Incident Response is a Team Effort

Introduction

No matter where you work or what your role is, Incident Response Plans are a critical aspect of your day-to-day cybersecurity.

In an era where digital attacks are inevitable, we must be prepared for any digital threats that come our way. Cybercriminals aim to steal confidential data to sell on the Dark Web, and they’ll even manipulate people inside the organization to get what they want.

Protecting against cyber threats isn’t just about having the most advanced tools. Effective Incident Response relies on a vigilant team that knows what to look for. Ultimately, security is a collaboration between humans and technology, working together to keep data safe!

The Role of Technology

Unfortunately, many organizations are still not ready to handle cyber incidents. Only 14% report being fully prepared with tested response plans, while 35% are moderately prepared, and 15% admit they are completely unprepared for a serious attack.

While you may not control the Incident Response (IR) systems at work, you can manage the security practices of your home and personal networks. It’s crucial to have a robust, automated response mechanism for detecting and reporting potential threats!

A good IR system will…

• Kickstart Response Plans: Automatically initiate predefined procedures when a threat is detected.
• Adapt Over Time: With machine learning, IR tools grow smarter with each new piece of data, learning and adapting to evolving threats.
• Log Activity in Detail: Document every suspicious activity on the network, creating valuable data for audits, post-incident analysis, and reports.

How to Recognize and Report a Cyber Threat

While technology handles detection and response, employees like you are equally critical in spotting and escalating potential issues. Every organization should empower its team to recognize and report suspicious activity effectively. Does your organization provide Security Awareness Training and regular updates on the changing threat landscape? Do they give you resources for understanding phishing and other modern cybercriminal tactics?

Part of learning to respond to threats is learning your Incident Response Plan ahead of time. If you don’t know your Incident Response Plan, now is a good time to ask before a cyberattack strikes.

Every company’s Incident Response Plan may vary, but the steps typically follow this structure:

1. Recognize the Signs of an Incident. Be aware of red flags that could indicate a security breach, such as:
   • Suspicious emails or links.
   • Unusual system behavior, like pop-ups, locked files, or unexpected shutdowns.
   • Unauthorized access or missing files.
   • Lost or stolen devices.
2. Immediately Report the Incident. If you suspect an issue, act fast:
   • Contact the right team: Notify your IT help desk, security team, or manager.
   • Use the official reporting channel: Follow your company’s preferred method, whether it’s email, a hotline, or a ticketing system.
   • Share key details: What did you observe? When did it happen? Did you take any actions to address it?
3. Contain the Threat (If Safe to Do So). If it’s within your ability and safe to proceed, take steps to limit the impact:
   • Disconnect your device from the network (unplug the Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi).
   • Avoid interacting further with the infected system.
   • Secure affected devices or physical areas to prevent further damage.
4. Follow Additional Instructions. Once the security team takes over, wait for their guidance before taking further action. Avoid discussing the incident with anyone outside the organization unless instructed otherwise.

If all this seems overwhelming, remember: Employees are not expected to solve security incidents themselves. The priority should always be reporting the issue immediately rather than attempting to fix it. Escalation ensures that the right experts can act swiftly, minimizing potential damage!

Conclusion

In cybersecurity, vigilance is everyone’s responsibility. Yet only 45% of companies have an established IR system, and less than one-third of those with Incident Response Plans test them on a regular basis.

By combining advanced tools with informed, alert employees, organizations create a robust defense against threats. Learning your company’s policies and procedures before disaster strikes, saves you from scrambling in an emergency, when speed matters most.

Together, we can keep our personal and professional data much safer!