Question 303 - CISA discussion

The most important reason to classify a disaster recovery plan (DRP) as confidential is to reduce the risk of data leakage that could lead to an attack. A DRP contains sensitive information about the organization's IT infrastructure, systems, processes, and procedures for recovering from a disaster. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could be exploited by malicious actors to launch targeted attacks, sabotage recovery efforts, or extort ransom. Therefore, a DRP should be protected from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction.

The other options are not as important as reducing the risk of data leakage that could lead to an attack:

Ensuring compliance with the data classification policy is a good practice, but it is not a sufficient reason to classify a DRP as confidential. The data classification policy should reflect the level of risk and impact associated with each type of data, and a DRP should be classified as confidential based on its potential harm if compromised.

Protecting the plan from unauthorized alteration is a valid concern, but it is not a primary reason to classify a DRP as confidential. A DRP should be protected from unauthorized alteration by implementing access controls, audit trails, version control, and change management processes. Classifying a DRP as confidential may deter some unauthorized alterations, but it does not prevent them.

Complying with business continuity best practice is a desirable goal, but it is not a compelling reason to classify a DRP as confidential. Business continuity best practice may recommend classifying a DRP as confidential, but it does not mandate it. The decision to classify a DRP as confidential should be based on a risk assessment and a cost-benefit analysis.