What is the primary purpose of a Contingency Plan (CP)?

The primary purpose of a Contingency Plan (CP) is to outline procedures that an organization should follow in the event of a major incident or emergency. This plan serves as a crucial framework that helps organizations respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or any event that disrupts normal operations. By having predefined procedures, organizations can quickly and efficiently mitigate the impact of such incidents, ensuring business continuity and reducing downtime.

Developing a CP involves identifying critical business functions, determining the risks associated with those functions, and detailing the steps that need to be taken to maintain operations or recover to a normal state as swiftly as possible. This focus on preparedness allows organizations to navigate crises more effectively, protecting both their assets and their reputation.

The other options, while related to aspects of risk management and operational security, do not specifically address the core function of a Contingency Plan. Identifying potential threats is a part of the risk assessment process but not the main aim of a CP. Establishing network protocols pertains to secure communications but falls outside the scope of responding to major disruptive events. Developing new IT infrastructure is more aligned with planning for future growth or upgrades rather than immediate response to emergencies, which is what a CP is designed to handle