Purpose: To ensure that sensitive information about security incidents is shared only on a need-to-know basis, protecting the organization from potential harm.
Why: Breaches of confidentiality can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, or even insider threats if adversaries within the organization exploit leaked information.
Technical Example:
Restrict Access to Incident Data:
Use role-based access control (RBAC) to limit who can view or modify incident-related data:
Purpose: To ensure that communication about the incident is handled appropriately, both internally and externally, in accordance with legal and organizational policies.
Why: Miscommunication or premature disclosure can exacerbate the situation, harm the organization's reputation, or violate regulatory requirements.
Technical Example:
Designate a Single Point of Contact:
Appoint a spokesperson (e.g., from the legal or PR team) to handle all internal and external communications:
Use secure communication channels for internal updates:
Notify Stakeholders Securely:
Send encrypted emails to stakeholders with updates:
3. Setting Expectations and Goals
Purpose: To establish clear objectives for the investigation and manage stakeholder expectations.
Why: Clear goals help focus the investigation, allocate resources effectively, and provide transparency to management and other stakeholders.
Technical Example:
Define Investigation Scope:
Document the type of incident, available evidence, and estimated timeline:
Use project management tools like Jira or Trello to track progress:
Set Realistic Expectations:
Communicate whether identifying the adversary is feasible based on available evidence:
4. Keeping Stakeholders Informed
Purpose: To maintain transparency and trust by providing regular updates as the investigation progresses.
Why: Regular communication ensures that stakeholders are aware of developments, reducing uncertainty and enabling timely decision-making.
Technical Example:
Automate Status Updates:
Use scripts to generate and distribute periodic status reports:
Integrate with collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams:
Escalate Critical Findings:
Notify senior leadership immediately if the scope or severity of the incident changes:
Conclusion
Maintaining confidentiality and ensuring controlled communication are critical components of effective incident response. By restricting access to sensitive information, designating a single point of contact, and setting clear expectations, organizations can minimize risks and maintain trust.
