Which step in business continuity planning involves developing fallback options if planned strategies fail, and requires an accurate inventory to be effective?

The correct choice is focused on contingency strategies, which are crucial in business continuity planning. This step emphasizes the need to prepare for potential failures in the primary strategies that have been devised to maintain operations during a disruption. By developing fallback options, organizations ensure they are ready to respond to unexpected scenarios, guaranteeing that they do not become paralyzed in the face of adversity.

This process relies heavily on having an accurate inventory, as understanding the resources, personnel, and technology available allows organizations to identify alternative approaches that can be employed if the initial plans are rendered ineffective. This inventory serves as the foundation for creating robust contingency strategies, enabling businesses to anticipate needs and allocate resources in times of crisis effectively.

Preventative measures focus on actions taken to avoid disruptions in the first place, which can include risk assessments and implementing controls, but do not address what happens if those measures do fail. The term inventory refers to the stock of resources and capabilities, and while essential, it is part of the overall strategy rather than a distinct step in planning. Patching pertains to applying updates and fixes to systems and does not address the broader scope of business continuity. Thus, the development of contingency strategies aligns directly with the need for fallback options based on an accurate inventory to ensure the resilience of organizational