Free Incident Response Plan For Small Business Template
Incident Response Plan for Small Business
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I. Introduction
Purpose
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The Incident Response Plan (IRP) outlines procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security breaches, cyberattacks, and other incidents to ensure the continuity of [Your Company Name] operations and minimize damage.
Scope
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This plan applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party service providers who handle company information systems or are involved in business operations.
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II. Roles and Responsibilities
|
Roles |
Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Senior Management |
Approves the IRP, provides resources for its implementation, and oversees incident response efforts. |
|
IT Department |
Coordinates technical aspects of incident response, including system monitoring, analysis, and recovery. |
|
Security Officer |
Oversees security measures and ensures compliance with the IRP. |
|
Employees |
Report incidents promptly, follow prescribed procedures, and cooperate with incident response teams. |
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III. Incident Detection and Reporting
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Employees should promptly report any suspicious activities, security breaches, or incidents to the IT department or designated incident response team.
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The IT department monitors systems for indicators of compromise and unusual activities through automated tools and manual checks.
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IV. Incident Assessment and Classification
Upon receiving a report, the incident response team assesses the severity and impact of the incident, classifying it based on predefined criteria such as impact on business operations and data sensitivity.
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V. Response Procedures
Communication Protocols
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Establish clear channels of communication for incident reporting, escalation, and coordination.
Containment Measures
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Immediately contain the incident and prevent further damage or data loss.
Escalation Procedures
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Define escalation paths for incidents requiring senior management or external involvement.
Evidence Preservation
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Document and preserve evidence for forensic analysis and potential legal action.
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VI. Recovery and Restoration
System Restoration
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Restore affected systems and data from backups to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity.
Business Process Recovery
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Implement contingency plans to resume critical business processes disrupted by the incident.
Post-Incident Review
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Conduct a post-incident review to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in the IRP and overall security posture.
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VII. Training and Awareness
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Regularly train employees on incident response procedures, including how to recognize and report security incidents.
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Conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to test the effectiveness of the IRP and enhance preparedness.
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VIII. Documentation and Review
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Document all aspects of the incident response process, including incident reports, response actions, and lessons learned.
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Periodically review and update the IRP to reflect changes in the business environment, technology, or threat landscape.
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IX. Revision History
|
Date |
Description |
Version |
|---|---|---|
|
January 15, 2050 |
The initial draft was approved by senior management |
Version 1.0 |
|
March 28, 2050 |
Updates following post-incident review |
Version 1.1 |
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X. Contacts
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Company Email]
[Your Company Number]
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