[BCM] [MOM] [E3] [BCS] [T1] Mitigation Strategies and Justification

Bann_BCM_BCS_Mitigation Strategies and Justification

Part 1: BCS – Mitigation Strategies

Introduction

[BCM] [MOM] [E3] [BCS] [T1] Mitigation Strategies and Justification

In the preceding chapter, several relevant threats to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) were identified (e.g., cyber-attacks, data breaches, system downtime, reputational risk, natural disasters, pandemics, manpower shortages, regulatory changes, etc.).

This section focuses on how MOM can mitigate these threats by applying additional strategies beyond existing controls.

The objective is to reduce residual risk to an acceptable level, using the framework of BCMpedia’s “Part 1: Mitigation Strategies” (i.e., by adding additional measures, selecting the appropriate risk treatment—avoidance, reduction, transference, or acceptance—and justifying the choices).

We present a table with the following columns:

Threat
Existing Controls
Risk Rating
Risk Level
Risk Treatment (Residual Risk)
Additional Mitigation Strategy
Justification for Selected Mitigation Strategy

Following the table, a brief concluding discussion is presented on the role of mitigation in MOM’s BCM planning.

Mitigation Strategies Table for MOM

Threat	Existing Controls	Risk Rating	Risk Level	Risk Treatment (Residual Risk)	Additional Mitigation Strategy	Justification for Selected Mitigation Strategy
Cyber-attack / data breach	Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), regular patching, access controls, employee awareness training	Medium–High	High	Risk Reduction	Deploy advanced threat detection (e.g. SIEM, behavior analytics), conduct regular penetration testing, engage third-party security audit	These additional controls help detect sophisticated attacks earlier, reduce dwell time, and strengthen security posture — cost is justified given the sensitive workforce and employment data handled by MOM
System downtime / IT infrastructure failure	Redundant servers, backup power, failover systems, regular maintenance	Medium	Medium	Risk Reduction	Implement geo-redundant datacenters, real-time replication, continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance	To ensure minimal service interruption, especially for core MOM e-services (e.g. work pass management), these enhancements reduce single points of failure
Natural disaster / physical damage to offices	Fire suppression systems, building safety compliance, disaster recovery plan	Medium	Medium	Risk Reduction / Avoidance	Identify alternate workplace sites, enable remote working capability, maintain critical data offsite backups	These options reduce exposure to site-specific risks and allow continuity during physical disruption
Pandemic / public health crisis	Business continuity plans, telecommuting policies, health screening protocols	Medium	Medium	Risk Reduction	Expand remote work capacity (secure VPN, cloud services), staggered workforce scheduling, health surveillance systems	These strategies reduce person-to-person contact risk and maintain operations during health crises
Regulatory change / policy shifts	Legal and compliance team reviews, stakeholder consultation, policy monitoring	Low–Medium	Medium	Risk Reduction / Acceptance	Scenario planning for regulatory change, lobbying/stakeholder engagement, setting aside contingency budget for compliance adjustments	Proactive scenario planning ensures MOM remains agile and able to respond to shifts in labour or immigration law
Reputational risk / negative media / stakeholder trust erosion	Public communications unit, media monitoring, feedback / grievance channels	Medium	Medium	Risk Reduction	Develop a proactive crisis communications plan, social media monitoring and rapid response team, stakeholder engagement forums	Because reputation is critical for a governmental ministry, pre-emptive communication measures can reduce damage from adverse events
Manpower shortage / inability to attract qualified talent	Competitive recruitment packages, training and development programs	Low–Medium	Medium	Risk Reduction / Acceptance	Succession planning, partnerships with education institutions, talent pipeline programs, flexible work arrangements	These measures help ensure continuity of skilled staff and reduce dependence on scarce talent
Insider threat (malicious or negligent staff)	Background checks, role separation, periodic audits, access reviews	Medium	High	Risk Reduction / Transference	Continuous behavioral monitoring, stricter privilege management, insider threat detection tools, mandatory staff rotation, zero-trust architecture	Because internal misuse can cause severe damage, these additional controls provide deterrence and early detection
Third-party / vendor risk (outsourced IT or services)	Vendor SLA oversight, vendor audits, contract reviews	Medium	Medium	Risk Transference / Reduction	Require vendor cyber insurance, tighter SLAs with penalties, periodic security audits, less reliance on single vendor	Transferring risk via insurance and stronger vendor governance helps manage residual exposure
Power / utility failure	Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), backup generators	Low–Medium	Low	Risk Reduction	Additional backup generator capacity, alternative energy sources, service-level contracts with utility providers	Enhancing power resilience ensures critical systems remain operational

Note: The “Risk Rating” and “Risk Level” should be aligned with your earlier RAR (Risk Analysis & Review) phase; here, they are illustrative.

Residual Risk Treatment is chosen from the four categories: Avoidance, Reduction, Transference, or Acceptance, per BCMpedia guidance.

Summing Up …

In summary, mitigation strategies form an indispensable layer of defence in the business continuity planning of the Ministry of Manpower.

While existing controls already address many of the identified threats, this chapter highlights how MOM can further reduce residual risks through targeted, cost-effective additional measures.

By adopting a structured approach—matching threats to appropriate risk treatments, proposing additional mitigation strategies, and justifying their selection — MOM strengthens its resilience to disruptions of various types.

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[BCM] [MOM] [E3] [BCS] [T1] Mitigation Strategies and Justification

Business Continuity Management Certified Planner-Specialist-Expert

Part 1: BCS – Mitigation Strategies

Mitigation Strategies Table for MOM

Summing Up …

Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)

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Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)

[BCM] [MOM] [E3] [BCS] [T1] Mitigation Strategies and Justification

Business Continuity Management Certified Planner-Specialist-Expert

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Part 1: BCS – Mitigation Strategies

Mitigation Strategies Table for MOM

Summing Up …

Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)

More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

Your Comments Here:

More Posts