Incident Response Plan

This document outlines an Incident Response Plan (IRP) tailored for a cyberattack scenario, emphasizing response and prevention strategies:

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Incident Response Plan (IRP): Cyberattack Scenario

LegalShield Partners

Date: 12.12.2012
Version: 1.0
Prepared by: Alex Turner from CyberGuard Alliance (CGA)

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Purpose

This Incident Response Plan addresses cyberattacks targeting LegalShield Partners, including ransomware, phishing, denial of service (DoS), and unauthorized access. The plan details the procedures for detecting, containing, and mitigating these incidents, while also implementing measures to prevent future attacks.

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Scope

This plan is applicable to all IT systems, networks, and employees within LegalShield Partners. It specifically addresses the following types of cyberattacks:

• Phishing: Email-based scams designed to steal credentials or deploy malware.

• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts data and demands a ransom for decryption.

• Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS): Overloading systems to disrupt normal operations.

• Unauthorized Access: Exploitation of weak credentials or system vulnerabilities.

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Cyberattack Incident Response Phases

1. Preparation

• Security Awareness Training: Conduct regular training sessions on phishing, malware, and password best practices.

• Secure System Configurations: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), update firewalls, and limit user permissions.

• Tools and Resources: Ensure antivirus software, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems are current.

• Backups: Regularly back up critical data and store it offline or in secure cloud locations.

• Incident Response Team (IRT):

  • Incident Commander: Directs response efforts.

  • IT Specialist: Evaluates and contains the attack.

  • Communications Lead: Manages notifications and updates.

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2. Identification

• Monitor systems for anomalies using SIEM tools and endpoint detection solutions.

• Indicators of compromise (IoCs):

  • Unusual login patterns, such as geographic anomalies.

  • Elevated CPU or bandwidth usage.

  • Unauthorized modifications to system configurations.

• Assess and classify the severity of the attack as low, medium, or high.

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3. Containment

• Immediate Actions:

  • Disconnect infected systems from the network.

  • Block malicious IPs or domains at the firewall.

  • Disable compromised accounts or escalate privileges.

• Short-Term Containment:

  • Prevent lateral movement by isolating network segments.

  • Inform affected users and stakeholders.

• Long-Term Containment:

  • Apply patches to vulnerable systems.

  • Enhance network security with updated policies and configurations.

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4. Eradication

• Identify and eliminate malicious code or files from infected systems.

• Change all affected passwords, with a focus on administrative and privileged accounts.

• Perform vulnerability scans to ensure all backdoors and remnants are eradicated.

• Apply security updates to address exploited vulnerabilities.

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5. Recovery

• Restore affected systems and data from verified backups.

• Reconnect systems to the network gradually to ensure no remaining threats.

• Monitor systems closely for any signs of recurring attack activity.

• Inform relevant stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies and customers, about the recovery progress.

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6. Lessons Learned

• Conduct a post-incident review within seven days of recovery.

• Analyze the root cause, timeline, and effectiveness of the response to the attack.

• Update security policies, procedures, and the Incident Response Plan (IRP) based on the findings.

• Share insights with the broader team to prevent future occurrences.

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Prevention Strategies

• Regular System Updates: Ensure vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and firmware are patched promptly.

• Endpoint Protection: Utilize advanced antivirus solutions and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.

• Access Controls: Implement least-privilege policies and conduct regular audits of user access.

• Threat Intelligence: Subscribe to cybersecurity threat feeds to remain informed about emerging threats.

• Phishing Simulations: Conduct phishing simulations to enhance employee awareness and resilience.

• Zero Trust Architecture: Apply Zero Trust principles to reduce lateral movement and prevent unauthorized access.

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Communication Plan

• Notify internal teams promptly upon detection of the cyberattack.

• Inform external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, in accordance with compliance requirements.

• Utilize predefined templates for communicating with affected parties and the public, if necessary.

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Roles and Responsibilities

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Cyberattack Severity Levels

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Incident Response Checklist for Cyberattacks

1. Detect unusual activity through alerts from SIEM, IDS, or user reports.

2. Contain the affected systems by disconnecting them from the network.

3. Identify the attack vector, such as malware, phishing, or exploitation.

4. Eradicate the threat by removing malware and blocking access.

5. Restore systems using clean backups.

6. Notify stakeholders and regulatory bodies as required.

7. Document findings and update preventive measures accordingly.

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Contact Information

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