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Incident Response Process

1. Introduction​

This Incident Response Process outlines the steps to be taken when an IT security incident occurs, such as a virus infection or unauthorized software installation. The goal is to contain, mitigate, and recover from the incident while minimizing the impact on business operations.

2. Purpose​

The purpose of this process is to ensure a prompt and effective response to IT security incidents, protect company assets, and prevent future incidents.

3. Scope​

This process applies to all IT security incidents, including but not limited to malware infections, unauthorized software installations, data breaches, and network intrusions.

4. Incident Response Team​

  • IT Security Team: Responsible for leading the incident response process.
  • IT Support Team: Provides technical support and assists in incident resolution.
  • Management: Provides oversight and support for the incident response process.

5. Incident Response Steps​

5.1 Identification​

  • Detection: Identify potential security incidents through monitoring tools, user reports, and alerts.
  • Verification: Verify the incident by assessing logs, alerts, and user reports.

Example Scenario: Virus Infection​

  1. User reports unusual behavior or alert from antivirus software.
  2. IT Security Team verifies the incident by checking logs and running antivirus scans.

Example Scenario: Unauthorized Software Installation​

  1. IT discovers unauthorized software (e.g., cracked software) during routine audits.
  2. IT Security Team verifies the incident by checking installation logs and software inventory.

5.2 Containment​

  • Immediate Action: Take immediate steps to contain the incident and prevent further damage.
  • Isolation: Isolate affected systems from the network to prevent the spread of malware.

Example Scenario: Virus Infection​

  1. Disconnect the infected machine from the network.
  2. Disable affected user accounts if necessary.

Example Scenario: Unauthorized Software Installation​

  1. Disconnect the affected machine from the network.
  2. Disable or uninstall the unauthorized software.

5.3 Eradication​

  • Removal: Remove the root cause of the incident, such as deleting malware or uninstalling unauthorized software.
  • Cleaning: Clean affected systems and ensure no traces of the incident remain.

Example Scenario: Virus Infection​

  1. Run a full antivirus scan and remove any detected malware.
  2. Reinstall operating system if necessary.

Example Scenario: Unauthorized Software Installation​

  1. Uninstall the unauthorized software.
  2. Run a full antivirus scan to ensure no malware is present.

5.4 Recovery​

  • Restoration: Restore affected systems to normal operation.
  • Validation: Validate that systems are secure and no further threats are present.

Example Scenario: Virus Infection​

  1. Reconnect the cleaned machine to the network.
  2. Monitor the system for any signs of re-infection.

Example Scenario: Unauthorized Software Installation​

  1. Reconnect the cleaned machine to the network.
  2. Monitor the system for any unauthorized activity.

5.5 Lessons Learned​

  • Review: Conduct a post-incident review to identify what went wrong and what worked well.
  • Documentation: Document the incident, response actions, and lessons learned.
  • Improvement: Update security policies and procedures based on the lessons learned.

Example Scenario: Virus Infection​

  1. Review the incident to determine how the malware entered the system.
  2. Update antivirus definitions and educate users on safe computing practices.

Example Scenario: Unauthorized Software Installation​

  1. Review the incident to determine how the unauthorized software was installed.
  2. Update software installation policies and educate users on software usage policies.

6. Reporting and Communication​

  • Internal Reporting: Report the incident to relevant internal stakeholders, including management and affected departments.
  • External Reporting: Report the incident to external parties if required by law or contractual obligations.

7. Training and Awareness​

  • Regular Training: Conduct regular training sessions for employees on security best practices and incident reporting procedures.
  • Simulations: Perform regular incident response simulations to ensure readiness and improve response times.

8. Compliance​

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
  • Audit: Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to the incident response process.

9. Review and Update​

  • Periodic Review: Review and update the incident response process annually or as needed.
  • Continuous Improvement: Incorporate feedback and lessons learned to continuously improve the process.

By following this IT Security Incident Response Process, we aim to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of security incidents, ensuring the protection of our IT assets and the continuity of business operations.