What is the difference between preventative and mitigative measures in BCP?

Preventative measures and mitigative measures serve distinct roles in Business Continuity Planning (BCP). Preventative measures are designed to avert disruptions before they occur. Essentially, these are proactive strategies or actions that help organizations minimize the likelihood of incidents that could interrupt business operations. For instance, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols can prevent data breaches that might cause operational disruption.

On the other hand, mitigative measures come into play when a disruption has occurred or is inevitable. These strategies are focused on minimizing the impact of the disruption, ensuring that an organization can recover more effectively and efficiently. For example, having backup systems in place can help an organization continue to operate even if one system fails.

By understanding that preventative measures aim to eliminate or reduce the probability of incidents, while mitigative measures are concerned with managing the consequences of those incidents, one can better prepare and respond to potential disruptions in business operations.