night are rarely about technical response procedures. They're about whether to pay ransoms that might fund criminal enterprises, when to notify regulators under compressed timeframes, how to communicate with shareholders and customers whilst facts remain unclear, and whether their cyber insurance will actually respond when needed.

Progressive boards are now demanding simulations that reflect this reality. They want exercises that test their decision-making under uncertainty, reveal gaps in their governance processes, and create genuine learning rather than simply validating existing assumptions.

They're seeking comprehensive cybersecurity partnerships that connect boardroom strategy to operational excellence, not just advisory consultants who deliver isolated simulation events.

Conclusion

Business continuity plan testing is not just a regulatory requirement - it's a vital practice for ensuring your organisation's survival and success in the face of adversity. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can develop a robust testing program that enhances your overall business resilience.

Remember, effective BCP testing is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your testing strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain organisational readiness.

If you are ready to put your business continuity plan to the test, or take the first steps in creating a business continuity plan, contact Insicon Cyber today.