In the event of a cyberattack involving highly sensitive data, such as a missile defense system, the immediate focus should be on containing the breach and understanding its scope. Here's a step-by-step approach:
* Incident Response Protocol:
* Containment: Isolate the impacted server to prevent further unauthorized access or data exfiltration. This helps to limit the damage and secure sensitive information.
* Assessment: Examine network logs, affected systems, and user activities to determine the extent of the breach. This includes identifying how the attackers gained access and what data might have been compromised.
* Minimize Fallout:
* Preservation of Evidence: Ensure that all logs and forensic data are preserved for a detailed investigation.
* Internal Coordination: Inform key stakeholders within the organization, including the executive board and legal team, about the breach and ongoing response efforts.
* Collaboration:
* Federal Agencies: Depending on the severity and national security implications, notifying federal agencies might be necessary after initial containment and assessment.
* External Experts: If required, engage external cybersecurity firms to assist with the investigation and provide additional expertise.
References:
* NIST Computer Security Incident Handling Guide:NIST SP 800-61r2
* SANS Institute Incident Handling Handbook: SANS Reading Room