The LMJ-Ad Corporate Management Has Been Informed By The Net

The LMJ-Ad Corporate Management Has Been Informed By The Network Admin

The LMJ-Ad corporate management has been informed by the network administrative team there was a malware/ransomware attack and infection overnight requiring the incident response team to take immediate action. The infection came from a malware attachment on a phishing email, and was reported by a user with a priority trouble ticket. Initial interviews suggest the incident may have come from an internal employee. In this first phase of the incident response process the incident response team must perform an incident review. Describe in detail each item below as part of the initial investigative process only to be applied to this incident: Step 1: Review of notes taken from user interviews Step 2: Performing risk assessments Step 3: Creating data collection checklists Step 4: Creation of incident timelines and investigatory scope. Step 5: Drafting of the forensics incident response plan As part of your descriptions, provide the specific tasks that you need to perform for steps 1 through 5. In later Units we will discuss in detail the specific investigative approach to identify, collect, preserve, analyze, and report on the incident. Prepare a 5-6 page Word document that is APA formatted. Be sure to include all necessary aspects. Please submit your assignment. For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.

Paper For Above instruction

The initial phase of responding to a malware or ransomware incident requires a systematic and thorough approach to understanding and controlling the situation. This comprehensive process includes reviewing user interviews, performing risk assessments, creating data collection checklists, developing incident timelines and scope, and drafting a forensic incident response plan. Each step is critical for gathering evidence, understanding the incident scope, and planning subsequent investigative actions.

Step 1: Review of Notes Taken from User Interviews

The first task in the incident response process is to meticulously review all notes taken during interviews with users who reported the incident. These notes serve as primary sources of information about the initial infection vector, user actions, and system behaviors. The incident responder must verify the accuracy and completeness of these notes, cross-reference them with system logs and security alerts, and identify any inconsistencies or suspicious activities. Key information includes the timing of the email receipt, the nature of the attachment, user actions following the email, and any observed system anomalies.

This step involves creating a detailed account of the sequence of events leading up to the infection, distinguishing between user-reported issues and technical observations. It helps identify potential points of entry, common vulnerabilities exploited, and user behavior patterns that may have facilitated the malware's infiltration. The review should also include assessing whether other employees received similar suspicious emails, indicating a broader phishing campaign.

Step 2: Performing Risk Assessments

The next step involves conducting a thorough risk assessment to evaluate the potential impact of the ransomware incident. This assessment considers the affected systems, data, and business operations. Tasks include identifying critical assets, sensitive data, and network segments compromised or at risk. The assessment should also measure the potential consequences, including data loss, operational downtime, financial impact, reputation damage, and legal repercussions.

The risk assessment process involves analyzing vulnerabilities within the network, such as unpatched systems or weak access controls, that may have contributed to the breach. It also includes evaluating the likelihood of similar future incidents if vulnerabilities are not mitigated. This step helps prioritize containment and eradication efforts, ensuring the most critical systems are addressed first.

Step 3: Creating Data Collection Checklists

Creating comprehensive data collection checklists is vital for preserving evidence and maintaining chain of custody. This involves listing all relevant data sources to be collected, including system logs, email records, network traffic captures, endpoint data, and configuration files. Tasks include identifying the tools and methods for data acquisition, establishing secure storage protocols, and documenting the collection process.

Effective checklists ensure no crucial evidence is overlooked and facilitate a structured collection process. They also provide a systematic approach for subsequent analysis, allowing investigators to reconstruct the attack timeline and identify malicious activities accurately.

Step 4: Creation of Incident Timelines and Investigatory Scope

Developing a detailed incident timeline involves mapping out all events related to the attack, from the initial phishing email to the detection and containment activities. Tasks include gathering timestamps from logs, emails, alerts, and system events, then aligning these data points chronologically. This timeline helps determine the sequence of malicious activities, identify affected systems, and locate the point of entry.

Defining the investigatory scope involves clarifying what assets, data, and personnel are involved or affected. It also entails establishing the geographical and network boundaries of the investigation. This scope guides the focus of evidence collection, analysis, and reporting efforts, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and that the investigation remains concise and targeted.

Step 5: Drafting of the Forensics Incident Response Plan

The final step in this initial phase is drafting a forensic incident response plan. This document outlines the procedures for evidence preservation, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Key tasks include establishing chain of custody protocols, assigning roles and responsibilities, selecting forensic tools, and defining communication channels.

The plan also emphasizes safety and integrity measures, such as working in isolated environments, validating forensic images, and documenting every action taken. A well-structured plan provides a clear roadmap for forensic investigators, ensuring that evidence remains admissible and that the investigation is conducted systematically and legally.

In conclusion, the initial investigative process in an incident response involves detailed review, assessment, planning, and documentation. Effectively executing each of these steps lays the foundation for successful identification, containment, and eradication of malware threats, ultimately helping organizations minimize harm and strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

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