Run a scenario from A to Z

Run a scenario from A to Z

Let’s walk through a cybersecurity incident scenario, covering each stage and explaining when to engage each stakeholder and take critical actions.

Scenario

Phishing Attack with Data Exposure
An employee unknowingly clicks on a phishing email link, which leads to unauthorized access to a database containing personal customer information.

Step-by-Step Incident Response

1. Detection and Initial Assessment

   • Action: SOC (Security Operations Center) or security detection system flags unusual access patterns on the database.
   • Assess: Determine the scope — confirm if it’s an actual incident, and identify what systems and data are impacted.
   • Notify: Contact managers as soon as the incident is verified.

2. Containment

   • Action: Isolate affected systems to prevent further unauthorized access.
   • Internal Coordination:
     • Inform legal if PII or sensitive data exposure is suspected. Legal will begin reviewing regulatory requirements and prepare for potential disclosure obligations.
     • Brief managers to ensure immediate containment resources and communicate with affected teams.
   • User Involvement: If users’ accounts are directly impacted, consider notifying them to be vigilant of suspicious activity.

3. Eradication

   • Action: Analyze and remove phishing emails from the system, close exploited vulnerabilities, and enhance controls.
   • Legal Review: Reconfirm if there’s a need for regulatory reporting.
   • Directors Briefing: Notify directors if the attack is part of a larger threat pattern or could escalate to impact operations or reputation.

4. Recovery

   • Action: Restore systems and monitor closely to prevent recurrence.
   • Users Notified: If personal information was accessed, inform impacted users per regulatory guidelines.
   • Management Update: Ensure managers and directors are updated with timelines and recovery status.

5. Post-Incident Review

   • Action: Conduct a root cause analysis, review the response process, and improve controls.
   • Management Debrief: Report findings and lessons learned to managers and directors.
   • Legal Follow-Up: Legal may support final reporting or address compliance concerns that arose.
   • Users Communication: For significant incidents, inform users of corrective actions taken to improve security.

Summary

This A-to-Z scenario demonstrates a structured approach:

• Early containment and collaboration with legal for compliance.
• Timely updates to managers and directors to ensure alignment on resources and response strategy.
• Transparent user communication where relevant to maintain trust.