Navigating the Preparation Phase of NIST 800-61: A Foundation for Effective Incident Response

In this four-part blog series, we will be taking a deeper dive into the phases of the Incident Response process as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-61, Guide for Computer Security Incident Handling (Preparation, Detection and Analysis, Containment, Eradication and Recovery, and Post Incident). Our goal with this series is to help organizations navigate through each of these phases and provide key considerations and action items to help bolster your organization’s Incident Response readiness maturity.

To kick us off, we will start with Phase One: Preparedness.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, preparation is not just about prevention; it's about readiness. NIST 800-61 emphasizes the criticality of preparation in the overall incident response (IR) strategy. The preparation phase is the foundation, setting the stage for efficient and coordinated response to cyber incidents. This blog post explores the specifics of the preparation phase outlined in NIST 800-61, and provides key considerations, takeaways, and actionable insights for organizations aiming to solidify their incident response capabilities.

Understanding the Preparation Phase

The preparation phase is the base of effective incident response. It involves establishing and preparing an incident response team, formulating incident response policies and procedures, setting up communication and reporting channels, and ensuring that tools and technologies are in place for incident detection and analysis. The key for the preparation phase is that it is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process of improvement and adaptation to new threats.

Key Considerations

Incident Response Policy and Plan Development: A comprehensive IR policy and plan is crucial. This document should define the scope of incident response activities, roles and responsibilities, reporting and escalation requirements, and communication protocols. This documentation provides a guideline for the IR team and the organization, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in responding to cybersecurity threats.

Structuring the Incident Response Team (IRT): The effectiveness of incident handling largely depends on the skills and readiness of the IRT. Organizations should carefully select team members with expertise in IT, cybersecurity, legal issues, and communication. Regular training and exercises are essential to keep the team prepared and cohesive.

Tools and Resources: Successful incident response also requires having the right tools in place to set the IRT up for success. Toolsets such as intrusion detection systems, security information and event management (SIEM) software, and forensic utilities are all critical pieces of the puzzle. Additionally, establishing relationships with external entities like law enforcement, third-party forensics, and other relevant organizations can be invaluable during and after an incident.

Communication and Reporting Channels: Clear and secure communication channels must be established not only for the IRT, but also to enable effective communication with stakeholders across the organization and external partners. This includes mechanisms for reporting incidents, distributing information during a crisis, and conducting post-incident reviews.

Action Items for Organizations

Conduct a Risk Assessment: A risk assessment will provide your organization with current gaps in maturity of security controls and the risks associated with those gaps based on current threats and vulnerabilities. When it comes to incident response, having this insight can be beneficial to understand what needs to be implemented to further enhance IR activities, as well as aid in informing testing activities to fit relevant risks to the organization.

Develop or Update the Incident Response Policy and Plan: Regularly review and update the IR policy and plan to address new threats and organizational changes. Ensure it is accessible and understood by all stakeholders. Consider adding mandatory incident response training for required stakeholders as part of your organization’s overall security awareness training program.

Conduct Training and Tabletop Exercises: Regular training sessions and tabletop exercises are crucial for maintaining the readiness and improving the skills of the IR team. These exercises should be developed to mirror real-life scenarios as closely as possible. Performing regular tabletop exercises will help to prepare the organization for various incident types as attack types and methodologies continue to shift.

Audit and Enhance Toolsets and Capabilities: Continuously evaluate and update the tools and technologies used and available for incident detection and response. Ensure that the IRT has the necessary training, access, and resources to perform their duties effectively. When reviewing toolsets and capabilities, you may also benefit from developing playbooks and checklists to address common event types to make response activities more efficient and consistent.

Strengthen Communication Protocols: Establish robust, secure communication protocols to ensure that incident information is shared promptly and securely within the organization and with external partners. It is important to also consider secondary communication channels in the event the primary method becomes compromised or unavailable while an incident is ongoing. Contact information for both internal and external stakeholders should be clearly documented and readily available to the IRT.

Engage with External Partners: Build relationships with law enforcement, industry groups, and other organizations. These partnerships can provide additional support and resources during an incident.

Conclusion

The preparation phase of NIST 800-61 is a strategic approach to developing a resilient incident response capability. By focusing on policy development, team building, toolset and capabilities, and communication protocols, organizations can establish a strong foundation for responding to and recovering from security incidents. The key to success with IR is continuous improvement, regular training, and promoting a culture of security awareness across the organization. With these elements in place, organizations can not only respond more effectively to incidents but also mitigate the impact of cybersecurity threats on their operations.

Click here to read part two, part three, and part four.

For more information on how K logix can enhance your Incident Response program, please contact info@klogixsecurity.com.