Report Formatting
Report Formatting Guidelines for Professional and Consistent Technical Documentation
Maintaining a consistent and professional format is crucial for enhancing the clarity and readability of technical reports. Below are detailed formatting guidelines to ensure your reports meet professional standards.
1. Date and Time
Consistency in Date Format
Use a uniform date format throughout the report to avoid confusion.
Preferred:
June 16, 2022
Avoid:
16/06/2022 or 2022-06-16
Time and Timezone
Always include the timezone to provide clear context for event timing.
Example:
06:12 GMT+2
2. Font
Readable and Professional Fonts
Headings: Use fonts like Verdana Bold or Arial Bold for better distinction.
Body Text: Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Avoid Informal Fonts: e.g., Comic Sans, Papyrus.
3. Tables and Visuals
Tables
Tables are effective for organizing and presenting structured data. Ensure consistency in formatting and labeling.
Example Table:
Host | Compromise Details |
SusieHost | Detected malware: mimikatz.exe |
Web-Server | Unauthorized login: 192.168.1.20 |
Visuals
Charts, screenshots, or network diagrams should be clearly labeled and referenced within the text.
Example:
Figure 1: Network Layout
4. Data Details
When providing technical information about files or artifacts, ensure uniformity in the level of detail presented for each item.
Example: File Details:
Detail | Value |
Filename | mimikatz.exe |
SHA256 Hash | 3f786850e387550fdab836ed7e6dc881de23001b |
Creation Date | June 15, 2022 |
Path | C:\Windows\Temp\mimikatz.exe |
Repeat these fields for each file mentioned in the report.
5. Lists
Use bullet points or numbered lists to present information clearly and concisely.
Examples
Numbered List for Tools:
mimikatz.exe
nc.exe
powershell.exe
Bullet List for Hosts:
SusieHost
GitServer
Web-Server
6. General Layout
Headings and Subheadings
Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the report logically.
Examples:
Incident Summary
Root Cause
Mitigation Steps
Page Numbers
Include page numbers in the footer for easy reference.
Consistent Margins
Use standard margins (1 inch or 2.54 cm on all sides) to maintain a clean and professional appearance.
Key Points
By adhering to these formatting guidelines, you ensure your technical reports are:
Professional: Align with industry standards.
Consistent: Facilitate quick navigation and comprehension.
Actionable: Provide clear, structured information for decision-making and future reference.
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