Introduction

When a cybersecurity threat requires an immediate response, organizations rely on their Incident Response (IR) Plan to minimize damage and restore operations.

A well-structured IR plan is tailored to an organization’s needs but should follow an established framework like the NIST SP 800-61 guidelines. This foundational document provides recommendations for handling security incidents and is a key resource for both building an IR team from scratch and optimizing existing processes.

In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of incident response, covering how to organize an incident response capability, handle security incidents, and coordinate information sharing.

Understanding the Core Components of Incident Response

To develop a strong IR framework, it’s essential to differentiate between IR policy, IR plan, and IR procedures. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they serve distinct purposes:

• IR Policy: Defines the organization’s overarching goals and priorities when handling security threats.

• IR Plan: Details how the organization executes the authority established by the policy.

• IR Procedures: Provide specific, step-by-step guidance for responding to particular threats (e.g., ransomware, insider threats, or DDoS attacks).

Building an Incident Response Procedure

Step 1: Align with IR Policy and Plan

Every IR procedure should be based on:

• Defined areas of responsibility: Who is responsible for what in the organization?

• Business priorities: Which assets, services, or revenue streams require top protection?

• Metrics-based expectations: Response times, reporting deadlines, and compliance requirements.

For example, an IR policy might set a goal of resolving high-severity incidents within 4 hours. The IR plan would outline escalation paths, while the IR procedure would specify which actions to take within that timeframe.

Step 2: Clarify Areas of Responsibility

Avoid unnecessary procedures by clearly defining who handles specific threats within the organization. This prevents redundant work and ensures that the right teams are prepared for the right incidents.

Step 3: Consider Environmental Differences

Organizations operate in diverse environments, each with unique challenges:

• Cloud vs. On-Premises Infrastructure – Incident response steps will vary based on where the threat occurs.

• Legal & Compliance Regulations – Different countries have varying data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR in Europe).

• Access and Tooling Constraints – Some business units may have restricted access to certain security tools.

Step 4: Use Severity to Guide Response

The severity of an incident dictates the response strategy. Examples include:

• Low-Severity (Reconnaissance Attempt) – Monitor activity, gather intelligence, and assess risk.

• Medium-Severity (Phishing Attack) – Contain the threat, notify affected users, and block malicious actors.

• High-Severity (Root-Level Compromise) – Escalate to an IR specialist, conduct forensic analysis, and coordinate recovery efforts.

Implementing Technical Work for the Incident Response Plan

Practical IR Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

Once the foundational IR plan is in place, it’s time to establish specific response tactics. These should address:

• How incident response differs across various environments.

• Where crucial security data is sourced from (e.g., cloud monitoring, zero-trust architecture, single sign-on websites).

Using a Collection Management Framework for Data

A Collection Management Framework (CMF) helps structure data collection, making incident detection and analysis more efficient. This military-derived strategy is now widely used in cybersecurity.

CMF considerations:

• What data is collected? Segregate data by geography, business unit, or compliance needs.

• How will it be processed? Define data handling procedures and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

• Who needs access? Ensure all stakeholders understand data security and access protocols.

Document, Practice, and Update Your Incident Response Plan

Step 1: Test Procedures with Tabletop Exercises

Regularly test IR procedures to ensure they are effective. Tabletop exercises, case reviews, and simulated attacks provide valuable insights into potential gaps and areas for improvement.

Step 2: Establish an Update Process

An outdated IR plan is ineffective. Organizations should:

• Regularly review procedures.

• Update documentation to reflect new threats.

• Ensure the IR plan remains aligned with business objectives and compliance requirements.

Step 3: Train Teams and Hold Them Accountable

Your incident response team needs clear expectations. Without proper training, individuals may rely on their own instincts, leading to slower response times and operational inefficiencies.

Conclusion

A strong incident response plan aligns with your organization’s policy, defines responsibilities, and adapts to environmental differences. By structuring your response procedures, leveraging severity-based responses, and using frameworks like CMF, you can ensure a fast and effective approach to cybersecurity incidents.

Need Help? Looking for expert-led IR training and tabletop exercises? Contact Insane Cyber to customize a hands-on OT Incident Response Workshop tailored to your organization’s needs.