Adding Forensics to Incident Response Learning Objectives ✓ Solved

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Describe how to add forensics to incident response. Include the following points in your discussion:

• The types of changes that must be made to the client's incident response policies and procedures.
• The steps that must be taken to prepare the client's staff.
• The impact on IT resources.
• Any legal implications of forensic activity, such as when monitoring and collecting information due to a computer intrusion.

Write a report that addresses each of the preceding points.

Paper For Above Instructions

In today's digital landscape, organizations face numerous threats, ranging from data breaches to malicious cyber attacks. As a digital forensics intern at Azorian Computer Forensics, the task of adding forensics to a client's incident response plan is of paramount importance. This paper outlines the necessary changes and preparations required to effectively incorporate forensic activities into incident response policies and procedures. It also discusses the impact on IT resources and the potential legal implications associated with forensic activities.

Changes to Incident Response Policies and Procedures

To integrate forensics into incident response effectively, a comprehensive review and modification of existing incident response policies must be undertaken. The primary changes include:

• Incorporation of Forensic Processes: Incident response policies must explicitly incorporate forensic investigation methods. This includes defining procedures for evidence collection, handling, and analysis to ensure that all findings are admissible in court if necessary.
• Roles and Responsibilities: The roles of personnel involved in the incident response should be clearly defined. This includes designating a forensic analyst who will lead the forensic investigation process and collaborate with the IT response team to ensure a unified approach.
• Evidence Preservation Protocols: Policies should establish protocols for preserving evidence. This includes guidelines on how to document the scene of an incident and how to collect and store digital evidence securely to prevent contamination or loss.
• Integrating Training: The incident response plan should include regular training sessions that cover forensic techniques and best practices, ensuring all staff are aware of how to respond in a forensic manner to incidents.

Preparing the Client's Staff

Staff preparation is vital for effective incident response and forensic investigation. The following steps are recommended:

• Conduct Training Sessions: It is essential to provide training that covers the basics of digital forensics, including how to recognize incidents, preserve evidence, and understand the legal implications of their actions during an incident.
• Simulation Exercises: Regularly scheduled simulation exercises can help staff practice their roles in a forensic investigation. This practice enables the team to become familiar with the forensic tools and procedures they will encounter in real scenarios.
• Creating Quick Reference Guides: Developing easily accessible materials that outline steps to take during various types of incidents can be beneficial. These guides should emphasize getting IT and forensic teams involved immediately to preserve evidence effectively.

Impact on IT Resources

The integration of forensics into incident response will also impact IT resources significantly:

• Resource Allocation: Organizations may need to allocate additional resources for forensic tools and systems that allow for the imaging and analysis of data promptly during an incident. This could include investing in forensic software and training for existing IT staff.
• Collaboration with Forensic Experts: Organizations may consider establishing contracts with external forensic experts who can provide assistance during major incidents requiring advanced analysis not available in-house.
• Increased Workload: As forensic investigations can be time-consuming, staff may find their workload increasing, potentially requiring shifts in responsibilities or additional hiring to ensure the efficiency of both forensic procedures and regular IT operations.

Legal Implications of Forensic Activity

Understanding the legal aspects of forensic activities is crucial to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Points to consider include:

• Data Privacy Regulations: Organizations must navigate the complexities of data protection laws, such as GDPR or HIPAA, when conducting forensic investigations. Failure to comply could result in severe financial penalties and loss of trust.
• Evidence Admissibility: The manner in which evidence is collected and preserved is critical to its admissibility in court. Organizations must adhere to established forensic standards to ensure that their findings can be presented effectively in legal proceedings.
• Monitoring and Consent: Organizations may face legal ramifications if they inadvertently infringe on employees' privacy rights while monitoring systems for security incidents. Clear policies must be developed regarding monitoring practices to obtain necessary consents.

In summary, adding forensics to an organization's incident response plan requires a committed approach to policy modification, staff training, resource allocation, and legal compliance. By taking these steps, organizations can strengthen their response to cyber incidents and significantly enhance their ability to investigate these occurrences effectively.

References

• Easttom, C. (2018). Computer Security Fundamentals. Pearson IT Certification.
• Kessler, G. C. (2018). An Overview of Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). Information Security Management Handbook.
• NIST. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• NIST. (2014). Guide to Integrating Forensic Techniques into Incident Response. NIST Special Publication 800-61.
• SANS Institute. (2019). Incident Response and Computer Forensics. SANS Institute.
• Wright, T. (2020). Digital Forensics for Legal Professionals. Syngress.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2013. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.
• ISO/IEC 27035-1:2016. (2016). Information technology — Security techniques — Incident management — Part 1: Principles of incident management.
• Pfleeger, C. P., & Pfleeger, S. L. (2015). Security in Computing. Prentice Hall.
• Stallings, W. (2018). Network Security Essentials. Pearson.

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