Continuity of Operations (COOP) refers to the planning and procedures that ensure an organization can maintain essential functions during and after a disruptive event. While disaster recovery focuses on restoring IT systems, COOP addresses how the organization keeps operating when those systems are degraded, staff are unavailable, or facilities are inaccessible.
Government agencies are required to maintain COOP plans under federal policy. Private organizations use similar frameworks to protect revenue-generating operations and meet contractual obligations during crises ranging from power outages to natural disasters.
CISSP Relevance
COOP is addressed in Domain 7 (Security Operations) under business continuity and recovery planning. CISSP candidates must understand the difference between business continuity planning, disaster recovery, and COOP, and how each contributes to organizational resilience.
External reference: FEMA Continuity Planning Resources
Related terms: Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery