Do you believe that having cybersecurity measures is enough to protect you from every cyber threat? What happens when those security defenses fail and your organization is left vulnerable during a cyber incident?
Do you have an Incident Response (IR) playbook ready? If you don’t have an Incident Response Plan, it’s time to ask your managed IT service provider (MSP) about them.
At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), an MSP with over 20 years of experience, we've helped hundreds of companies develop and implement robust IR plans that protect critical business assets. Like our clients, we want you to have the knowledge you need to get the most out of your IR plans
The purpose of an IR plan is to protect your most critical asset: your business, from data loss, ransomware, or downtime. Hundreds of companies trust ITS to not only help them develop an IR plan, but also to execute the plan if a cyber incident or downtime were to occur.
In this article, you'll discover the five questions about IR plans you should ask. You'll learn:
- What to watch out for
- How to evaluate your MSP’s capabilities
- How the right IR and MSP will safeguard your business
1. Why Do I Need an Incident Response Plan If I Already Have a Cybersecurity Solution?
A well-defined IR plan is part of your cybersecurity strategy, and your cybersecurity is essentially incomplete without one. While most cybersecurity measures focus on addressing technical issues and preventing data breaches, an IR plan focuses on managing the aftermath.
This is the first question you should ask your MSP; their answer will show you exactly how they view proactive cybersecurity (instead of reactive IT).
A great MSP knows that having a cybersecurity solution is a fundamental part of protecting your business, but it's not just about preventing threats—it's also about recovering from them.
An incident response plan specifies the procedures for dealing with cyber concerns as they arise. It specifies:
- Roles and duties
- Communication templates and plans
- Particular procedures to be taken promptly when an event is discovered
Without this process-oriented approach, even the strongest cybersecurity tools may be insufficient to properly handle the pandemonium of a real-world event.
2. What’s the Difference Between a Customized IR Plan and a Generic IR Plan?
Ask your MSP to provide a tailored sample of an IR plan for your organization rather than providing simpler IR plan models.
Asking an MSP about a tailored IR plan will help you evaluate their familiarity with your business. Unique IR plans showcase an MSP’s ability to see your actual problems instead of relying on a generic IR plan for everyone.
A customized plan will consider your structure, industry, and specific risks. It's like having a custom-designed fire escape plan for your building—ensuring that every possible scenario is accounted for and that your team knows exactly how to respond.
3. How Can I Train My Employees in Their Roles During a Cyber Incident?
As the saying goes, plans hardly survive contact with the enemy. But in the face of data breaches and ransomware threats, your team still needs to be well-versed in their roles during a cyber incident to ensure a quick and effective response.
MSPs should have a clear method of cybersecurity training to help your employees understand their roles and responsibilities.
Training should include:
- Guidelines for communication
- Specific roles and responsibilities
- Strategies to manage the stress of a cyber crisis
Regular simulations and updates to training programs are also essential as cyber threats evolve.
4. What are My Legal Obligations for Notifying Stakeholders About a Cyber Incident?
Work with your MSP to ensure your IR plan includes all necessary legal obligations and is updated regularly to comply with current laws.
Different industries and regions have specific legal requirements for notifying stakeholders during a cyber incident. Failing to meet these obligations can result in fines and damage to your reputation.
For example, attempting to delete evidence of a breach will end up making it much harder to claim cyber insurance benefits. You’ll also incur fines from relevant government agencies if you don’t report a breach promptly.
Your MSP should be well-versed in these legal requirements and help you incorporate them into your IR plan.
5. What Distinguishes a Minor Cyber Incident from a Major One?
Not all cyber incidents have the same impact. Understanding the difference between a minor and a major incident is a must for determining the appropriate response.
Minor incidents may involve less critical systems and cause minimal disruption, while major incidents will have a larger impact on your business operations and finances. Your MSP should help you define these thresholds and ensure your team is prepared to respond accordingly.
Clarify with your MSP how they classify and respond to incidents of varying severity to ensure your business is prepared for any scenario.
Ready to Get a Customized Incident Response Plan?
When it comes to cybersecurity, the stakes are high. An Incident Response plan tailored to your business, with regular employee training and updated legal compliance, is crucial in ensuring your business can effectively manage and recover from cyber incidents.
ITS has extensive experience providing businesses with comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including tailored Incident Response Plans. Our expertise ensures that your business is not only protected by the best cybersecurity tools but also prepared to handle incidents with a well-defined and practiced response plan.
Ready to ensure your business is prepared for any cyber incident? Contact ITS today to discuss how we can create a customized Incident Response Plan tailored to your specific needs.
If you want more information about Incident Response plans, check out the following free resources in our Learning Center:
- How to Create an Incident Response Playbook [EBOOK]
- What NOT to Do When Creating an Incident Response Plan
- 5 Best Cybersecurity-Focused MSPs for Growing Businesses