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CISA Practice Question: Is the PRIMARY purpose of a business impact…
Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of a business impact analysis (BIA) in business continuity planning?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To determine the criticality of business processes and their recovery requirements
A business impact analysis (BIA) is conducted to assess the criticality of business processes and identify their recovery requirements, such as recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO). This information guides subsequent continuity planning activities. Option B (emergency contacts) is typically part of an emergency response plan, not the BIA. Option C (identifying resources for recovery) and Option D (technical recovery procedures) are steps that follow the BIA once the priorities are established.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To determine the criticality of business processes and their recovery requirements
Why this is correct
The BIA's main goal is to quantify the impact of disruptions and set RTO/RPO.
- ✗
To create a list of emergency contacts
Why it's wrong here
Contact lists are operational details that follow the BIA.
- ✗
To identify the resources required for recovery
Why it's wrong here
Resource identification is part of BIA but it's secondary to determining criticality and tolerances.
- ✗
To document the technical recovery procedures
Why it's wrong here
Procedures are developed after the BIA determines priorities.
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