The Importance of a Cyber Security Incident Response Team
In 2015, I recommend that all companies form an effective Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) due to the growing number of cyber security threats facing businesses every day. In today’s age, mistakes at critical times involving your virtual and physical assets can cause crippling results. It’s not a question of having your Cyber Security Incident Response Team in case things go wrong, it is more about having one in place when things do go wrong. The nature of escalating threats every millisecond should cause concern, and no doubt keeps plenty of our business leaders up late at night. Now is the time to put in place detailed playbooks and procedures so that the organization can execute a response strategy at the appropriate time. Like with other Contingency Planning areas, the more planning and preparation, the better. It’s always best to take time for proper preparation now, not only will performance of the designated assets and functionaries have a higher level of execution per the planning, but proper planning can also deliver more peace of mind and confidence. You just can’t put a premium on that.
Functions of a Cyber Security Incident Response Team
A thoughtful, well-prepared, and well-documented Cyber Playbook Program requires that an organization clearly outline and define the nature and scope of security incidents, taking care to document each detail. It goes beyond the mere linear understanding of just how individual tools and components independently operate, but also how they interrelate amongst each other. It requires total awareness of all the procedures, plans, playbooks, tools and roles necessary to execute defined actions. Roles and modes of operation need to be clearly defined as to avoid any confusion. As we all know, confusion can lead to uncertainty and doubtful action, and if that continues, chaos surely follows suit. Therefore, it is important to put measures in place to coordinate exact protocols from A to Z. The more clearly all procedures are understood, communicated, and defined, the higher the probability of success and resolution of the intended goals.
Implementing a Security Incident Response Team
Organizations need to document the possible impact of a Cyber Incident involving corporate data, especially the most sensitive data-information that includes social security numbers, bank accounts and other highly confidential data and personally identifiable information. Outlining the exact steps of how to handle sensitive information is necessary. Furthermore, operational and technical issues must be outlined, such as the necessary equipment, security and staffing requirements. The most effective resources need to be allocated both to newly developed teams, as well as existing teams whose protocols, policies, plans, playbooks, services and procedures who may not yet be clearly documented or appropriately defined. Senior level managers are tasked with the adoption of the CSRIT document, which can serve as point of reference for even higher level staff, and all of those key stakeholders involved with the CSRIT.
As cyber threats continue to mount each day, each one more dangerous than its precedent, the appropriate steps need to be taken now to combat future incidents. This can be achieved through careful and thoughtful planning, and the formation of your Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).