In the realm of sports, playbooks serve as strategic roadmaps. A similar concept applies to cybersecurity, where an updated security playbook, also known as an incident response plan, equips IT teams with a targeted strategy to mitigate risks in the event of an attack.

However, a significant number of companies lack a comprehensive security playbook. Instead, they resort to ad hoc responses that offer short-term relief but fail to address the underlying issues. Surprisingly, 36 percent of midsized companies don't have a formal incident response plan, and while most back up their data, 58 percent don't perform daily backup testing.

This article delves into the crucial elements that companies should incorporate into their cybersecurity playbook, emphasizes the importance of regular updates, and underscores the necessity of having a playbook in place prior to a security incident.

Recent data reveals that over 72 percent of global firms have encountered ransomware attacks in the past year. These attacks often stem from spam emails and malicious links that compromise staff accounts. Consequently, it is imperative for companies to be proactive rather than reactive. A well-structured security playbook should encompass:

1. Assignment of Responsibilities: Clearly defining which team members are tasked with specific duties, such as identifying attack vectors, pinpointing compromise points, and isolating critical systems.

2. Communication Protocol: Establishing a streamlined communication chain for notifying the right individuals promptly when an attack occurs. This chain should be regularly updated.

3. Contingency Plans: Anticipating scenarios where key personnel may be unavailable due to illness, vacation, or departure from the company. Playbooks should incorporate backup plans for such situations.

4. Incident Handling Procedures: Detailing the process for addressing specific incidents like stolen credentials, ransomware attacks, or compromised endpoints. This encompasses detection, identification, and remediation steps.

Just as threat actors evolve their tactics, incident response plans must also adapt. For instance, cyber attackers recently exploited a fake Windows update to compromise business and government devices. Security playbooks should be regularly reviewed quarterly and updated annually to ensure they address contemporary threats effectively. Conducting simulated attacks to assess the playbook's efficacy is also advisable.

Furthermore, playbooks serve a dual purpose – not only for incident response but also as a requirement for cybersecurity insurance. Companies should update their response plans when integrating new technologies, such as deploying public cloud services, which introduce new connections and potential attack surfaces.

While businesses can create their own security playbooks, this can be a time-consuming endeavor, particularly for smaller companies with limited IT resources or large enterprises operating internationally.

CDW offers incident response services that assist companies in tailoring custom playbooks to their specific needs. Access to CDW statement-of-work services is provided at no cost, outlining the defensive actions CDW can take to support a company in the event of an incident, along with associated fees.

For a comprehensive approach, organizations can opt for paid services, which encompass an incident response program and playbook development, readiness assessments, and tabletop exercises.

In the face of corporate network breaches, swift and well-prepared action is paramount. An in-depth security playbook ensures readiness and equips companies to navigate the challenges that arise.