Security Incident Response Plan

Detection Sources:

• Server logs, fail2ban, CDN/WAF logs and automated monitoring alerts
• User reports of suspicious activity
• Third-party security notifications
• Vulnerability scanning results

Initial Analysis Steps:

• Verify the incident is legitimate (not false positive)
• Determine incident severity and classify appropriately
• Identify affected systems, data, and users
• Assess scope and potential impact
• Document all findings in incident tracking system
• Begin evidence collection and preservation
• Engage external assistance or contractors where needed

Evidence Preservation:

• Take a server snapshot/backup before remediation
• Preserve log files and network traffic captures
• Document system state and configurations
• Maintain chain of custody for all evidence
• Secure evidence in encrypted, access-controlled storage

Short-term Containment:

• Isolate affected systems from network (network segmentation)
• Block malicious IP addresses and domains at firewall
• Disable compromised user accounts immediately
• Revoke access tokens and API keys
• Enable additional monitoring on related systems
• Prevent lateral movement within infrastructure

Long-term Containment:

• Apply temporary security patches or configuration changes
• Rebuild compromised systems from clean backups
• Implement enhanced monitoring and logging
• Deploy additional security controls as needed
• Maintain incident isolation while allowing investigation

Service Continuity:

• Fail over to unaffected systems where possible
• Activate business continuity procedures if needed
• Maintain critical business operations during containment
• Provide status updates to stakeholders

System Restoration:

• Restore systems from verified clean backups
• Validate data integrity before restoration
• Gradually return systems to production
• Monitor restored systems closely for reinfection
• Implement enhanced security monitoring

Validation:

• Perform security scans on all recovered systems
• Verify all security controls are functioning properly
• Confirm threat has been completely eliminated
• Test business operations for normal functionality
• Director sign-off before returning systems to service

Return to Operations:

• Gradual restoration of full service availability
• Extended monitoring period (minimum 72 hours)
• Communication of recovery status to stakeholders
• Documentation of recovery procedures and timelines

Lessons Learned Meeting:

• Conduct meeting within 72 hours of incident closure
• Review incident timeline and response actions
• Identify what worked well and what needs improvement
• Document recommendations for process improvements
• Assign owners and timelines for improvement actions

Incident Report:

• Complete detailed incident report within 7 days
• Include root cause analysis and impact assessment
• Document all actions taken and their outcomes
• Calculate incident costs (downtime, remediation, etc.)
• Provide recommendations for prevention
• Report to executive leadership and board as appropriate

Process Improvements:

• Update security controls based on findings
• Revise incident response procedures if needed
• Implement additional monitoring or detection capabilities
• Conduct additional training for staff
• Share relevant indicators with our hosting/CDN provider where useful

Immediate:

• The director is alerted by automated monitoring (email/messaging)

As soon as practicable:

• External legal assistance engaged where needed

Within 4 hours:

• Contractors involved in recovery
• Support contacts (if customer impact)

Customer Notifications:

• Notify affected customers without undue delay, and within 72 hours where personal data is affected
• Provide clear, non-technical explanation of incident
• Explain steps taken to address the issue
• Offer guidance on protective measures customers should take
• Provide contact information for questions and support

Regulatory Notifications:

• UK GDPR Breach: Notify ICO within 72 hours if personal data affected
• Financial Regulators: As required by applicable regulations
• Maintain documentation of all regulatory notifications

Law Enforcement:

• Contact for criminal activity (hacking, fraud, theft)
• Provide evidence and cooperate with investigations
• Coordinate through external legal counsel where engaged

Third-Party Partners:

• Cloud infrastructure providers notified as needed
• External forensic and legal assistance is engaged on demand