How do you report cybersecurity lessons learned?

1 Define the scope

The first step in reporting cybersecurity lessons learned is to define the scope of the incident and the report. You need to identify the objectives, audience, format, and timeline of the report, as well as the key stakeholders and contributors. The scope should be aligned with the incident response plan and the organization's policies and procedures. You should also consider the sensitivity and confidentiality of the information and the legal and regulatory implications of the report.

2 Collect the data

The next step is to collect the relevant data and evidence from the incident. You should use the logs, records, tools, and reports that were generated during the incident response process, as well as any feedback, interviews, surveys, or observations from the involved parties. You should also consult with external sources, such as vendors, partners, customers, or authorities, if applicable. You should organize and analyze the data to identify the root causes, impacts, gaps, and strengths of the incident and the response.

3 Identify the lessons

The third step is to identify the lessons learned from the incident and the response. You should use a structured framework or methodology, such as the SWOT analysis, the 5 Whys, or the After Action Review, to evaluate the performance, outcomes, and issues of the incident and the response. You should focus on both the positive and negative aspects, and highlight the best practices, recommendations, and action items for improvement. You should also prioritize and categorize the lessons according to their importance, urgency, and feasibility.

6 Implement the actions

The final step is to implement the actions derived from the lessons learned. You should assign roles, responsibilities, resources, and deadlines for each action item and monitor their progress and completion. You should also update the incident response plan, policies, procedures, and tools based on the lessons learned. You should also communicate and document the changes and improvements made as a result of the report. You should also evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the actions and report any issues or challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?