RS.AN-03 - Investigating Incident Causes

02/25/25 • 18 min

RS.AN-03 conducts detailed analysis to reconstruct incident events, identify involved assets, and pinpoint root causes, such as exploited vulnerabilities or threat actors. This includes examining deception technologies for attacker behavior insights, aiming to understand both immediate triggers and systemic issues. It provides the foundation for effective response and prevention.

This subcategory enhances response by delivering actionable findings, aligning analysis with risk priorities to address critical weaknesses. It supports forensics and recovery by uncovering underlying causes, reducing recurrence risks. RS.AN-03 drives a thorough understanding of incident dynamics.

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RS.MA-05 - Initiating Incident Recovery

RS.MA-05 applies predefined criteria to determine when to shift from response to recovery, based on incident characteristics and operational considerations. This decision balances containment success with potential disruptions from recovery actions, ensuring a smooth transition. It marks the pivot to restoring normalcy.

This subcategory aligns recovery initiation with risk and operational priorities, preventing premature or delayed action that could worsen impacts. It ensures a deliberate, criteria-driven approach to recovery planning. RS.MA-05 facilitates a seamless move from mitigation to restoration.

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RS.AN-06 - Recording Investigation Actions

RS.AN-06 ensures that all investigative actions during an incident—like system checks or containment steps—are meticulously recorded, with integrity and provenance preserved. This involves immutable logs by responders and detailed documentation by the incident lead, safeguarding evidence for legal or audit purposes. It maintains a reliable investigation trail.

This subcategory supports accountability and forensics by ensuring records are tamper-proof and traceable, aligning with risk management needs. It enables accurate post-incident reviews and lessons learned, enhancing future responses. RS.AN-06 upholds the credibility of incident investigations.