Cybersecurity Incident Response
Cybersecurity incident response involves addressing and managing the effects of a security breach or attack. The objective is to mitigate damage, accelerate recovery and minimize financial impact. An effective incident response plan ensures rapid identification, containment and eradication of the threat while restoring normal operations.
If you believe you are currently experiencing a cybersecurity incident, please fill out the form to contact CDW’s cybersecurity experts.
The recommendations on this page follow the guidance provided by two key bodies: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (a U.S. government organization that develops standards for technical fields) and the SANS Incident Response process.
Understanding Incident Response and Digital Forensics
While incident response focuses on identifying, containing and eradicating threats to minimize damage and ensure recovery, digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) incorporates the investigative aspects of cybersecurity.
For example, while incident response might prioritize stopping a ransomware attack and restoring affected systems, DFIR would investigate how the ransomware entered the system – whether there was insider involvement – and collect evidence to support legal or compliance actions. DFIR not only addresses immediate threats but also examines how and why an incident occurred, leveraging detailed forensic analysis to uncover the methods used and the broader implications for organizational security.
Incident Response
Primarily operational, focusing on mitigation, containment and recovery from active threats.
DFIR
Combines incident response with forensic investigations to identify root causes, collect evidence and support legal or compliance requirements.
While CDW Canada focuses on incident response, we partner with digital forensics and DFIR providers, such as Unit42, Mandiant and CrowdStrike, to deliver comprehensive investigative support when needed.
The NIST Incident Response Lifecycle
CDW Canada’s approach aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Incident Response Lifecycle, ensuring a structured and effective response to cybersecurity incidents:
1
Preparation
Develop policies, procedures and an incident response team. Conduct regular training and tabletop exercises to ensure readiness. CDW offers tailored incident response red team, purple team and tabletop exercises to prepare organizations for real-world scenarios.
2
Detection and Analysis
Utilize advanced tools like SIEM, MDR and threat intelligence platforms to detect potential incidents. Our experts analyze and classify threats based on severity and scope.
3
Containment, Eradication and Recovery
Contain the incident to prevent further damage. CDW helps identify root causes, remove threats and restore operations. We focus on ensuring systems are free of residual vulnerabilities.
4
Post-Incident Activity
Conduct thorough post-mortem reviews to identify lessons learned. For instance, after a phishing attack, actionable insights might include implementing stronger email filtering tools, enhancing user training on recognizing suspicious emails and updating incident response protocols to address similar future threats. CDW supports updating policies and refining processes to prevent future incidents, whether these updates involve people, processes 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 system functionality or data. |
| Phishing Attacks | Loss of confidentiality | Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information via deceptive communications. |
| Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks | Loss of availability | Overloading systems to disrupt services and make resources inaccessible. |
| 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 manipulate data. |
This categorization helps organizations align incident response strategies with the specific impacts of each type of incident.
Key Incident Response Technologies
CDW Canada leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance incident response:
Managed Detection and Response (MDR/XDR)
Continuous monitoring of endpoints to prevent and mitigate threats. This type of detection is not only limited to endpoint security technologies but also extended to security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Together, these systems provide real-time monitoring, logging and alerting capabilities, acting as the central nervous system for threat detection and analysis in your environment. SIEMs integrate with other tools to consolidate event data, prioritize alerts and streamline the incident response process. Real-time monitoring, logging and threat alerting.
Incident Response Platforms
Automation and orchestration of response workflows for efficiency.
Threat Intelligence Platforms
Proactive threat identification and analysis.
Integration with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)
Governance and Risk Management
CDW Canada’s approach aligns with the NIST CSF 2.0 Governance function by ensuring that incident response activities are guided by robust organizational policies and leadership involvement. Our incident response process can be tailored to your risk profile, operational environment and business objectives, emphasizing proactive risk management and accountability at all levels.
Organizational Profiles and Maturity Tiers
We collaborate with clients to develop incident response strategies that align with their NIST CSF profiles, which consider the unique operational and risk tolerances of each organization. Additionally, CDW helps clients advance through NIST’s maturity tiers – from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4) – by embedding best practices and continuous improvement processes into their cybersecurity programs.
Continuous Improvement
Our "Post-Incident Activity" phase directly ties into the NIST CSF’s emphasis on iterative enhancement. CDW supports clients in refining their incident response capabilities through lessons learned, updating policies and incorporating the latest threat intelligence.
Cyberinsurance: A Crucial Consideration
Cyberinsurance plays a vital role in mitigating the financial impact of cybersecurity incidents. It also interacts closely with compliance and legal obligations during incidents, ensuring organizations follow specific guidelines for reporting, documentation and vendor selection as outlined in their policies. Organizations with cyberinsurance policies must be well-versed in the specific requirements and parameters of their coverage to ensure compliance during an incident. This includes understanding:
Policy Requirements
Identifying required actions, such as immediate notification timelines, approved vendors and documentation protocols.
Incident Reporting
Ensuring timely and accurate communication with insurers to activate coverage.
Compliance with Conditions
Adhering to prescribed incident management procedures to avoid disputes over claims.
CDW Canada collaborates with clients to align their incident response plans with their cyberinsurance policies. By doing so, we help organizations maximize their coverage benefits while minimizing potential financial losses.
1
STEP ONE
Customized Strategies
Tailored plans to meet your organization's unique requirements.
2
STEP TWO
Comprehensive Training
Tabletop exercises and readiness assessments for your teams.
3
STEP THREE
Advanced Tools
Access to the latest technologies for monitoring and responding to incidents.
4
STEP FOUR
Expert Guidance
Support from seasoned professionals in managing incidents and recovering swiftly.
5
STEP FIVE
A Trusted Advisor
By partnering with CDW Canada, you gain a trusted advisor to help safeguard your business, protect valuable assets and ensure continuity in the face of evolving cyberthreats.
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