[BCM] [IsDB] [E2] [C7] Testing and Exercising

Testing and Exercising Phase as Part of the BCM Planning Methodology for IsDB

The Testing and Exercising phase is a critical component of the Business Continuity Management (BCM) process, enabling organisations like the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to evaluate the effectiveness of their Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).

The primary goal of this phase is to test the viability of the business continuity strategies and to ensure that staff are well prepared to handle a disruption.

By systematically conducting both initial and advanced tests, IsDB can build confidence in its resilience and enhance its preparedness for unforeseen events.

This chapter focuses on the types of exercises that should be conducted at IsDB during the Testing and Exercising phase.

The tests are categorised into two primary groups: initial (basic) and advanced. Each group serves a different purpose, starting with verifying basic procedures and progressing to more complex, real-world simulations.

Initial (Basic) Tests

The purpose of initial tests is to validate the fundamental components of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and to ensure that systems and processes function as expected.

These tests are designed to be relatively simple but critical in confirming that the core elements of the BCM system are in place and understood.

Component Tests

Component tests focus on specific components of the business continuity plan, such as backup systems, communication tools, and IT infrastructure.

For IsDB, this could involve testing the bank's disaster recovery (DR) systems to ensure that critical banking software and data can be restored promptly in the event of an IT disruption.

Example

Testing IsDB’s cloud backup systems to ensure that sensitive financial data can be retrieved from remote servers during an emergency.

Call Notification Tests

Call notification tests are designed to ensure that the bank’s communication protocols function effectively during a crisis.

This might include testing the phone trees, emails, and other messaging systems used to notify employees, customers, and stakeholders of a disruption.

Example

Conducting a drill in which key IsDB personnel are notified of a hypothetical system outage and must respond within a specified timeframe to simulate the speed and effectiveness of the bank's communication plan.

Walkthrough Exercises

Walkthrough exercises are low-pressure, discussion-based activities in which team members review the steps of the BCM plan.

These exercises help identify potential gaps or areas for improvement in a controlled setting.

Example

A walkthrough exercise in which IsDB's crisis management team reviews procedures for handling a data breach and discusses the roles and responsibilities of each team member during such an event.

Advanced Tests

Once the basic tests have been completed, IsDB can proceed to more advanced tests.

These exercises are more complex and are designed to simulate actual disruptions, testing the bank’s ability to operate under pressure.

Integrated Tests

Integrated tests are designed to simulate a larger, multi-departmental disruption that requires coordination between several functions of the organisation.

For IsDB, this might involve testing the bank's ability to recover from a natural disaster that affects both the IT infrastructure and physical branch operations.

Example

Simulating a power outage affecting IsDB's regional offices and testing the ability to continue business operations using backup systems while coordinating across departments to ensure continuity of service.

Simulation Tests

Simulation tests involve creating a realistic scenario where IsDB’s staff must respond to a crisis that affects multiple aspects of the BCM plan.

These tests often involve role-playing and are used to evaluate the bank's preparedness for scenarios that could affect operations at scale.

Example

Simulating a cyberattack that compromises IsDB's online banking platform. The test would involve multiple teams, including IT, communications, and customer service, collaborating to mitigate damage and restore services.

Live Tests

Live tests are the most advanced form of testing and involve real-time implementation of parts of the BCM plan under actual conditions.

These tests are designed to mimic real-life crises and may involve disruptions that affect the bank’s operations in a controlled, monitored environment.

Example

Conducting a live test where IsDB simulates an actual emergency, such as a financial market crash, and activates its contingency procedures, including client communication, service provision, and financial reporting, all in real-time.

 

The Testing and Exercising phase is essential for ensuring that IsDB’s Business Continuity Management (BCM) system is effective and ready for real-world challenges.

By conducting both initial and advanced tests, the bank can identify any weaknesses in its plans, make necessary adjustments, and improve the overall readiness of its staff.

These exercises ensure that IsDB is prepared for a wide range of disruptions, from minor technical issues to large-scale crises, ultimately fostering a culture of resilience within the organisation.

+Through ongoing testing and refinement, IsDB will be better positioned to maintain continuous service to its customers, stakeholders, and global partners, even in times of adversity.