What is a major concern for an IS auditor reviewing a business continuity plan?

A major concern for an IS auditor reviewing a business continuity plan revolves around the adequacy of documentation related to test results. It is critical that continuity plans are tested regularly to ensure their effectiveness during an actual disruption. Without adequate documentation of test results, an auditor cannot verify whether the plan has been successfully validated in practice or if the organization is prepared to handle real incidents. Proper documentation serves not only as a record of what was tested and the outcomes but also helps identify areas that need improvement, ensuring that the plan remains relevant and effective.

In the context of business continuity planning, the other concerns—while important—do not carry the same weight of immediate validation that thorough test result documentation does. For instance, although having an approved plan by the chief information officer indicates that the plan has authority, it does not speak to the plan's practical effectiveness. Similarly, outdated contact lists could pose challenges during a crisis, but they can often be updated more easily than addressing fundamental flaws identified in a poorly documented testing process. Finally, the absence of a training schedule is indeed a gap, but it is more about preparedness rather than the demonstrable success of the plan in practice, which is why the status of test results is a more significant concern for an auditor evaluating business continuity