How to Respond to Security Breach Incidences

60454577 – incident coordinator pressing incident response on an interactive touch screen. computer security concept. man in blue suit is highlighting an open lock among forensic tool icons signifying a breach.

In any discussion involving incidence response, we need to pay close attention to the plan and tools used in incidence detection, containment, response, and triage. This article explains the importance of the right tools and IR program. Only in this way can you make the right decision at each phase of incidence response.

Three A’s of Incidence Response

To defend your company’s network against intrusion and other attacks, you need the right Ammunition, identify the appropriate Attribution methodology, and increase Awareness. Only by applying the 3 A’s, can you reduce the volume and impacts of cyber attacks on your company. Need to learn more regarding incidence response tools (IRTs)? Then, read on…

Ammunition. Unfortunately, incidence attacks responders spend a lot of their time downloading and customizing response tools both open source as well as closed source. Why? Cyber geeks love coding. As such, several incidence responses approaches exist which will help you understand when to use each tool and why.

Attribution. Not only does understanding the attacker’s mindset helps in correctly attributing and attack’s origin, but also learn the technique(s) employed. This is especially important where real time IRTs are deployed. The following URL provides numerous free and open source IRTs available for automating incidence response strategies.

Awareness. The effectiveness of any incidence response tool is determined by user intelligence, education, and knowledge. When it comes to incidence response, you cannot automate intuition. Typically, the success of any intervention strategy is determined by your or an employee’s intuition. For that reason, evaluate any incidences as ways of learning and improving your organization’s overall security.

Incidence Response Process

All incidence response processes are business processes involving the collaboration and cooperation of an entire organization. As such, it encompasses both internal and external sections in threat identification and remediation inclusive of human resources, public relations, C-suite, IT, and security teams. Given that, you need to evaluate an event from every angle and involve every audience.

Developing an IR Plan

Use these three tips to you create an incidence response (IR) plan.

Tip # 1: Define Security Incidences and Related Scenarios

All IT security breaches require swift identification and a capable IR plan. As you consider the implication of the incident, you need to visualize the possible impact of real or imaginary scenarios. Use this incident handling website to get you started: https://www.pagerduty.com/why-pagerduty/developers/.

Tip # 2: Create and Communicate Your IR Plan

Once your IR plan is developed, reviewed, and approved, inform every one of his or her role in the IR program. Anyone with the right visibility can help detect any security incidents. Although your IT team is at the forefront of an incidence response strategy, any user can potentially identify a threat.

Tip # 3: Be Proactive

A validated security breach can lead to considerable loss of finances or reputation. As a result, your business may fail to recover sufficiently or entirely go under. Besides having an appropriate IR plan, create relationships and interface with appropriate government agencies, digital forensic experts, external legal counselors, and obtain cyber security insurance. These measures will allow you mitigate losses occurring from a valid security breach.

In a world of increasing security threats, the importance of the right IR plan cannot be understated. Your organization’s security is not a question of “if,” but “when” will it be a victim. Having a detailed IR plan and the proper tools means your lifeline in weathering the deluge of potential threats now and in the future.