Continuity guide

Finding single points of failure without oversimplifying

A single point of failure is a dependency whose loss can stop the required service and for which there is no adequate alternative in the needed time.

DependenciesResilience

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Adrian M. Westbridge

Look beyond components

A second server does not remove a single point if both servers depend on the same identity platform, building or network route.

People can be single points

Unique knowledge, authorization or relationship ownership can be just as important as technical redundancy.

Suppliers can be shared

Multiple vendors may rely on the same distributor, cloud platform, port or subcontractor.

Test independence

Continuity claims should be validated by exercises or evidence rather than assumed from diagrams.

Business continuity is organization-specific. Recovery priorities, legal duties, safety requirements, contracts, insurance terms and technical recovery methods should be validated by the responsible people in the organization.