Cyber Incident Response: Key Steps and Best Practices

The human mind is always curious about what comes next. Still, when it comes to cybersecurity, along with curiosity, there is a sense of intimidation too, as the cost of damage is more. In this blog, let's explore the key steps and best practices to mitigate cyber incidents.

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A cyber incident response refers to an organization's plan in case of a data breach or cyber threat.

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Let us first look at the key steps to identify cyber incident response.

Prepare an incident response plan:-

The first and foremost step is to plan an active incident response team to deal with cybersecurity threats. Allocate roles to definite persons in the team based on skills. There must be a go-to person in the team who can be contacted regardless of the time an incident happens.

Categorize cyber incidents based on impact:-

Categorizing incidents based on severity and impact will help organizations/individuals differentiate between security and non-security incidents. The System failures can be easily detected once these incidents are sorted.

Implement top incident response tools:-

Cyber Incident response tools are crucial to detect and prevent cybersecurity threats. The top incident response tools are:-

IDPS (Intrusion detection and prevention system), SIEM (Security information and event management), and more.

Incident Identification:-

Use automated tools and manual analysis to identify threats like unusual network traffic, unauthorized access and malware alerts. A more comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity ensures a higher likelihood of early threat detection.

Assessment of the incident:-

Evaluate the scope and impact of the incident and determine its severity. According to the level of impact, use tools to isolate the affected network system to prevent further data loss. Change passwords and access credentials to restrict any unauthorized access and malware attack.

Thorough Monitoring:-

Continuous monitoring of network traffic and systems will help easily detect vulnerabilities and suspicious activities. It is best to be updated about emerging threats and promptly take necessary actions.

Let’s look at the best practices to follow for cyber incident response.

• Foster a strong cybersecurity culture in your organization or your daily lives. Raise awareness and be aware of cybersecurity. Implement and enforce security policies, procedures, and access control measures to prevent unauthorized access.
• If you're running an organization, then make sure you educate your employees regarding cybersecurity and practices.
• Establish partnerships with external entities and law enforcement agencies to take necessary actions when needed. Stay informed about emerging technologies and cyber threats.

CONCLUSION:

Cyber incidents are an unfortunate reality in today's digital age, but a well-prepared and executed cyber incident response plan can make all the difference in minimizing the damage and recovery time. By following these key steps and best practices, you can strengthen cyber defenses, mitigate risks, and be better prepared to respond effectively when cyber threats strike. Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and regularly updating and testing your Cyber Incident Response plan is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

FAQs:

• What is IDPS (Intrusion detection and prevention system)?

IDPS is a tool designed to detect network traffic and identify potential threats.

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• What is SIEM (Security information and event management)?

SIEM is a tool designed to detect real-time analysis of security threats in network systems.