In our digitally-driven world cyberattacks have become an issue of when, but they will happen, but what happens. From ransomware that blocks your data from critical documents to fraudulent phishing schemes designed to trick employees into giving away sensitive information, companies as well as individuals are faced with an ever-growing number of threats.
Like families who have prepared themselves for emergencies using an emergency plan, companies (and people who are savvy) must be prepared for cyber attacks by putting together the help of a Cybersecurity emergency Kit. The kit isn’t just an actual box that’s packed with flashlights and bottles of water, but a collection of processes, tools and resources that are designed to aid you in responding efficiently and quickly in the event of an emergency.
In this article, we’ll discuss the steps to build a step-by-step one.
Why You Need a Cybersecurity Emergency Kit
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Speed is important when it comes to the event of a cyber attack every minute is important. Pre-assembled resources can save time.
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The clarity of HTML0 under the pressure The stress of a crisis can cause confusion. A well-planned kit will ensure that you are given clear directions and the appropriate tools.
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Compliance A variety of industries require preparedness for incidents.
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Resilience An organization that is well-prepared is able to recover quicker, reducing reputational and financial damage.
What to Include in Your Cybersecurity Emergency Kit
Consider your kit as consisting of three sections: Documentation, Tools and Technology and Human Resources.
1. Documentation & Plans
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Incident Response Program (IRP): A step-by-step manual that outlines what to do if there is a breach, such as routes to escalate and communication protocols.
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Contact lists Team members from within (IT legal and PR), executives) as well as external partners (cybersecurity companies police, law enforcement, insurance companies). Print and digital copies.
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Systems Inventory A list of the most important applications, systems and data assets along with information on the people who manage these assets.
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Backup and Recovery Procedures Simple guidelines for recovering data, systems and services from clean backups.
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Communication templates pre-written emails or press releases as well as notifications for customers to help during a time of crisis.
2. Tools & Technology
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Secure backups Offline and cloud-based frequently tested to make sure they work.
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Forensic tools Tools for recording logs and monitoring network traffic and analysing malware.
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Password Management Make sure you have a secure storage of passwords needed for recovery.
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Multi-Factor authentication (MFA): Reduce the chance of compromised accounts.
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Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Software is used to monitor suspicious activity and helps in the containment.
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encryption tools to protect sensitive data in transit and in storage.
3. Human Resources & Support
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Internal Incident Response Team Employees who have been trained to are aware of their role in the event of a crisis.
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External experts Retainer agreements with a cybersecurity firm could make a huge difference in the time.
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Legal Counsel Experts in breaches notification law.
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Information Contact Information on cyber liability insurance and reporting procedure.
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Crisis Communications Team Experts with the ability to manage messages to media, customers, and regulators.
How to Assemble and Maintain Your Kit
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centralize storage Save digital copies of your HTML files in a safe accessible location. keep physical binders in case the system is down.
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Test regularly Conduct tablestop exercises and simulates to make sure everyone is aware of how to utilize the kit.
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Update frequently Contacts are changed as do software updates and new threats are discovered. Check the kit every quarter.
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Learn Your Team Training Your Team: The most effective kit is useless if your employees aren’t familiar with how to utilize it. Provide regular refresher and training sessions.
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Review post-incident after an actual or simulated incident and update the kit with lessons gained.
Cybersecurity Emergency Kit Checklist
In the Incident Response Program Internal and external Contact Lists for System Asset Inventory Backup and Recovery Procedures Templates Communications Security backups (tested) Forensic and Security Tools Access to Password Manager MFA and EDR installed External Security and Legal Support Documentation for Cyber Insurance
Final Thoughts
Cyberattacks aren’t always avoided however, the risk are able to be handled. Making the Cybersecurity Emergency Kit equips you with the proper mix of preparedness, tools and individuals to respond quickly and minimize the damages.
Imagine it as the fire safety aspect: you might never require the extinguisher, but being aware of how you can use it, could make that the distinction between tiny fear and a major loss.
Get started on assembling your kit today. The future you (and your company) will be thankful.
