Blog 83 # Understanding the Difference Between CSIRT and PSIRT Frameworks

Cybersecurity incidents are a growing concern for organizations worldwide. In response to this, many companies establish Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRT) and Product Security Incident Response Teams (PSIRT) frameworks to effectively handle and respond to security incidents. While both teams serve the common goal of enhancing cybersecurity, there are key differences between CSIRT and PSIRT frameworks that are important to understand. Let's delve deeper into these distinctions to gain a clearer insight into each framework.

The Difference Between a CSIRT and a PSIRT

The focus on constituents as well as the services offered are the key differentiators between the CSIRT of an organization and other security teams represented in the same organization, such as a PSIRT. Generally, the focus on products is the key differentiator between the PSIRT and any other security team, including but not limited to CSIRTs inside an organization.

Inside an organization, an Enterprise CSIRT is focused on the security of computer systems and networks that make up the infrastructure of an organization. If there are multiple security teams and CSIRTs inside a large organization, one of them might serve as coordinator and single point of contact to the external parties. Such teams are called Coordinating CSIRTs.

Such Coordinating CSIRTs are also established as independent entities serving a specific set of individuals and/or organizations known as a constituency. Organizations belonging to a specific constituency share some common characteristics (like being part of a national research network or belonging to a specific country). The Coordinating CSIRT acts as single point of contact for the whole group and is focused on the overall security aspects of these organizations.

Today, national CSIRTs have been established as a distinctive type of Coordinating CSIRT to facilitate and often coordinate the activities of CSIRTs located in a particular nation or offer limited services for all citizens, specific sectors of critical infrastructure entities, etc. of this nation.

While there are important differences between any CSIRT and PSIRT, it is important to recognize that there is also synergy between the two entities. The important point to take away is that both CSIRTs and PSIRTs do not operate independently of each other, as, for example, many CSIRTs warn constituents about security vulnerabilities. Such warnings are almost always based on information provided by vendor PSIRTs.

CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team):

The framework for CSIRT services is based on the relationships of four key elements:

SERVICE AREAS – SERVICES – FUNCTIONS – SUB-FUNCTIONS

These elements are defined as:

SERVICE AREAS

Service areas group services related to a common aspect. They help to organize the services along a top-level categorization to facilitate understanding and communication. The specification for each service area would include a “Description” field consisting of a general, high-level narrative text describing the service area and the list of services within the service area.

SERVICES

A service is a set of recognizable, coherent functions oriented towards a specific result. Such results may be expected or required by constituents or on behalf of or for the stakeholder of an entity. A service is specified by the following template:

• A “Description” field describing the nature of the service
• A “Purpose” field describing the intent of the service
• An “Outcome” field describing any measurable results of the service

FUNCTIONS

A function is an activity or set of activities aimed at fulfilling the purpose of a particular service. Any function might be shared and used in the context of several services. A function is described by the following template:

• A “Description” field describing the function
• A “Purpose” field describing the intent of the function
• An “Outcome” field describing any measurable results of the function
• The list of sub-functions that might be performed as part of the function.

SUB-FUNCTIONS

A sub-function is an activity or set of activities aimed at fulfilling the purpose of a particular function. Any sub-function might be shared and used in the context of several functions and/or services. Sub-functions might be optionally performed or required for any of those functions and/or services. A sub-function is also described by the following template:

• A “Description” field describing the sub-function
• A “Purpose” field describing the intent of the sub-function
• An “Outcome” field describing any measurable results of the sub-function

For the purpose of the CSIRT Services Framework no sub-functions have been fully described. Only a short characterization is given for each one.

Below figure displays the CSIRT Services Framework Service Areas and Services. A full table of service areas, services and functions is available as below:

CSIRT is primarily focused on responding to and managing security incidents affecting an organization's internal systems and network. The main responsibilities of a CSIRT include:

1. Incident Detection and Analysis: CSIRTs actively monitor network traffic and system logs to identify potential security incidents. They analyze the nature and scope of the incident to determine the appropriate response.
2. Incident Response and Mitigation: CSIRTs are responsible for containing and mitigating the impact of security incidents. They work to restore services, investigate the root cause of the incident, and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
3. Communication and Coordination: CSIRTs collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as IT teams and management, to ensure a coordinated response to security incidents. They may also engage with external entities, such as law enforcement or other CSIRTs, for support and information sharing.

PSIRT (Product Security Incident Response Team):

The framework for PSIRT services is based on the relationships of four key elements:

SERVICE AREAS – SERVICES – FUNCTIONS – SUB-FUNCTIONS

SERVICE AREAS Service Areas regroup services related to a common aspect. They help to organize the services along a top-level categorization to facilitate understanding. The specification for each service area would include a “Description” field consisting of a general, high-level narrative text describing the service area and the list of services within the service area.

SERVICES A service is a set of recognizable, coherent actions towards a specific result on behalf of or for the constituency of an incident response team.

A service is specified by the following template:

• A “Description” field describing the nature of the service.
• A “Purpose and Outcome” field describing the intent and measurable results of the service.

FUNCTIONS A function is an activity or set of activities aimed at fulfilling the purpose of a particular service. Any function might be shared and used in the context of several services.

A function is described by the following template:

• A “Description” field describing the function.
• A “Purpose and Outcome” field describing the intent and measurable results of the service.
• The list of sub-functions that can be performed as part of the function.

SUB-FUNCTION A sub-function is an activity or set of activities aimed at fulfilling the purpose of a particular function. Any sub-function might be shared and used in the context of several functions.

PSIRT Organizational Structure

PSIRTs can be as unique and varied as the products they help protect. Between organizations within the same sector or industry there will be variations in business characteristics, operating models, product portfolios, organizational structures, and product development strategies. As a result, there is no single one-size fits all product security incident response strategy or team template for all organizations to follow. However, three PSIRT models are used by most companies: Distributed, Centralized and Hybrid.

Distributed Model

The Distributed model utilizes a small core PSIRT that works with representatives from the product teams to address security vulnerabilities in products. In this model, the smaller PSIRT Operations has several core responsibilities:

• Creating policies, processes procedures and guidelines for the triage, analysis, remediation, and communication of fixes, mitigations or other advisory information to address security vulnerabilities.
• Establishing a matrix of (tiered) product security engineering representatives throughout the organization.
• Offering leadership and guidance regarding product security vulnerability response and potential risk to the business.
• Acting as the collection point for incoming security vulnerabilities where the economies of scale benefit from a central point of control.
• Notifying the Product Owner/Manager and the security engineer of new security vulnerabilities, assist in the development of remediation plans, and draft/publish communication of a fix or mitigation, including incident management.

An organization with a large and diverse product portfolio can benefit from the Distributed model because the cost of the PSIRT mission is defrayed across the organization. This model also allows the PSIRT mission to scale by leveraging the skilled people in the product engineering teams.

The challenge with the Distributed PSIRT model is that the people responsible for performing the triage and delivering the fixes for security vulnerabilities are not directly controlled by and do not report to the PSIRT Operations.

Centralized Model

The Centralized model has a larger PSIRT Staff drawn from multiple departments that report into one or more senior executives responsible for the organization’s product security. This model might have a structure similar to the following:

• PSIRT Program Management Department: Creates policies, processes procedures and guidelines for the triage, analysis, remediation, and communication of fixes for security vulnerabilities. Manages the operations of the overall PSIRT initiative, ticketing system and represents PSIRT leadership to the organization.
• PSIRT Security Intelligence and Triage: Monitors various external sources for security vulnerabilities. Assesses the initial impact of security vulnerabilities to the organization’s product portfolio.
• PSIRT Remediation and Communications: Directly provides code fixes for security vulnerabilities to the product engineering teams.

This model works well with a smaller organization and/or an organization with a homogenous product portfolio. This model concentrates and cultivates a high level of security skill and expertise into one area of the organization. The challenge with this model is in the cost of maintaining a centrally specialized team that does not scale as well if the product portfolio grows and/or becomes more diverse.

Hybrid Model

• The Hybrid model is a variation that includes characteristics of both the Distributed and Centralized model. An organization may choose to implement some characteristics and features of both models, creating a hybrid that takes into account the following factors:
• Organizational corporate structure and size
• Product portfolio size and diversity
• Product development strategy

On the other hand, PSIRT focuses on addressing security vulnerabilities and incidents related to a company's products or services. The key functions of a PSIRT include:

1. Vulnerability Management: PSIRTs are responsible for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in products or services. They work closely with product development teams to address security flaws and release patches or updates to mitigate the risks.
2. Customer Communication: PSIRTs communicate with customers and stakeholders about security vulnerabilities in products. They provide guidance on mitigation measures, such as applying patches or workarounds, to protect customers from potential threats.
3. Coordination with External Researchers: PSIRTs often collaborate with external security researchers, industry partners, and vulnerability disclosure programs to receive reports of vulnerabilities and ensure timely remediation.

In summary, while both CSIRT and PSIRT frameworks play crucial roles in enhancing cybersecurity posture, they have distinct focuses and responsibilities. CSIRTs concentrate on internal incident response and network security, whereas PSIRTs are dedicated to addressing product-related security issues and vulnerabilities. By understanding the differences between these frameworks, organizations can develop comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to effectively combat cyber threats and safeguard their assets.

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Source: First.org

Reference : https://www.first.org/standards/frameworks/psirts/psirt_services_framework_v1.1

https://www.first.org/standards/frameworks/csirts/csirt_services_framework_v2.1

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