How can you get the best incident intelligence and feedback?

Proper digital forensics during an incident investigation leads to the best intelligence. Often the root cause of an incident cannot be figured out as the default time of the attacker has existed for an extended period, making it nearly impossible to understand how the initial compromise occurred. This has led to many organizations forgoing proper incident investigations and thorough digital forensics in an effort to move toward incident mitigation. However, this often leads to the promise of “recon” as the attackers will utilize the same method of exploitation to enter an organization as many times as they like.

To gather the best incident intelligence and feedback, it's crucial to establish clear goals and processes. Here are two key strategies to consider: 🔄 Implement Continuous Feedback Loops: Engage incident response teams and stakeholders regularly for real-time feedback. Use automated tools to capture data immediately after incidents to ensure accuracy and relevance. 📊 Analyze Trends, Not Just Individual Incidents: Look beyond single events to identify patterns in recurring issues. This helps improve long-term incident management and strengthens preventive measures.

Gathering the best incident intelligence and feedback involves establishing a comprehensive monitoring system that includes network surveillance, logging user activities, and integrating threat intelligence platforms. Encourage a culture of open communication where team members share insights and lessons learned. Regularly review and update your incident response strategies based on this feedback to enhance your security posture. Also, engage with external security communities to stay updated on the latest threats and mitigation strategies.

Before seeking incident intelligence, define your needs. What type of incidents are you most concerned with (e.g., phishing, ransomware)? What specific information do you need (e.g., threat actor tactics, indicators of compromise)? What is the desired outcome of gathering this intelligence (e.g., improved threat detection, faster incident response)? Defining your objectives focuses your efforts and ensures you gather the most relevant information.

Establish clear processes Incident management framework:- Implement frameworks or workflows tailored to your organisation needs Defined a roles and responsibilities:- Ensure all team members understand their roles during incident handling Escalation procedures:- Establish clear rules for escalating incidents to appropriate stakeholders

Establish goals for your incident response, identify key stakeholders and their roles, and clarify the information needs and expectations of each party. Determine how you will measure and report performance and results. This strategic approach ensures that your incident intelligence efforts are focused and relevant, aligning with your desired outcomes and avoiding the collection of superfluous data. A well-defined framework streamlines the response process and enhances overall effectiveness.

A few years ago, leading a team through a cybersecurity breach taught me the value of structure in incident response. Initially chaotic, the experience improved once we set clear objectives: minimize downtime, protect data, and identify the root cause. Cross-referencing internal logs with external threat intelligence revealed key insights. Adopting the MITRE ATT&CK framework provided clarity, and streamlined communication through dashboards and regular updates kept stakeholders informed. Afterward, a post-mortem revealed gaps in monitoring and playbooks, prompting continuous training. My advice: use AI for real-time insights, collaborate through platforms like LinkedIn, and treat every incident as a chance to refine your approach.

Select diverse, reliable sources. This could include threat intelligence platforms (commercial or open-source), security communities (e.g., forums, mailing lists), vulnerability databases (e.g., NVD), and industry reports. Consider the reputation and track record of each source to ensure accuracy and relevance. Directly engaging with other security professionals through networking can also provide valuable insights.

Internally, use logs, alerts, and tools, while also engaging with your own teams for firsthand insights. Externally, leverage threat intelligence providers, vendors, and other stakeholders like law enforcement and regulators for broader context. Prioritize sources based on relevance, reliability, and timeliness. Crucially, validate and cross-check the information to address any gaps or inconsistencies. This rigorous approach ensures accurate, actionable intelligence, enhancing your incident response effectiveness.

Frameworks like NIST SP 800-61, SANS Incident Handling Process, or MITRE ATT&CK offer standardized terminology and formats that streamline incident reporting, analysis, and communication. These frameworks not only facilitate clear, structured data sharing but also enhance integration with other tools and systems. Selecting or customizing a framework to fit your organization’s specific needs ensures that incident response processes are coherent and interoperable, ultimately improving overall response effectiveness.