Information Security Policy Templates

Information Security Incident Management Procedure


1. Introduction


1.1 Purpose and Scope


This procedure outlines the process for managing information security incidents within [Organization Name]. Its purpose is to provide a structured framework for prompt identification, containment, investigation, reporting, remediation, and post-incident review of security events that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of organizational information assets. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors with access to organizational systems and data.


1.2 Relevance to ISO 27001:2022


This procedure directly aligns with the requirements of ISO 27001:2022, specifically control objectives A.12.1.1, A.12.2.1, A.12.2.2, and A.12.2.3, addressing the management of information security incidents. It contributes to the overall information security management system (ISMS) by ensuring timely and effective response to security threats, reducing risks to organizational assets, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.


2. Key Components


The main components of this Information Security Incident Management Procedure include:


  • Incident Definition and Classification
  • Incident Reporting and Notification
  • Incident Response and Containment
  • Incident Investigation and Analysis
  • Incident Remediation and Recovery
  • Incident Reporting and Communication
  • Incident Closure and Post-Incident Review

3. Detailed Content


3.1 Incident Definition and Classification


Explanation: This section defines what constitutes an information security incident and establishes a classification system for categorizing incidents based on their severity and potential impact.


Best Practices:


  • Clearly define the scope of incidents, including examples of events that qualify as incidents.
  • Establish a consistent and objective classification system based on factors like impact, likelihood, and confidentiality.
  • Use a standardized incident classification matrix or scale to streamline reporting and response.

Example:


Incident Classification Matrix:


| Incident Category | Impact Level | Description |

|---|---|---|

| High | Critical | System outage affecting core business operations, major data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information |

| Medium | Major | System outage affecting non-critical business operations, minor data loss, unauthorized access to non-sensitive information |

| Low | Minor | System downtime with minimal impact, no data loss, suspected but unconfirmed unauthorized access |


Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Overlooking minor incidents, which can escalate into major problems.
  • Failing to consider the potential impact on different business units or stakeholders.
  • Using subjective or inconsistent classification methods.

3.2 Incident Reporting and Notification


Explanation: This section details the process for reporting incidents and the subsequent notification procedures to relevant stakeholders.


Best Practices:


  • Provide multiple reporting channels, including online forms, email, and phone.
  • Develop clear reporting guidelines, including information required for each incident type.
  • Establish a centralized incident reporting system for tracking and management.
  • Designate specific individuals or teams responsible for incident receipt and escalation.
  • Promptly notify relevant stakeholders, including management, security teams, and affected individuals.

Example:


Incident Reporting Form:


  • Date and time of incident
  • Incident classification (High, Medium, Low)
  • Description of incident
  • Affected systems and data
  • Potential impact and business disruption
  • Initial actions taken (if any)
  • Reporting individual's contact information

Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Delayed or incomplete reporting, which can hinder the response process.
  • Confusing reporting procedures or inadequate training for staff.
  • Failure to provide timely and accurate notifications to relevant parties.

3.3 Incident Response and Containment


Explanation: This section describes the immediate actions to be taken upon receiving an incident report, focusing on containment and minimizing potential damage.


Best Practices:


  • Define clear roles and responsibilities for incident response teams.
  • Establish pre-defined response protocols and procedures for different incident types.
  • Utilize incident response tools and technology for automated analysis and mitigation.
  • Implement access control measures to prevent further unauthorized access.
  • Secure and isolate compromised systems and data to prevent further damage.

Example:


Incident Response Protocol for High-Severity Incident:


  • Step 1: Isolate affected system from network.
  • Step 2: Notify relevant stakeholders including Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) and senior management.
  • Step 3: Collect system logs and other relevant data for analysis.
  • Step 4: Engage with external security experts if required.

Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Insufficient resources or training for the incident response team.
  • Lack of clearly defined procedures for different incident types.
  • Delayed or ineffective containment efforts, leading to further damage.

3.4 Incident Investigation and Analysis


Explanation: This section outlines the process for conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause, extent, and impact of the incident.


Best Practices:


  • Assign experienced security professionals to lead the investigation.
  • Utilize forensic tools and techniques to gather evidence and reconstruct the events.
  • Interview affected individuals and gather information from logs and system records.
  • Document all investigative activities and findings.
  • Analyze the root cause of the incident to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Example:


Incident Investigation Plan:


  • Step 1: Secure and preserve evidence from affected systems.
  • Step 2: Conduct forensic analysis to identify the source of the incident and the extent of the compromise.
  • Step 3: Review system logs, access records, and other relevant data for evidence.
  • Step 4: Interview affected individuals and gather information from relevant parties.
  • Step 5: Document all findings and identify the root cause of the incident.

Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Lack of forensic skills and expertise in the investigation team.
  • Inadequate documentation and evidence preservation, jeopardizing future investigations.
  • Failure to identify the root cause, hindering preventive measures.

3.5 Incident Remediation and Recovery


Explanation: This section describes the steps taken to restore systems and data to their original state, fix vulnerabilities, and prevent recurrence.


Best Practices:


  • Develop recovery plans for critical systems and data.
  • Implement remediation actions to address identified vulnerabilities.
  • Restore systems and data from backups or recovery points.
  • Review and update incident response procedures based on the findings.
  • Implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

Example:


Incident Remediation Plan:


  • Step 1: Restore affected systems and data from backups.
  • Step 2: Patch identified vulnerabilities in systems and software.
  • Step 3: Implement access control changes to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Step 4: Review and update incident response procedures based on the lessons learned.
  • Step 5: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Inadequate or outdated recovery plans and backups.
  • Insufficient focus on vulnerability remediation and prevention.
  • Failure to update procedures and implement lessons learned from the incident.

3.6 Incident Reporting and Communication


Explanation: This section outlines the process for reporting incident details to relevant stakeholders, including management, regulatory bodies, and affected individuals.


Best Practices:


  • Establish clear communication channels and reporting templates for different stakeholders.
  • Provide timely and concise reports on incident details, impact, and mitigation efforts.
  • Communicate with affected individuals about the incident and steps taken to protect their information.
  • Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements for incident reporting.

Example:


Incident Reporting Template:


  • Date and time of incident:
  • Incident classification:
  • Affected systems and data:
  • Root cause of the incident:
  • Impact of the incident:
  • Remediation actions taken:
  • Lessons learned and future actions:

Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Delayed or incomplete reporting to relevant parties.
  • Failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Lack of transparency and clear communication with affected individuals.

3.7 Incident Closure and Post-Incident Review


Explanation: This section describes the process for closing incident reports and conducting a post-incident review to evaluate the effectiveness of the response and identify areas for improvement.


Best Practices:


  • Establish criteria for closing incident reports, such as completion of remediation actions and restoration of affected systems.
  • Conduct thorough post-incident reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of the response, identify lessons learned, and recommend improvements.
  • Document all post-incident review findings and recommendations.
  • Implement improvements to the ISMS based on the review findings.

Example:


Post-Incident Review Checklist:


  • Was the incident reported promptly and accurately?
  • Were appropriate containment measures implemented effectively?
  • Was the incident investigated thoroughly and the root cause identified?
  • Were effective remediation actions taken to address vulnerabilities?
  • Were communication and reporting processes effective?
  • Were lessons learned documented and implemented to improve future response?

Pitfalls to Avoid:


  • Failure to document post-incident review findings and recommendations.
  • Ignoring lessons learned and failing to implement improvements.
  • Lack of follow-up and accountability for implementing recommended changes.

4. Implementation Guidelines


4.1 Step-by-Step Process for Implementing the Information Security Incident Management Procedure


Step 1: Develop the Information Security Incident Management Procedure document based on the detailed content provided in this template.


Step 2: Define clear roles and responsibilities for incident response teams, including incident reporting, response, investigation, and remediation.


Step 3: Establish a centralized incident reporting system and communication channels for receiving, tracking, and reporting incidents.


Step 4: Develop and document incident response protocols and procedures for different incident types.


Step 5: Provide training to all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors on the incident reporting process, response procedures, and their responsibilities.


Step 6: Conduct regular drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of the incident response plan.


Step 7: Periodically review and update the Information Security Incident Management Procedure based on feedback, lessons learned, and changes in security threats.


4.2 Roles and Responsibilities


| Role | Responsibilities |

|---|---|

| Information Security Team | Incident response, investigation, remediation, vulnerability management |

| System Administrators | Incident reporting, containment actions, system restoration |

| Network Administrators | Incident reporting, network isolation, monitoring network traffic |

| Data Owners | Incident reporting, data recovery, impact assessment |

| Employees | Incident reporting, following security procedures, protecting information assets |


5. Monitoring and Review


5.1 Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Information Security Incident Management Procedure


  • Incident Response Time: Track the time taken to respond to incidents and identify any delays or bottlenecks.
  • Incident Resolution Time: Monitor the time taken to resolve incidents and identify areas for improvement.
  • Incident Reporting Rates: Track the number of incidents reported and analyze trends to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Incident Closure Rates: Measure the percentage of incidents closed successfully and identify reasons for unresolved incidents.
  • Post-Incident Review Effectiveness: Evaluate the implementation of recommendations from post-incident reviews.

5.2 Frequency and Process for Reviewing and Updating


  • Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of the Information Security Incident Management Procedure to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
  • Review Triggers: Review the procedure after significant changes to the organizational security environment, new vulnerabilities, or significant incidents.
  • Update Process: Update the procedure based on the review findings, incorporating best practices and lessons learned from incidents.

6. Related Documents


  • Information Security Policy
  • Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan
  • Vulnerability Management Policy
  • Data Backup and Recovery Policy
  • Business Continuity Plan

7. Compliance Considerations


7.1 ISO 27001:2022 Clauses and Controls


This procedure addresses the following ISO 27001:2022 clauses and controls:


  • A.12.1.1 Information security incident management
  • A.12.2.1 Information security incident reporting
  • A.12.2.2 Information security incident investigation
  • A.12.2.3 Information security incident response

7.2 Legal and Regulatory Requirements


  • Data Protection Regulations: This procedure must comply with relevant data protection regulations, such as the GDPR or CCPA, in terms of incident reporting and notification requirements.
  • Industry-Specific Regulations: Consider any industry-specific regulations or standards applicable to the organization, which may have specific requirements for incident management.
  • Contractual Obligations: Review any contractual obligations with customers, partners, or suppliers that may impact incident reporting and communication.

Note: This Information Security Incident Management Procedure template is a starting point and should be customized to reflect the specific needs and requirements of your organization. Ensure that the procedure is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the security landscape and regulatory requirements.