ASC BreachShield
|
Developing a sound incident response plan is essential to minimizing the impact and potential fallout of a data breach. A proper and timely incident response plan not only helps secure the impacted population, but can also enhance consumer loyalty. While the exact components of an effective incident response plan can vary depending on the organization and specific data breach incident, certain best practices are helpful for every recovery initiative.
Incident Response Action Plan
1. Confirm that a data breach has occurred
Once confirmation is established, it is essential to execute a timely incident response plan is essential.
2. Assemble your incident response team
Designating the members of the incident response team – and providing the necessary training – prior to the actual data breach will provide quicker recovery and cost savings over the use of ad hoc teams. ASC recommends that your incident response team include at least one senior member from each of the following departments:
- Executive Management
- Legal
- Customer Service
- Public Relations
- IT
- Compliance
- Risk Management
3. Select an incident response project lead
In our experience, the best incident response project leads demonstrate an acute understanding of the organization’s current customer relationships and are able to strategize effective ways to preserve brand equity.
4. Document all relevant information
Accurate documentation of the events leading up to, during, and after the data breach will aid in both the incident response team’s investigation as well as prevent future occurrences. ASC suggests compiling the following information while simultaneously preserving all evidence in its original form:
- Date and time of data breach
- Method of data breach
- Extent of data breach
- Quantity and identifying factors of the impacted population
Your ASC BreachShield consultant will be able to determine the most effective benefits configuration based on the unique circumstances and characteristics of your security breach.
5. Restore and reinforce the breached data
The measures taken by the incident response team are dependent on the type and scope of the specific data breach incident. Some standard protocols include determining the point of compromise and securing it, managing the affected systems, and enacting preventative measures.
6. Protect the affected population
ASC recommends taking a proactive approach towards protecting the affected population. This can help the impacted organization meet compliance standards, reduce potential liabilities, and help to position itself as a responsible leader. It also helps preserve brand equity by maintaining control of the notification process as opposed to risking awareness through other sources.
Communication of this sort requires much care, as improper notification could actually lead to more financial loss. ASC helps organizations of all sizes carefully tailor their incident response notification strategy to minimize potential disruptions while simultaneously placing the affected population at ease.
ASC security experts are available 24/7 to develop timely, effective BreachShield data breach solutions that address the needs of your specific incident and organization.