Module 11: Incident Response

1. Understand the Incident Response Lifecycle:

   1. Learn the NIST Incident Response model, which includes preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident review.

   2. Recognize the importance of proactive preparation in minimizing the impact of incidents.

   3. Developing an Incident Response Plan (IRP):

      • Create an actionable IRP that defines roles, responsibilities, communication channels, and escalation paths.

      • Align the IRP with organizational goals and compliance requirements.

   4. Integrating Incident Response and Vulnerability Management:

      • Understand how effective vulnerability management can prevent incidents and reduce attack surface.

      • Use incident data to inform and prioritize vulnerability remediation efforts, creating a feedback loop between IR and vulnerability management.

   Incident Response Lifecycle:

   1. Preparation:

      • Establish Roles and Responsibilities: Define the roles of incident responders, IT, legal, PR, and management in incident handling.

      • Develop Policies and Playbooks: Create specific response procedures for common incidents (e.g., ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, DDoS).

      • Training and Simulations: Conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to ensure that all team members understand their roles during an incident.

   2. Detection and Analysis:

      • Log Monitoring and Threat Intelligence: Use tools like SIEM (e.g., Splunk, ArcSight) to monitor and detect potential security events.

      • Incident Classification and Triage: Categorize incidents based on severity, urgency, and potential impact, prioritizing critical incidents.

      • Evidence Collection and Preservation: Ensure evidence is collected in a way that preserves integrity for potential forensic investigation.

   3. Containment:

      • Short-Term Containment: Implement immediate measures to stop the incident from spreading (e.g., isolating affected systems, disabling accounts).

      • Long-Term Containment: Plan for more sustainable containment actions that allow the organization to continue operating securely.

      • Segmentation and Access Control: Apply network segmentation and access restrictions to limit the incident's scope.

   4. Eradication:

      • Remove the Threat: Eradicate malicious code, compromised accounts, or exploited vulnerabilities.

      • Patch Systems and Update Configurations: Identify and resolve vulnerabilities that enabled the incident, such as missing patches or misconfigurations.

   5. Recovery:

      • System Restoration and Validation: Restore affected systems from backups or reinstall clean versions.

      • Continuous Monitoring: Implement enhanced monitoring to detect any signs of recurrence.

      • Gradual Reintroduction to Production: Return systems to operation in a controlled manner, validating that security measures are effective.

   6. Post-Incident Review:

      • Root Cause Analysis: Identify the root cause of the incident and determine how to prevent similar issues.

      • Lessons Learned: Document findings, including successful strategies and areas needing improvement.

      • Update Incident Response Plan: Refine the IRP based on feedback and ensure it evolves with the organization’s needs.

   Building Incident Response Capabilities:

   1. Establishing a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT):

      • CSIRT Structure: Define the structure, roles, and responsibilities within the CSIRT, including technical responders, management, and external communication.

      • Authority and Escalation: Clarify the CSIRT’s authority to take necessary actions during an incident and establish escalation paths to higher management.

   2. Incident Response Tools and Resources:

      • SIEM Solutions: SIEMs like Splunk or QRadar can provide real-time alerts and insights into potential threats.

      • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Tools like CrowdStrike and Carbon Black to detect and contain threats at the endpoint level.

      • Forensic Tools: EnCase, FTK, and other forensic tools for detailed investigation and evidence gathering.

   3. Communicating with Stakeholders and Public:

      • Internal Communication: Define communication protocols with internal stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed without causing alarm.

      • External Communication: Develop a strategy for communicating with customers, regulators, and the media, if required, to maintain transparency and protect the organization’s reputation.

      • Legal and Compliance Considerations: Ensure the response aligns with legal obligations, including breach notification laws and regulatory requirements.