Ensuring Effective Incident Response: Control Requirement 5.1.2.2

Having a clear and robust incident response plan is crucial for any organization. Control requirement 5.1.2.2 of the CAN/DGSI 104:2021 Rev 1 2024 standard emphasizes the importance of detailing responsibilities and communication mechanisms during an incident response. Let’s dive into what this entails and why it’s essential.

Who is Responsible?

The incident response plan must clearly outline who is responsible for handling incidents. This includes identifying key personnel and their roles within the incident response team. It’s important to have a well-defined chain of command to ensure swift and effective action during an incident, and ensure that those individuals have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Relevant Contact Information

Having up-to-date contact information for communicating with external parties, stakeholders, and regulators is vital. This includes breach counsel, who can provide legal guidance during a security breach. Ensuring that this information is readily available can significantly reduce response times and improve coordination.

Communication Mechanisms

The plan must specify the mechanisms to use for communicating during an incident response. This could include secure messaging platforms, dedicated phone lines, or encrypted emails. The goal is to ensure that communication remains secure and efficient, even under pressure.

Hard Copy Availability

One often overlooked aspect is the availability of a hard copy version of the incident response plan. In situations where digital copies are inaccessible, having a physical copy ensures that the team can still follow the plan and respond effectively. This redundancy is a critical component of a comprehensive incident response strategy. Ensure that each member of the incident response team has a secured hard copy of the plan in the event that the digital copy is inaccessible.

Conclusion

Control requirement 5.1.2.2 is a fundamental part of any organization’s cybersecurity framework. By detailing responsibilities, maintaining up-to-date contact information, specifying communication mechanisms, and ensuring hard copy availability, organizations can enhance their preparedness and resilience against cyber incidents.