What is a security incident response plan?

A security incident response plan is a documented strategy for handling security incidents, which is crucial for an organization’s overall security framework. This plan outlines the processes and procedures to follow when an incident occurs, ensuring that responses are coordinated, efficient, and effective in minimizing the impact of the incident.

The security incident response plan typically includes steps for identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from incidents, as well as communication protocols and roles and responsibilities of team members involved. By having a well-defined plan, organizations can respond swiftly to breaches or attacks, reduce recovery time, and enhance their ability to safeguard sensitive data and maintain trust with stakeholders.

This plan is distinct from training programs, software tracking tools, or performance reports, as it specifically addresses the immediate actions required in response to security threats and does not serve training, administrative, or evaluative purposes directly.