Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Practice Exam

The primary aim of a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) is to estimate the potential impact of system failure on an organization. This process involves identifying critical business functions, determining the effects of disruptions to those functions, and assessing the recovery requirements. Through a BIA, organizations can understand the consequences of business disruptions – whether due to natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other unforeseen events – and prioritize their recovery strategies accordingly.

By focusing on the potential impacts, a BIA aids in creating effective continuity plans that minimize losses and ensure the organization can maintain or quickly resume its essential operations. Identifying critical areas helps organizations allocate resources efficiently and improve resilience against potential crises.

In contrast, assessing employee performance, developing marketing strategies, and calculating operational costs do not directly relate to a BIA's primary objective, which is centered around understanding and mitigating the risks associated with system failures.