Free Security Incident Response Plan Template
Security Incident Response Plan (IRP)
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I. Introduction and Purpose
The Security Incident Response Plan (SIRP) outlines the procedures and protocols to be followed in the event of a security incident within [Your Company Name]. The primary purpose of this plan is to ensure a swift and coordinated response to security breaches, minimizing their impact on operations, data integrity, and reputation. It aims to protect sensitive information, systems, and assets from unauthorized access, data breaches, malware attacks, and other security threats.
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II. Roles and Responsibilities
Roles |
Responsibilities |
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Incident Response Team |
Comprised of IT security experts, network administrators, and designated personnel responsible for coordinating and executing the response plan. |
Executive Management |
Provides support, resources, and decision-making authority during security incidents. |
Legal and Compliance Teams |
Ensure response actions align with legal and regulatory requirements. |
All Employees |
Required to report any suspicious activity or security incidents promptly. |
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III. Incident Identification and Classification
Detection
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Monitoring systems for indicators of compromise (IoCs), abnormal behavior, or unauthorized access.
Reporting
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Employees are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Incident Response Team via designated channels.
Classification
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Incidents are categorized based on severity, impact, and type to prioritize response efforts.
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IV. Incident Response Phases
Preparation |
Establishing incident response procedures, roles, and communication channels. Conducting regular security awareness training. |
Identification |
Detecting and verifying security incidents through monitoring, analysis, and reporting. |
Containment |
Isolating affected systems or networks to prevent further damage or unauthorized access. |
Eradication |
Removing malicious elements, restoring affected systems to a secure state, and patching vulnerabilities. |
Recovery |
Restoring normal operations, data integrity, and system functionality. Conducting post-incident analysis and lessons learned. |
Lessons Learned |
Documenting and analyzing the incident response process to improve future response efforts. |
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V. Communication Plan
Internal Communication
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Notifying relevant stakeholders, including executive management, IT teams, and employees, about the incident and response actions.
External Communication
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Liaising with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, customers, and partners as necessary, while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
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VI. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Compliance Assessment
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Evaluating response actions to ensure alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Legal Guidance
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Seeking legal counsel to navigate legal implications, obligations, and potential liabilities associated with security incidents.
VII. Training and Awareness
Security Awareness Training
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Providing regular training sessions to educate employees about security best practices, incident reporting procedures, and their role in maintaining security.
Incident Response Drills
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Conduct simulated exercises to test the effectiveness of the response plan and enhance preparedness.
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VIII. Review and Improvement
Continuous Improvement
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Regularly reviewing and updating the Security Incident Response Plan based on lessons learned from past incidents, emerging threats, and changes in the organization's environment.
Post-Incident Analysis
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Conducting thorough post-mortem analyses of security incidents to identify areas for improvement and refine response procedures.
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