CIR PM BCM and Cyber Security Framework

BCM and Cyber Security Framework

1. BCM Framework

The organization needs to sit down and discuss the strategic BCM mission. The mission is what the organization aims to achieve once the BCM plan has been implemented. How will the organization achieve this mission?

Developing a BCM framework with the appropriate components, as shown in Figure 5-9, provides the organization with a direction on the areas where policies and procedures and developed or improved to achieve the mission.

Figure 5-9: Key Components of BCM Framework

2. Cyber Security Framework

One good example of the cyber security framework is the NIST, and the components are shown in Figure 5-10. The NIST framework that organizations can choose to adopt to tackle cyber security. Similarly to the BCM framework, it guides the users to understand the steps and processes involved in developing a comprehensive cyber security strategy and tactical level plans.

Figure 5-10: NIST Cyber Security Framework (Clearwater Compliance, 2017)

The purpose behind the cyber security framework is to potentially mitigate any cyber security threat or respond effectively to a cyber security attack. In the context of the BCM professional, the aim is to align the BCM framework and processes with the cyber security framework.

Figure 5.11: Relationship between NIST Framework and BCM Life Cycle

Referencing the components of the BCP framework established to ensure that the organization continues its CBFs, BCM personnel can use the NIST framework to achieve the mission: of protecting the organization against cyber security threats and working within the BCM framework. Figure 5-11 shows how the NIST framework is aligned with the BCM life cycle so BCM professionals can understand the cyber security-specific processes to be performed alongside the BCM lifecycle.

Finding Relationships Between the Structures

There are two very distinct structures for BCM and cyber security. The question is how the BCM team can use the cyber security structure.

Firstly, the BCM team needs to stop having the misconception that cyber security lies only with the IT unit. Also, the cyber security team structure does not necessarily contain just members from the IT unit. There can be representatives from other business units. For example, multiple business units must be involved during security testing because the business functions utilize technological infrastructures to test their recovery capabilities.

Secondly, the BCM team members can complement the roles and responsibilities of the cyber security team. The fundamentals are identical: each business unit (including the BCM business unit) has representatives within the team who voice the respective team’s concerns and contribute to the overall cybersecurity plan.

Therefore, on top of performing daily BCM operations and planning, including cyber security as part of the routine discussion. The questions discussed include: What are the concerns about cyber security that each business unit has? How should each business unit work with the IT unit to develop mitigation, preventive or response measures?

Alignment of BCM and CIR

It is imperative that the BCM team can align themselves to develop a comprehensive CIR plan. Figure 5-12 shows the alignment, starting from the organizational structure and framework, and relationships are drawn between the teams and processes of BCM and CIR.

Figure 5-12: Aligning BCM and Cyber Security Incident Response (PwC, 2011)

The BCM team has to be responsible and utilize the relationships to lay out the foundations so that future required processes are executed accordingly to meet the organization’s objectives towards both BCM and cyber security.

Related Topics for CIR Project Management

Do You Want to Continue BCM Training onsite or online?

Goh, M. H. (2017). A Manager's Guide to Business Continuity Management for Cyber Security Incidents, 2nd Edition. GMH Pte Ltd.

Resource: Chapter 5 Project Management 5.8 BCM and Cyber Security Framework

Note:  This version was the draft 2nd Edition being updated in 2023. The numeric in the square bracket [X-X] cross-refers to the actual chapter and section in the 1st Edition.