Lab 10: Creating A IT Response Plan For Typical Infrastructu

84 Lab 10 Creating A Cirt Response Plan For A Typical It Infrastruc

In this lab, you explained how CIRT plans mitigate risks, identified where CIRT monitoring and security operation tasks occur throughout an IT infrastructure, identified the security controls and countermeasures that mitigate risk, and created a CIRT response plan.

1. What risk-mitigation security controls or security countermeasures do you recommend for the portion of the network for which you created a CIRT response plan? Explain your answer.

2. How does a CIRT plan help an organization mitigate risk?

3. How does the CIRT post-mortem review help mitigate risk?

4. Why is it a good idea to have a protocol analyzer as one of your incident response tools when examining Internet Protocol (IP) Local Area Network (LAN) network performance or connectivity issues?

5. Put the following in the proper sequence:

• Identification:

• Containment:

• Post-Mortem Review:

• Eradication:

• Preparation:

• Recovery:

6. Which step in the CIRT response methodology relates back to the recovery time objective (RTO) for critical IT systems?

7. Which step in the CIRT response methodology requires proper handling of digital evidence?

8. Which step in the CIRT response methodology requires review with executive management?

9. Which step in the CIRT response methodology requires security applications and tools readiness?

Paper For Above instruction

Creating an effective Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) response plan is vital for any organization’s cybersecurity posture. Such plans serve as structured frameworks for identifying, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents. This paper discusses key components of a CIRT response plan, including risk-mitigation controls, the benefits of such plans, the importance of post-mortem reviews, tools like protocol analyzers, and the sequence of incident response steps, aligning these with organizational objectives such as recovery time objectives (RTO) and digital evidence handling.

To begin, implementing appropriate security controls and countermeasures is fundamental to minimizing risks associated with cyber threats. For instance, deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), encryption, access management policies, and security awareness training collectively strengthen network defenses. These controls work synergistically to prevent, detect, or respond to threats at various layers of the network, reducing the likelihood and impact of incidents. For example, segmenting the network limits the spread of malware, while multi-factor authentication enhances access security. These security measures not only mitigate risks but also create a proactive security environment aligned with the CIRT’s objectives.

A CIRT plan significantly contributes to risk mitigation by establishing a clear process for responding to incidents swiftly and effectively. It provides predefined procedures that reduce response time, limit damage, and prevent escalation. By delineating responsibilities and communication channels, organizations can ensure that every member understands their role during an incident, thereby minimizing confusion and delays. This structured approach enhances overall resilience, especially in a rapidly evolving threat landscape, by ensuring timely containment and eradication of threats.

The post-mortem review, a critical component following incident resolution, further mitigates risks by facilitating lessons learned. Analyzing what transpired, how it was handled, and what gaps remain enables organizations to update their security controls and incident response strategies. This continual improvement process helps prevent recurring incidents and enhances future readiness. Moreover, detailed documentation during reviews supports legal and compliance requirements, providing accountability and evidence of due diligence.

Utilizing technical tools such as protocol analyzers during incident investigations is essential for diagnosing issues in a LAN/IP environment. Protocol analyzers, like Wireshark, allow security analysts to examine network traffic in detail, identifying anomalies, malicious payloads, or signs of intrusion. This insight is invaluable when assessing network performance issues or malicious activities, allowing for precise containment and eradication strategies. Incorporating such tools into incident response enhances accuracy, speeds diagnosis, and informs decision-making, thereby strengthening defense mechanisms.

The sequence of incident response activities is typically structured as follows:

• Identification: Recognizing the breach or anomaly.

• Containment: Isolating affected systems to prevent further damage.

• Post-Mortem Review: Analyzing the incident to improve future responses.

• Eradication: Removing malicious artifacts and vulnerabilities.

• Preparation: Establishing policies, tools, and training before incidents occur.

• Recovery: Restoring systems and services to normal operation.

The recovery step directly relates to the organization’s Recovery Time Objective (RTO), emphasizing the importance of restoring critical systems promptly to minimize operational downtime and financial impact. Closely linked to business continuity planning, this phase requires advanced planning to ensure that resources and procedures are in place for rapid recovery aligned with organizational priorities.

Handling digital evidence appropriately is crucial during the eradication and investigation phases. Proper collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence ensure legal admissibility and facilitate forensic analysis. Using standardized procedures maintains the integrity of evidence, which can be critical for legal actions or compliance audits.

Reviewing incident details with executive management is an essential step for strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and communication. The post-incident review with leadership ensures organizational lessons are integrated into broader risk management strategies and security policies, thereby fostering an enterprise-wide security culture.

Finally, maintaining a state of readiness with security applications and tools, such as intrusion detection/prevention systems, SIEM platforms, and forensic tools, is necessary throughout all phases of incident response. Continuous monitoring and regular updates of these tools enable swift detection, effective response, and recovery, ensuring the organization is prepared for emerging threats.

In conclusion, a comprehensive CIRT response plan not only mitigates the immediate risks posed by cyber incidents but also contributes to the overall resilience and security maturity of an organization. Integrating risk mitigation strategies, procedural sequences aligned with organizational objectives, and proper use of forensic and analytical tools creates a robust defense mechanism vital for today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape.

References

• Barrett, D. (2017). Building a Security Incident Response Team: A Guide for Managing Incidents. SANS Institute.
• ISO/IEC 27035:2016. (2016). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security incident management. International Organization for Standardization.
• Kraeszig, T. (2019). The Importance of Digital Forensics and Evidence Handling in Incident Response. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(3), 45-52.
• Northcutt, S., & Shenk, D. (2019). Network Intrusion Detection. New Riders.
• Simmons, G. J. (2018). Cybersecurity Incident Response: How to Respond to Today’s Cyber Threats. Routledge.
• Stallings, W., & Brown, L. (2018). Computer Security: Principles and Practice. Pearson.
• Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2021). Principles of Information Security. Cengage.
• Westby, R. (2020). Tools and Considerations for Incident Response. Cyber Defense Review, 5(2), 34-46.
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (2023). Incident Response Playbooks. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Fitzgerald, J., & Dennis, A. (2019). Business Data Communications and Security. Pearson.