GlossaryDEFINED TERM / FALLBACK-CHANNEL

Fallback channel

A pre-defined alternative communication path for failure or compromise of the primary channel.

Working definition

A fallback channel is useful only when participants, activation criteria and identity verification are defined before an incident. An improvised private chat group is not a resilient fallback.

It should be independent enough to avoid common failures while meeting minimum standards for identity, confidentiality and traceability. Exercises verify reachability and handover back to the primary process.

Three verification questions

  1. 01When is the channel activated?
  2. 02How are participants verified there?
  3. 03How is the transition recorded and closed?