After completing an annual risk assessment, what should an IS auditor recommend for the business continuity plan?

Recommending a review and evaluation of the business continuity plan for adequacy after completing an annual risk assessment is crucial because it ensures that the plan aligns with the current business environment, organizational changes, and newly identified risks. This step involves a thorough examination of whether the plan effectively addresses the risks identified in the assessment, evaluates the relevance of existing recovery strategies, and confirms that the resources and procedures outlined are still appropriate and effective.

Regularly reviewing and updating the business continuity plan helps organizations to proactively identify potential gaps or weaknesses, ensuring they can respond effectively to disruptions. It also facilitates alignment with changing regulations, industry standards, and technological advancements, which can pose new challenges to business continuity.

Conducting a full simulation, while beneficial, is more of an operational follow-up rather than a direct recommendation based on risk assessment findings. Training and educating employees and notifying critical contacts are important actions but are typically part of the broader implementation of the business continuity plan rather than being specific recommendations following a risk assessment. Thus, assessing the adequacy of the plan is essential to ensure it remains robust and effective in light of evolving risks.