If you want a risk mitigation plan, you should consider having an incident response plan. But what is an incident response plan and how can you start creating one?
In this article, we will be discussing the incident response plan, its key components, and some best practices in creating one.
What is an Incident Response Plan?
An incident response plan is a document that describes processes and procedures that will be used in the event of a security attack. There is no one-size-fits-all response plan, as every business is different.
However, a plan should describe policies and procedures that are appropriate for your business. It is created to help your business address the consequences of a security incident, such as loss of confidentiality, loss of integrity, or loss of availability.
So an incident response plan will not provide you with any real protection against a security incident. But it documents how you will respond to an incident if it occurs. An effective security policy will help you reduce the risk of a security breach.
This includes creating policies and procedures to protect your organization from a serious security breach, for instance.
An effective security policy will incorporate an incident response plan so that there are documented processes for responding to a suspected or confirmed security breach.
7 Key Components of an Incident Response Plan
Here are some key components to include in your response plan:
1. Policy Statement
A policy statement sets the tone for the entire document and gives direction on how personnel should respond to an attack.
It should describe why a response plan is necessary and what the consequences are, in case it is not according to process.
A policy statement helps answer questions such as, for example:
- What’s important?
- Who’s responsible?
- Why?
- How?
- Who Are You Protecting?
- What Are You Protecting?
- Whose Responsibilities Are These?
- What Is The Process For Making Decisions?
- How To Communicate With Other Stakeholders?
- How Will You Ensure That All Actions Are Taken And That All Procedures Are Followed?
- Also, How Will You Determine Whether The Actions Taken Have Been Effective Or If Additional Measures Are Needed?
2. Scope
Describe the scope of your plan by listing which systems or data are subject to the plan.
3. Definitions
Define common terms used in the incident response plan.
4. Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
A business impact analysis forecasts the effects of a business function or process. And gathers data to build recovery strategies.
5. Risk Assessment And Risk Mitigation Strategies
Describe your risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
6. Plan of Actions And Milestones (POA&M)
This section describes what you will do to minimize the impact of a security incident, as well as how you will communicate your actions with other stakeholders involved in the incident response process.
7. Training Plan For Staff And Management
The training plan describes the training that you will provide to your staff and management. Thus, this is to ensure that they know their roles and responsibilities in the incident response process.
Best Practices In Creating An Incident Response Plan
Here are some best practices to consider when creating one:
- Make sure to define the roles and responsibilities of all participants in the incident response process, as well as those who will be communicating with external parties.
- Determining whom you should involve in the incident response process is key. Because the more people involved, the greater the number of people who need training.
- You should also include a communication plan. For instance, that details who will be communicating with each party involved in the incident response process.
Conclusion
An incident response plan is an essential component of an overall security policy. It should also include processes and procedures that will be used in the event of a security incident.
These processes and procedures should be appropriate for your organization and its business needs. But, a plan will not provide you with any real protection against a security breach. But it documents how you will respond to an incident if it occurs.
