6 Overlooked Strategies That Strengthen ISO 22301 Compliance

[author: Elle Tsivka]

When disruption strikes—be it a cyberattack, supply chain failure, or extreme weather—your systems and team’s ability to respond with speed, clarity, and confidence are tested.

ISO 22301, the international standard for business continuity management, offers a comprehensive framework to help organizations prepare for and manage such disruptions. Its guidance serves as a solid foundation for building resilience. However, even with robust recommendations in place, certain practical elements may be overlooked during implementation. Real-world readiness often depends on how well the standard is applied in context and tested for effectiveness.

With that in mind, let’s dive into six often-overlooked strategies that can help close the gaps and enhance your business continuity program.

Strategy #1: Align Recovery Objectives with Risk Appetite

One of the biggest pitfalls in business continuity planning is setting recovery time objectives (RTOs) that look good on paper but don’t match what the business can actually risk in terms of downtime, penalties, etc. Targets should be based on real impact, not assumptions.

For example, a logistics company might need its shipment tracking system restored within four hours to avoid customer frustration and revenue loss. But its internal reporting tool, used mainly for monthly metrics, could tolerate a 24-hour outage with minimal consequence. Aligning recovery goals with true risk tolerance ensures resources are focused where they matter most.

Strategy #2: Build Redundancy into Continuity Planning

Strategy #3: Test for Complexity, Not Just ISO 22301 Compliance

In a true crisis, things rarely go according to plan. Systems crash in unexpected ways, key personnel may be unavailable, and small issues can escalate quickly. That’s why tabletop testing must go beyond routine, scripted scenarios.

Instead, simulate high-stress, layered situations—like a ransomware attack on a holiday weekend or a power outage that disrupts both your data center and communication tools. These complex tabletop exercises challenge teams to think critically, make decisions under pressure, and adapt in real time. More importantly, they reveal vulnerabilities that simple drills often overlook. The more closely your testing mirrors the chaos of real-world events, the better prepared your organization will be when an actual disruption occurs.

Strategy #4: Map Regulatory Obligations to Crisis Scenarios

Disruption doesn’t pause compliance. From data breach notification deadlines to mandatory reporting, these obligations remain in effect—and organizations who fail to account for them during a disruption leave themselves further exposed to legal, financial, and reputational risk.

For example, if a healthcare provider experiences a system outage that results in the unauthorized access or potential exposure of patient data, it is still required to report the incident under HIPAA within a specific timeframe. By mapping these requirements to different crisis scenarios, teams can plan ahead. It is essential to know what must be prioritized, which workarounds are acceptable, and who is responsible for what. This approach ensures compliance isn’t compromised, even under pressure.

Strategy #5: Operationalize Crisis Communication Protocols

When a disruption hits, silence or confusion can do more damage than the event itself. That’s why crisis communication must be fully operationalized. Everyone involved should know exactly what to say, how to say it, and who needs to hear it. This includes internal teams, leadership, customers, partners, and, in some cases, regulators or the media. Clear, timely communication helps manage expectations, reduce panic, and maintain trust.

Effective protocols include pre-approved message templates, designated spokespersons, and defined communication channels for different scenarios. Just as you test recovery procedures, crisis messaging should be rehearsed regularly to ensure teams are confident and ready. In moments of uncertainty, strong communication is one of the most valuable tools an organization can rely on.

Strategy #6: Foster a Culture of Preparedness, Not Just Policy Adherence

Policies alone don’t build resilience; people do. A public sector healthcare organization discovered this during a major data breach, where investigations revealed that employees had created unauthorized “shadow IT” systems without proper oversight. These systems weren’t included in continuity or security plans, leaving them unprotected and invisible during the crisis. When the breach hit, they became a major weak point, exposing sensitive data and delaying recovery efforts.

This wasn’t just a technical failure—it highlighted a gap in awareness and accountability. Building a culture of preparedness means helping every employee understand their role in resilience. When people know why continuity matters and how their choices impact the bigger picture, they’re more likely to follow good practices. That’s when policies move off the page and into everyday behavior, strengthening the organization from the inside out.

Turn ISO 22301 Compliance into Operational Strength

ISO 22301 lays the groundwork for a robust business continuity framework, but real resilience is built through the choices organizations make beyond the baseline. Addressing overlooked strategies separates those who simply meet the standard from those who are truly prepared.

Just as important is fostering a culture where continuity isn’t just a policy but a shared mindset. As threats grow more complex and expectations rise, the organizations that succeed will be those who plan not just to pass audits, but to protect their people, operations, and reputation in real time.