Within cybersecurity and incident response, the challenges faced by organisations today mirror those encountered in military operations. Just as commanders in the battlefield utilise structured planning frameworks to navigate complex environments and achieve strategic objectives, businesses can leverage similar principles to safeguard their digital assets and respond effectively to security threats.
In this blog post, we explore how the "7 Questions" framework, commonly employed in military planning, can be adapted and applied to incident response strategies in the corporate world.
Question 1: Understanding the Threat Landscape
In military terms: "What is the enemy doing and why?"
In business terms: "What are the threat actors doing, and why?"
To effectively respond to security threats, organisations must first understand the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. This involves continuous monitoring, threat intelligence analysis, and understanding the motivations behind potential attacks. By staying vigilant and proactive, businesses can anticipate threats and take pre-emptive measures to mitigate risks.
Question 2: Aligning with Best Practices
In military terms: "What have I been told to do and why?"
In business terms: "What has best practice advised us to do, and how does it protect me and my company?"
Just as military units adhere to established doctrines and tactics, businesses must align with industry standards and best practices in cybersecurity. This includes implementing robust security frameworks, complying with regulatory requirements, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to bolster defences.
Question 3: Defining Desired Outcomes
In military terms: "What effects do I want to have on the enemy, and what direction must I give to develop my plan?"
In business terms: "What effects (outcomes) do I want to have, so that the company remains secure, and how is this information disseminated to the team?"
Effective incident response requires clear objectives and communication. Organisations must define the desired outcomes of their security efforts, such as minimising downtime, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining business continuity. Clear communication and dissemination of security protocols ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.
Question 4: Identifying Vulnerabilities
In military terms: "Where can I best accomplish each action/effect?"
In business terms: "Which areas am I most vulnerable in, and how can I bolster them?"
Understanding vulnerabilities is crucial for effective defence. Businesses must conduct thorough risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in their systems, processes, and infrastructure. By prioritising remediation efforts, organisations can strengthen their defences against potential threats.
Question 5: Allocating Resources
In military terms: "What resources do I need to accomplish each action/effect?"
In business terms: "What resources and support services do I need to accomplish the requirements set out in Question 4?"
Effective incident response requires adequate resources, including personnel, technology, training, and budget. Organisations must allocate resources strategically to address vulnerabilities and implement security measures effectively. Collaboration with internal teams and external partners is essential to ensure comprehensive support for incident response activities.
Question 6: Prioritising Tasks
In military terms: "When and where do the actions take place in relation to each other?"
In business terms: "What are my priorities, and how can they be planned for implementation?"
Prioritisation is key to effective incident response. Businesses must prioritise tasks and actions based on the level of risk and potential impact on the organisation. Developing a strategic roadmap for implementation ensures that security measures, incident detection, response procedures, and recovery plans are aligned with business objectives.
Question 7: Establishing Governance and Monitoring
In military terms: "What control measures do I need to impose?"
In business terms: "What appropriate level of governance, monitoring, and auditing do I need to impose?"
Governance, monitoring, and auditing are essential for maintaining effective incident response capabilities. Organisations must establish governance structures, monitoring systems, and auditing processes to ensure compliance with security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. Continuous evaluation and improvement are key to enhancing incident response capabilities over time.
Conclusion:
By adopting the structured planning principles used in military operations, businesses can enhance their incident response capabilities and strengthen their cybersecurity defences. By asking the right questions and implementing strategic measures, organisations can effectively navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats and safeguard their digital assets, operations, and reputation.
For more information on how to better secure your organisation, without the stress of managing this minefield alone, get in touch with us. We are only a call, email or text away to secure you from the next breach!
