Cybersecurity Incident Response
Cybersecurity incident response is how your organization contains a breach, removes the threat and restores operations. The goal is to limit damage, speed up recovery and reduce financial loss. CDW Canada's incident response services give you a tested plan, the right tools and expert support before, during and after an attack.
If you believe you are currently experiencing a cybersecurity incident, fill out the form to contact CDW Canada's cybersecurity experts.
The guidance on this page follows two trusted bodies. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a U.S. government organization that sets standards for technical fields, and the SANS Incident Response process.
Understanding Incident Response and Digital Forensics
Incident response focuses on identifying, containing and removing threats so you can recover fast. Digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) adds the investigative side. It looks at how an attacker got in, what they touched and what evidence needs to be preserved.
For example, incident response stops an active ransomware attack and restores affected systems. DFIR figures out how the ransomware entered, whether an insider was involved and collects evidence for legal or compliance use. DFIR addresses the immediate threat and examines the methods used so you can close the gaps that let it happen.
Incident Response
Primarily operational, focusing on mitigation, containment and recovery from active threats.
DFIR
Combines incident response with forensic investigation to find root causes, collect evidence and meet legal or compliance requirements.
CDW Canada focuses on incident response. We partner with DFIR specialists like Unit42, Mandiant and CrowdStrike to deliver full investigative support when you need it.
The NIST Incident Response Lifecycle
CDW Canada's approach follows the NIST Incident Response Lifecycle. A structured method that keeps response work consistent across every type of incident.
1
Preparation
Build the policies, procedures and team you need before an incident hits. Run regular training and tabletop exercises so people know their role. CDW Canada delivers tailored red team, purple team and tabletop exercises that pressure-test your incident response plan against real-world scenarios.
2
Detection and Analysis
Use tools like SIEM, MDR and threat intelligence platforms to spot incidents early. Our experts classify each threat by severity and scope so you respond to what matters first. Pair this work with our security information and event monitoring solutions for continuous visibility.
3
Containment, Eradication and Recovery
Contain the incident to stop the spread. We help find the root cause, remove the threat and restore operations. The focus stays on making sure no residual vulnerabilities remain in the environment.
4
Post-Incident Activity
Run a post-mortem to capture lessons learned. After a phishing attack, that might mean stronger email filtering, better user training and updated response playbooks. We help you update policies and refine processes so the same incident does not happen twice. Whether the fix involves people, process or technology.
Types of Cybersecurity Incidents
To align with the NIST framework, these incident types are categorized based on their impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability:
| Type of Incident | NIST Functional Impact | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Malware Attacks | Loss of confidentiality, integrity or availability | Viruses, worms, trojans and ransomware that compromise systems or data. |
| Phishing Attacks | Loss of confidentiality | Fraudulent messages designed to trick users into sharing sensitive information. |
| Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks | Loss of availability | Overloading systems to disrupt services and lock users out of resources. |
| Insider Threats | Loss of confidentiality, integrity | Unauthorized access or malicious actions by current or former employees. |
| Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) | Loss of confidentiality, integrity or availability | Long-term, targeted attacks designed to gain access to high-value assets. |
| Man-in-the-Middle Attacks | Loss of confidentiality | Intercepting communications between two parties to steal or alter data. |
Grouping incidents this way helps your team match response strategies to the specific impact of each event.
Key Incident Response Technologies
CDW Canada brings the right tools to every phase of the incident response process.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR/XDR)
Continuous monitoring of endpoints to prevent and mitigate threats. MDR is not limited to endpoint security. It also extends to security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Together these systems give you real-time monitoring, logging and alerting. The central nervous system for threat detection in your environment, SIEMs pull event data from across your tools, prioritize alerts and streamline the response process.
Incident Response Platforms
Automate and orchestrate response workflows so your team moves faster on every incident.
Threat Intelligence Platforms
Identify threats early and analyze them in context before they reach your environment.
Integration with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)
Governance and Risk Management
Our approach lines up with the NIST CSF 2.0 Governance function. Incident response activities are guided by clear organizational policies and active leadership involvement. We tailor the process to your risk profile, operational environment and business objectives. With accountability built in at every level.
Organizational Profiles and Maturity Tiers
We work with you to build response strategies that match your NIST CSF profile. CDW Canada helps clients advance through NIST's maturity tiers, from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4). We help you embed best practices and continuous improvement into your cybersecurity program. A natural fit with our zero trust framework.
Continuous Improvement
Our Post-Incident Activity phase ties directly into the CSF emphasis on iterative improvement. We help you refine incident response capability through lessons learned, updated policies and the latest threat intelligence.
Cyberinsurance: A Crucial Consideration
Cyberinsurance plays a key role in reducing the financial impact of cyberincidents. It also connects to compliance and legal requirements during an event, with specific rules for reporting, documentation and approved vendors that vary by policy. Your team needs to know exactly what your coverage requires before an incident happens.
Policy Requirements
Identify required actions. Notification timelines, approved vendors, documentation protocols.
Incident Reporting
Communicate with insurers on time and with accurate detail so coverage activates.
Compliance with Conditions
Follow the incident management procedures in your policy to avoid disputes over claims.
CDW Canada aligns your cybersecurity incident response plan with your cyberinsurance policy. So you get the full coverage benefit and limit financial loss when an incident hits.
1
Customized Strategies
Tailored plans that meet your organization's specific requirements.
2
Comprehensive Training
Tabletop exercises and readiness assessments built around your team and your environment.
3
Advanced Tools
Access to current technologies for monitoring, detection and rapid response.
4
Expert Guidance
Support from senior cybersecurity professionals through containment, eradication and recovery.
5
A Trusted Advisor
Partner with CDW Canada and gain a trusted advisor to protect your business, safeguard valuable assets and keep operations running through evolving cyberthreats. Explore our full cybersecurity solutions to see how incident response fits with the rest of your security program.
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