Incident Response - CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 - 4.8

Summary

This video script delves into the critical role of security administrators in handling security incidents, emphasizing the necessity of preparedness. It outlines the lifecycle of incident management, including planning, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities. The script also highlights the importance of having a comprehensive response plan, including communication methods, incident go bags, and policies, as well as the challenges in detecting and responding to various security threats.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ Security incidents are a critical aspect of a security administrator's responsibilities, requiring preparedness for various scenarios.
• 📎 Incidents can range from malware installation via email attachments to sophisticated attacks like distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) and data exfiltration.
• 📚 The National Institute of Standards and Technology's 'Special Publication 860-61, Revision 2' provides a comprehensive guide on incident handling lifecycle.
• 📝 Pre-incident planning is crucial and includes maintaining an updated contact list and preparing an incident go bag with necessary tools and resources.
• 🔍 Detection of security incidents can be challenging due to constant internet attacks, necessitating proper policies and procedures for identification and response.
• 📊 Logs and monitoring systems are vital for capturing attempts and understanding the nature of attacks, including web server logs and antivirus reports.
• ⏰ Timely patching and updates are essential to prevent attacks on vulnerable systems, with a calendar to track release dates for patches.
• 🚨 Immediate response to detected attacks is key, including the use of sandbox environments to safely test and understand the impact of threats.
• 🔄 Post-incident recovery involves eradicating malicious software, reimaging systems, and addressing vulnerabilities to prevent re-infection.
• 🤝 Post-incident meetings are important for reflection, discussing the incident's timeline, evaluating the response process, and improving future planning.
• 🛠️ Training and documentation are essential before an incident occurs, ensuring that all team members are well-prepared and know their roles during an incident.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a security administrator in handling security incidents?

The primary role of a security administrator is to be prepared for various security incidents, including planning, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities.

What are some examples of security incidents mentioned in the script?

Examples include a user clicking on a malicious email attachment, a distributed denial-of-service attack, data exfiltration with ransom demands, and unauthorized access to a private network through installed software.

What is the recommended document to read for managing security issues?

The recommended document is the 'Special Publication 860--61, Revision 2' by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, titled 'Computer Security Incident Handling Guide'.

What is the importance of having a list of communication methods and an incident go bag?

Having a list of communication methods ensures that all relevant parties are informed during an incident. An incident go bag contains necessary hardware and software to address any type of incident, which is crucial for a quick and effective response.

What are some items that might be included in an incident go bag?

An incident go bag may include laptops with specialized software, removable media for data transfer, forensic software for capturing system information, and a digital imaging system for capturing pictures and videos.

Why is it difficult to detect a security incident?

Detection is difficult because attacks are constant when connected to the internet, and it may not be clear if an attack is a simple script or a legitimate breach. Additionally, different systems may be targeted, complicating the identification process.

What is the significance of reviewing logs in the context of security incidents?

Logs can provide valuable information about attack attempts, origins, and methods used, which can help in understanding and preventing future incidents.

What is a sandbox, and how is it used in security incident response?

A sandbox is a closed system used to test applications in isolation. It allows security professionals to observe the behavior of potentially malicious software without risking the integrity of the main system.

What actions should be taken during the recovery mode after an incident?

During recovery mode, the focus is on removing any bad software, reimaging systems, disabling breached user accounts, fixing vulnerabilities, and potentially using known-good backups or original installation media to restore systems.

Why are post-incident meetings important, and what should they cover?

Post-incident meetings are important for reflection and improvement. They should cover the incident's timeline, the effectiveness of the response process, and identify any missed indicators or areas for improvement.

How can an organization ensure readiness for incident response?

Organizations should have extensive documentation, regular training, and testing of their incident response plans. This ensures that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during an incident and can act quickly and effectively.

Outlines

00:00

🛡️ Security Incident Management Essentials

This paragraph emphasizes the importance of preparing for and managing security incidents, which can range from malware infections to sophisticated attacks like distributed denial-of-service (DDoS). It highlights the necessity of having a comprehensive incident handling guide, such as the 'Computer Security Incident Handling Guide' by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which outlines the lifecycle of incident handling, including preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities. The paragraph also underscores the need for an up-to-date contact list, an incident go bag with necessary hardware and software, and a set of policies and procedures to be followed during security incidents. It suggests having resources like documentation, network diagrams, security baselines, and file hashes ready for reference during an incident.

05:01

🕵️‍♂️ Detecting and Responding to Security Incidents

The second paragraph delves into the complexities of detecting security incidents, which can be challenging due to the constant attacks on internet-connected systems. It discusses the importance of having proper policies and procedures in place for identifying and responding to incidents, as well as the utility of logs for providing insights into attack patterns and origins. The paragraph also mentions the use of sandbox environments for safely testing suspicious applications and the need for quick action to halt ongoing attacks. It touches on the recovery process post-incident, which involves removing compromised software, reimaging systems, disabling breached user accounts, and patching vulnerabilities. The importance of post-incident reflection through meetings to discuss the incident, evaluate the response process, and identify areas for improvement is also highlighted. The paragraph concludes by stressing the need for pre-incident planning, training, and documentation to ensure a swift and effective response to security incidents.

Keywords

💡Security Incidents

Security incidents refer to any event that compromises the integrity, availability, or confidentiality of a system or network. In the video, these incidents are the central theme, with examples including malware infections from email attachments, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and data exfiltration. The script emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such incidents, as they can happen at any time within any organization.

💡Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. The script mentions malware as a common security incident where an email attachment could install malware onto a user's system, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness in cybersecurity.

💡Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attack

A DDoS attack is an attempt to overwhelm a target's network or service with a flood of internet traffic, rendering it inaccessible. The script uses this as an example of a security incident that can be conducted by botnets from anywhere in the world, emphasizing the global nature of cybersecurity threats.

💡Exfiltration

Exfiltration is the unauthorized transfer of data from a computer system. In the context of the video, it refers to attackers stealing information from a network and demanding payment to prevent its public release, illustrating the financial and reputational risks associated with security breaches.

💡Incident Response

Incident response is the process of addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyberattack. The script outlines the importance of having an incident response plan, including preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities, as outlined in the 'Computer Security Incident Handling Guide' from NIST.

💡Preparation

Preparation in the context of the video refers to the planning and readiness activities that should be in place before a security incident occurs. This includes having an up-to-date contact list, an incident go bag with necessary tools, and policies and procedures to follow, ensuring a swift and effective response.

💡Incident Go Bag

An incident go bag is a collection of hardware and software tools that security administrators can use to address various types of incidents. The script mentions that this bag might contain specialized software, forensic tools, and digital imaging systems, exemplifying the practical aspects of cybersecurity preparedness.

💡Forensics

Forensics in cybersecurity involves the collection, analysis, and preservation of digital evidence in order to investigate a security breach. The script refers to forensic software as part of the incident go bag, which can be used to capture information on compromised systems, underlining the importance of evidence in incident response.

💡Patching

Patching is the process of applying updates to software to fix security vulnerabilities. The video script mentions keeping track of patch release dates, such as those from Microsoft, to ensure systems are promptly updated and protected against attacks, highlighting the proactive nature of cybersecurity.

💡Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

An IPS is a cybersecurity technology that monitors network traffic for malicious activity and attempts to stop it. The script uses an IPS alert as an example of how an organization might become aware of an attack, such as a buffer overflow attempt, demonstrating the role of technology in detecting security incidents.

💡Recovery Mode

Recovery mode in the context of the video refers to the process of restoring systems to a known good state following a security incident. This could involve removing malware, reimaging systems, disabling compromised user accounts, and fixing vulnerabilities, as discussed in the script, to ensure the integrity of the network post-incident.

💡Post-Incident Analysis

Post-incident analysis involves reviewing and reflecting on the response to a security incident after it has been resolved. The script suggests holding meetings to discuss the incident, evaluate the effectiveness of the response, and identify improvements for future incidents, emphasizing the continuous learning aspect of cybersecurity.

Highlights

Security incidents can encompass a wide range of situations, including malware installation from email attachments, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and information exfiltration with ransom demands.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's 'Special Publication 860-61, Revision 2' provides a comprehensive Computer Security Incident Handling Guide.

Preparation for security incidents involves creating an up-to-date contact list and an incident go bag with necessary hardware and software.

Forensic software and digital imaging systems are crucial for capturing and analyzing information during security incidents.

Having resources like server documentation and network diagrams is vital for understanding and addressing security incidents.

Security baselines and file hashes of critical files aid in identifying and mitigating incidents involving malicious software.

Policies and procedures must be established and followed to ensure a standardized response to security incidents.

Detecting security incidents can be challenging due to the constant attacks on internet-connected systems.

Logs from various systems can provide insights into attack origins and methods, which is crucial for incident detection.

Maintaining a calendar for patch releases ensures timely system updates and vulnerability mitigation.

Attackers may contact organizations directly, highlighting the importance of recognizing and responding to security incidents.

Intrusion prevention systems and antivirus reports are key monitoring tools for detecting ongoing security incidents.

Sandboxing applications can help understand the impact of malware without risking the integrity of the main system.

Incident response should be immediate and decisive to prevent further damage from an ongoing attack.

Recovery mode focuses on removing malicious software and restoring systems with known-good software.

Post-incident analysis, including meetings and documentation reviews, is essential for improving future response strategies.

Reflecting on the incident timeline and planning process effectiveness is crucial for refining incident response procedures.

Identifying and addressing missed indicators can enhance monitoring and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Extensive documentation and training before an incident occurs are critical for an efficient and effective response.

Investment in training and planning can save resources during a major incident by ensuring preparedness and response efficiency.

Transcripts

Understanding how to deal with security incidents

are an important part of any security administrator's job.

Security incidents can involve many different situations.

For example, a user might click an attachment inside

of an email that runs an executable,

and that installs malware onto their system.

Or it may be that your WAN connection has been overwhelmed

with a distributed denial-of-service attack done

by botnets from people that are located anywhere in the world.

Or maybe you have to deal with information

that has been stolen or exfiltrated from your network,

and now the attackers want you to pay up

before that information is made public.

Or maybe a user has installed some software that

would effectively allow someone from the outside to gain access

to the inside private network.

All of these security issues could

occur in any organization at any time.

So you have to be prepared for anything to happen.

If you're interested on how organizations manage these

types of security issues, you may want to read through

the National Institute of Standards and Technology--

the document is called the "Special Publication 860--61

Revision 2."

And the title of this is the "Computer Security Incident

Handling Guide."

This document takes you through the entire lifecycle

of incident handling, including the preparation, the detection

and analysis, the containment, eradication, and recovery,

and any post-incident activities.

Before an incident even occurs, there's

a great deal of planning that takes place.

One of the things you should have available

is the list of communication methods.

There should be an up-to-date contact list

with all of the people who should be informed

when an incident occurs.

You also want to have an incident go bag

where you have all of the hardware and software required

to address any type of incident.

This might have laptops with specialized software.

There could be removable media for copying items

from one system to another.

You could have forensic software to be able to capture

information on that system.

And it might be a good idea to have

some type of digital imaging system

to be able to capture pictures and video.

It's also a good idea to have a number of resources that

can help during the incident.

For example, you may need documentation

of a particular server or perhaps some network diagrams.

It might also be a good idea to have security baselines

and to also have file hashes of all your critical files.

It's also a good idea to know what

you would use to be able to mitigate

this particular incident, especially if you're

dealing with malware or some other type

of malicious software.

It might be a good idea to have a known-good operating system

image or copies of application images

so that you can replace the bad code

with the known-good software.

And perhaps most importantly, there

should be a set of policies and procedures

that everyone will follow during one of these security

incidents.

Detecting a security incident is not

something that is always easy to recognize.

There may be different types of systems

that are attacked during a security incident,

and it may be difficult to simply look through the file

system and determine if a security incident has occurred.

Part of the problem is that, if you're

connected to the internet, there will be attacks on your systems

constantly.

And it might be difficult to determine

if an attack is simply a script that's running

or if this is a legitimate attack that has gained access

to your systems.

Even a security incident as common as a malware infection

can be a relatively complex process.

So you should make sure that you have the proper policies

and procedures on how to look for these incidents

and what to do when one's found.

There are probably a number of logs

that you could view right now that show instances where

an attempt to attack your network was made.

This can provide you with useful information

about where attacks may be originating

and what type of attacks they may choose to use.

For example, a web server log can capture a great deal

of information, especially when an attacker is

going through a vulnerability scan against your web server.

You should make sure you have a calendar so that when

Microsoft is going to release their latest set of patches

so that you can then begin the process of patching

all of your systems and looking for anyone

who may be attacking systems that have not already

been patched.

And in some cases, the attackers will contact you directly

and let you know that they're trying

to break into your systems.

This may be uncommon, but it's not

unheard of in the hacking community.

It's obviously important to know when an attack occurs.

And there may be things you can look at in your network that

can give you a notification that an attack is underway.

For example, you might get an alert

from your intrusion prevention system

that a buffer overflow attempt was made

against a particular server.

Or maybe an antivirus report is showing

that malware has been installed on a particular user's

workstation.

You might also find a situation where

an attacker has gained access to a system

and begins making changes to the security configurations.

If you have the proper monitoring in place,

you'll be informed if any of these configuration changes

are made.

And if you happen to find a large increase in network

traffic, that could indicate that an attacker is trying

to move a large amount of data out of your network

and into the hands of the attacker.

If you do find that an attack is underway,

you should try to stop that attack as quickly as possible.

This is not a situation where you

might want to wait to see what the attacker might do.

Some security systems will provide a way

to test for an attack inside of a sandbox.

A sandbox is a closed system where

you can run applications and see what the result of running

that application might be.

A good example is loading malware into a sandbox,

running that malware, and seeing what

part of the operating system was changed

when that malware executes.

Sometimes the process of isolating the malware

to a sandbox can cause the malware

itself to act differently.

For example, a malware could recognize

that it's being run inside of a virtual machine

with limited network connectivity.

And if it ever finds itself in that situation,

it simply deletes itself.

Once the incident is over, we need to go into recovery mode.

Recovery mode means that we need to get rid

of anything that may be bad software

and replace that with known-good software.

This means if we have malware, we

may want to remove the malware or simply reimage that system.

We may need to disable any user accounts that were breached

or created by the attacker.

And we need to fix any vulnerabilities that

allowed that attacker to get into our network

in the first place.

If we have known-good backups, we

may want to use those to overwrite

anything that may have been changed by the attackers.

Or we may want to use the original installation

media to completely reinstall the operating system.

The goal is to replace any files that may have been compromised,

and then lock everything down so the attackers can't get back

in.

After an attack is over is also a good time

for reflection and to understand what may have occurred

and how we can do better next time.

A good place to do this is in the post-incident meeting.

This is a meeting where everyone can be in the same room,

discuss the topics associated with the incident,

and come up with ways to resolve the issue more

efficiently next time.

These types of meetings are best done as soon as possible

after the incident was resolved.

This allows the people who participated in the incident

to have a better memory of what happened.

And we can also have better plans now when

the next incident occurs.

During this post-incident analysis,

we may want to ask some difficult questions, such as,

what exactly happened during this particular incident?

What was the timeline that took place

from the very beginning of the incident all

the way until the end?

It would also be interesting to see how well our planning

process worked.

We should be able to look at the documentation of this incident

and see if the process that we followed

was the best choice for this particular situation.

We can then make decisions on what

we might do different next time and then

integrate those changes into our incident-planning process.

It might also be useful to know if we missed

any of the indicators that might have warned us

that this incident was going to occur.

And if we did miss something, we might

want to change our monitoring so that we're looking

at some additional indicators.

All of the planning and training that

goes into incident response needs to take place

before an incident occurs.

Once the incident is live and on your network,

it's too late to do any type of on-the-job training.

There needs to be extensive documentation and testing

of that documentation so that everyone knows

what to do during an incident.

This means that we would have to understand what happens

during the initial response?

What are the plans for investigation

when an incident is identified?

What is the process for reporting on this incident

and so on?

In large organizations, especially

those with multiple incident response teams,

this training and planning process

can be relatively expensive.

But you may find that all of the resources and money put

into the training process may save you money

when a big incident occurs.