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Incident Response (IR)

Incident Response (IR) is a structured process that organizations use to detect, contain, and remediate security incidents, minimizing the damage caused by cyberattacks.

What is Incident Response?How it typically works?Common techniquesImpactFurther reading

What is Incident Response?

IR is the discipline of handling cybersecurity incidents in an organized way. Instead of reacting chaotically when attacks occur, IR provides predefined processes and playbooks that guide analysts through detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. For SecOps, incident response ensures that teams can quickly contain threats, reduce downtime, and learn from each incident to strengthen defenses.

How it typically works?

  1. Preparation: create playbooks, tools, and teams before an incident occurs.
  2. Detection: identify potential incidents through alerts and monitoring.
  3. Containment: isolate affected systems to stop spread.
  4. Eradication: remove malicious software or attacker access.
  5. Recovery: restore systems to normal operations.
  6. Lessons learned: document findings and update defenses.

Common techniques

  • NIST IR lifecycle: preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, lessons learned.
  • SANS model: a widely adopted framework for IR processes.
  • Playbooks: predefined responses to phishing, ransomware, or insider threats.
  • Automation: SOAR tools automate repetitive tasks such as isolating endpoints.
  • Tabletop exercises: simulate attacks to test readiness.
  • Forensics integration: collect evidence to support investigation and legal action.

Impact

Incident response reduces the impact of breaches by minimizing dwell time and containing threats before they escalate. Effective IR saves costs, protects brand reputation, and ensures compliance with regulatory reporting requirements.

However, weak IR programs lead to longer recovery times and higher financial damage. For SecOps, IR maturity is often measured by metrics like mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR).

Further reading

  • NIST SP 800-61: Computer Security Incident Handling Guide. Read more
  • SANS: Incident Handler’s Handbook. Read more
  • CISA: Incident Response best practices. Read more
  • IBM: Cost of a Data Breach Report (IR insights). Read more
  • Palo Alto Networks: What is Incident Response? Read more

Related topics

Threat IntelligenceIndicators of Compromise (IOC)SIEM