Scenario After The Recent Security Breach, Always Refresh De ✓ Solved

Scenario after the recent security breach, Always Fresh decided to form

After the recent security breach, Always Fresh decided to form a computer security incident response team (CSIRT). As a security administrator, you have been assigned the responsibility of developing a CSIRT policy that addresses incident evidence collection and handling. The goal is to ensure all evidence collected during investigations is valid and admissible in court. Consider the following questions for collecting and handling evidence: 1. What are the main concerns when collecting evidence? 2. What precautions are necessary to preserve evidence state? 3. How do you ensure evidence remains in its initial state? 4. What information and procedures are necessary to ensure evidence is admissible in court? Tasks Create a policy that ensures all evidence is collected and handled in a secure and efficient manner. Remember, you are writing a policy, not procedures. Focus on the high-level tasks, not the individual steps. Address the following in your policy: - Description of information required for items of evidence - Documentation required in addition to item details (personnel, description of circumstances, and so on) - Description of measures required to preserve initial evidence integrity - Description of measures required to preserve ongoing evidence integrity - Controls necessary to maintain evidence integrity in storage - Documentation required to demonstrate evidence integrity Resources - Internet access - Course textbook Submission Requirements - Format: Microsoft Word (or compatible) - Font: Times New Roman, size 12, double-space - Citation Style: APA - Length: 3 pages

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the wake of recent security breaches, organizations like Always Fresh recognize the critical importance of establishing a comprehensive Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) policy. Such a policy ensures that evidence collected during security incidents is handled with utmost integrity, maintaining its admissibility in judicial proceedings. This paper outlines a high-level CSIRT policy focusing on evidence collection and handling, emphasizing procedures to preserve evidence integrity and compliance with legal standards.

Key Concerns in Evidence Collection

The primary concerns when collecting evidence include maintaining the integrity of the evidence, preventing contamination or tampering, and ensuring chain of custody. Evidence must be collected in a manner that retains its original state, and proper documentation is necessary to establish authenticity and admissibility. Additionally, protecting sensitive information throughout the collection process is essential to prevent data breaches or leaks.

Precautions to Preserve Evidence State

Precautions are vital from the moment evidence is identified. These include using write-blockers when copying data to prevent alteration, employing secure storage devices, and ensuring only authorized personnel handle the evidence. Evidence should be collected in a manner that prevents degradation, such as storing digital evidence in protected environments with controlled access and environmental controls like temperature and humidity management.

Ensuring Evidence Remains in Its Initial State

To maintain the initial state of evidence, strict procedures must be implemented. This involves creating exact copies (bit-for-bit) of digital evidence using validated imaging tools, and documenting each step meticulously. Physical evidence must be secured in tamper-evident containers and stored in locked, access-controlled facilities. Chain of custody forms should be completed at each stage to ensure traceability and accountability.

Legal Admissibility of Evidence

To ensure evidence is admissible in court, the CSIRT policy must specify comprehensive documentation processes. This includes detailed records of personnel involved, circumstances under which evidence was collected, and all handling procedures. Consistent adherence to chain of custody protocols, proper storage conditions, and verification of evidence integrity through hash values or checksums are critical. Training personnel on legal standards and evidence handling procedures further enhances admissibility.

Policy Recommendations

The proposed CSIRT evidence handling policy should establish the following guidelines:

• Evidence Information Documentation: Clear description of each item, including type, source, and condition.
• Additional Documentation: Staff involved, collection date/time, circumstances, and chain of custody logs.
• Preservation Measures: Use of write-blockers, secure storage, environmental controls, and tamper-proof containers to maintain initial evidence.
• Ongoing Preservation: Regular audits, integrity checks (hashes), and controlled access to stored evidence.
• Storage Controls: Locked, access-controlled storage with environmental monitoring and tamper-evident seals.
• Demonstrating Evidence Integrity: Documented hash values, audit logs, and verification procedures affirming unaltered evidence over time.

Conclusion

Developing a high-level CSIRT policy focused on evidence collection and handling is paramount for maintaining the integrity and legal admissibility of digital evidence. By implementing strict documentation, preservation, and storage protocols, organizations like Always Fresh can ensure that evidence remains trustworthy and defensible in court, thereby enhancing incident response effectiveness and legal resilience.

References

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