Cyber Incident Response Plan

This form captures critical information for effective cyber incident response, aligned with best practices (e.g., NIST SP 800-61) and UK legal requirements (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018). Complete relevant sections to ensure a robust response plan. Guidance: Assign clear roles, maintain up-to-date contact details, and review this plan regularly. For UK breaches, notify the ICO within 72 hours if the breach is likely to result in a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms.

Organizational Leadership

Identify the senior leader (e.g., CEO, Director) responsible for overseeing incident response, approving actions, and communicating with stakeholders. This role ensures strategic alignment and resource allocation.

IT Leadership

Designate the IT leader (e.g., CIO, IT Director) responsible for technical response, coordinating with security teams, and ensuring system recovery. This role drives containment and eradication efforts.

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

The DPO ensures compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, oversees breach assessments, and manages ICO notifications. Required for public authorities or organizations with large-scale data processing.

Physical Security Contact

This contact manages physical access to facilities and secures hardware during an incident (e.g., server rooms). Essential for incidents involving physical breaches or insider threats.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Contact

The SOC monitors and responds to security incidents in real-time, using tools like SIEM for detection and analysis. Provide details for the internal SOC or external managed security service provider (MSSP). Ensure 24/7 availability for incident escalation.

Legal Contact

The legal contact advises on regulatory obligations, manages liability, and coordinates external counsel. Critical for UK GDPR compliance and potential litigation.

Insurance Details

Document cyber insurance details to facilitate claims for incident-related costs (e.g., recovery, legal fees). Ensure the policy covers data breaches and ransomware.

Escalation Routes

Define clear escalation paths for incident reporting and decision-making. The primary route is the first point of contact; the secondary route is a backup if the primary is unavailable. Ensure 24/7 availability.

Primary Route

Secondary Route

Regulatory Reporting Requirements

Under UK GDPR, personal data breaches must be reported to the ICO within 72 hours if they are likely to result in a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms. Include details of applicable regulations (e.g., UK GDPR, NIS Regulations) and reporting procedures. Document any sector-specific requirements (e.g., FCA for financial services).

Incident Response Team Availability

Confirm the availability of an incident response team (internal or external) for immediate action. Best practice: Maintain a retainer with a cybersecurity firm for rapid response.