Introduction
Data breaches and security incidents are on the rise. As we head into 2024, organizations need to ensure their incident response plans are updated to handle new and emerging cyberthreats. Proper planning and preparation can help mitigate damages and enable a quick and effective response.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at key considerations for data security incident response planning in 2024. I will cover emerging threats, response strategies, communication plans, regulatory requirements, and steps to take now to bolster incident response capabilities. My goal is to provide actionable guidance to help security teams and business leaders make informed decisions as they assess and evolve their response plans for the year ahead.
Emerging Threat Landscape
The cyberthreat landscape is continuously evolving. Here are some of the key threats likely to shape incident response in 2024:
Increasingly Sophisticated Ransomware
Ransomware will continue to pose a major threat, with attacks becoming more targeted and persistent. Attackers may spend months within a victim’s network before deploying ransomware payloads. Techniques like double extortion (stealing and threatening to leak data) are also on the rise.
Supply Chain Compromises
Software supply chain attacks will remain a key vector. Unsecured software components and dependencies can be compromised to distribute malware or gain access to victim environments.
Growth of Initial Access Brokers
The initial access brokerage economy will expand, with threat actors specializing in gaining that crucial first foothold into target networks before selling access to ransomware groups and nation-state adversaries.
Evolving Phishing Techniques
Phishing attacks are getting harder to spot, leveraging convincing typosquatting techniques, social engineering tactics, and evasion of traditional defenses.
Insider Threats
Malicious insiders and human-operated ransomware will continue to pose risks. Strong least-privilege controls and behavior monitoring are key.
Incident Response Strategies and Processes
With emerging threats in mind, here are some areas to focus on from an incident response planning perspective:
Assume Compromise and Improve Visibility
Operate under the assumption that threats may already be present in the environment. Prioritize tools and processes that provide comprehensive visibility across networks, endpoints, cloud infrastructure, identity systems, and applications.
Streamline Processes with Orchestration
Implement security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) solutions to standardize and streamline incident response processes. Playbooks can automate common tasks like disabling accounts, isolating systems, and collecting artifacts.
Refine Containment and Remediation
Update playbooks and procedures to rapidly isolate and remove footholds established by advanced threats. Ensure capabilities to disable compromised credentials, segment networks, take systems offline, and remove malware across on-prem and cloud environments.
Conduct Tabletop Exercises
Tabletop exercises and response simulations help assess and refine plans. Exercises should cover scenarios based on emerging threats like supply chain attacks, ransomware, and insider incidents.
Communication and Reporting
Clear communication and reporting are crucial during incidents. Key planning areas include:
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Designating spokespersons – Select appropriate team members to communicate with executives, media, law enforcement and external stakeholders.
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Internal communication plan – Document how to disseminate status updates and advisories to employees and executives during an incident.
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External communications plan – Develop processes and template materials for communicating with customers, partners, authorities, media and other external parties.
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Breach notification procedures – Establish processes to evaluate the need for breach notification based on applicable laws and contractual obligations.
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Regulatory reporting procedures – Understand requirements and timeframes for notifying regulators and law enforcement bodies of cyber incidents and data breaches.
Regulatory Considerations
It is vital to understand regulatory requirements related to cybersecurity incidents and incorporate relevant measures into response plans, including:
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GDPR – The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation requires breach notification within 72 hours under certain conditions. Planning, policies and processes should account for this strict deadline.
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CCPA – The California Consumer Privacy Act requires businesses to notify California residents of qualifying data breaches.
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HIPAA – Entities regulated under HIPAA have specific data breach notification and reporting requirements under the HITECH Act.
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State breach laws – In the US, data breach laws differ by state. Response plans should address applicable notification timeframes and requirements.
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Critical infrastructure sectors – Specific sectors like finance and energy have additional cybersecurity and incident reporting regulations that must be considered.
Key Steps for 2024 Preparedness
Here are some key steps organizations can take over the next year to better prepare for data security incidents:
- Perform ongoing threat modeling to identify and mitigate emerging risks.
- Fund improvements to visibility, detection, and response capabilities.
- Update incident response playbooks and procedures using lessons learned from exercises and real incidents.
- Expand scope and frequency of response simulations and tabletop exercises.
- Review, update and test breach notification processes and communications plans.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities across key internal teams and external partners.
- Evaluate and onboard new response technology like EDR, SIEM, and SOAR.
- Develop enhanced plans focused on protecting and responding to insider and supply chain threats.
- Strengthen response capabilities across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Conclusion
Data security threats will continue to evolve in 2024, requiring diligent planning to enable rapid and effective incident response. By understanding emerging risks, refining processes, expanding visibility, conducting simulations, updating plans to account for regulations, and allocating resources, organizations can optimize their preparation. Response is a company-wide responsibility, so focus on clarifying roles, communicating effectively, and collaborating across teams. With proper planning, companies can improve resilience and limit potential damages when the inevitable incident occurs.
