Which backup plan distributes risks by utilizing the cloud provider's regular operations while the customer opts for contingency operations?

The choice involving a cloud operations and third-party backup provider is correct because it highlights a strategy where the risks associated with backup and disaster recovery are distributed. In this model, the cloud provider manages the primary backup functions as part of their regular offerings, benefiting from their established infrastructure and expertise. On the other hand, the customer can focus on contingency operations, which may include developing specific recovery strategies or handling unique data requirements that aren't addressed by the cloud provider.

This interconnected approach allows businesses to leverage the resources and reliability of cloud providers while maintaining control over critical aspects of their data security and recovery. By using a third-party backup provider in conjunction with the cloud provider's operations, organizations can enhance their resilience against data loss or service interruptions, ensuring continuity without shouldering the entire backup burden themselves.

Other options may involve various degrees of customer dependence on their management strategies or infrastructure but do not effectively distribute risks in the same way this choice does. Community cloud backup and public cloud operational backup may not provide the same level of shared responsibility and operational synergy as this model, limiting flexibility and efficiency in risk management.