The LMJAd Corporate Management Has Been Informed By The Netw

The LMJAd corporate management has been informed by the network adminis

The LMJAd corporate management has been informed by the network administrative team that there was a malware/ransomware attack and infection overnight, requiring immediate action from the incident response team. The infection originated from a malware attachment on a phishing email and was reported by a user with a priority trouble ticket. Initial interviews indicate the incident may have been caused by an internal employee. In this initial phase of the incident response process, the incident response team must perform an incident review. The following detailed steps outline the initial investigative process necessary for this incident:

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Step 1: Review of notes taken from user interviews

The first step involves thoroughly examining all notes and records obtained from user interviews conducted immediately after the incident was reported. Tasks include analyzing users' descriptions of the incident, identifying the time and manner in which the malware was detected, and documenting any actions taken by users. This review helps establish a clear timeline of events and uncovers information on how the malicious email was received and possibly opened. It's essential to verify if specific users or departments were targeted and to identify any commonalities among affected personnel. Detailed note analysis provides insights into the initial entry point and any potential vulnerabilities exploited.

Step 2: Performing risk assessments

Risk assessments involve evaluating the scope and impact of the malware infection. Tasks include identifying the criticality of affected systems, data, and applications, as well as assessing potential data loss, system downtime, and operational disruptions. This process involves reviewing system configurations, data classifications, and access controls to determine vulnerabilities exploited during the attack. Additionally, the team must evaluate the likelihood of further infections or data exfiltration, especially considering the insider possibility indicated by initial findings. This assessment aids in prioritizing containment efforts and understanding the severity of the incident's impact on business continuity.

Step 3: Creating data collection checklists

Following initial assessments, the team prepares comprehensive checklists for data collection. Tasks include listing all relevant digital evidence sources such as affected computers, email servers, logs, and network devices. Checklists specify the types of data to be collected—such as system logs, email logs, network traffic logs, and malware samples—ensuring all necessary evidence is preserved for analysis. These checklists facilitate systematic evidence gathering, minimize the risk of data contamination, and ensure consistency across the investigation. Proper documentation during this stage is critical for legal and corporate purposes, supporting následná forensic analysis.

Step 4: Creation of incident timelines and investigatory scope

This step involves developing a detailed timeline of the incident, including when the malware infection was first detected, the sequence of related activities, and the timeline of user interactions and system changes. Tasks involve correlating data from logs, interview notes, and system histories to reconstruct the chain of events. Establishing the scope defines which systems, networks, and data are involved or affected, guiding the investigative efforts. Clarifying the scope also helps determine which systems to isolate, analyze, and monitor during containment and eradication procedures, ensuring a focused and effective response.

Step 5: Drafting of the forensics incident response plan

The final step is to develop a comprehensive incident response plan tailored to this specific malware attack. Tasks include outlining procedures for evidence preservation, containment strategies, analysis methods, and reporting protocols. The plan must define roles and responsibilities of team members, communication channels, and escalation procedures. It also includes steps for utilizing forensic tools to analyze affected systems, identify the malware type, and determine the root cause. Drafting this plan ensures a coordinated approach during the investigation and establishes a clear framework for effective response, documentation, and recovery.

References

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