Data Exfiltration at Acumen Corp.

Scenario:

10:15 AM: The Data Loss Prevention (DLP) server at Acumen Corp. triggers an alert. Confidential data, including personal health information (PHI), is being exported from an unauthorized workstation in the server room. The security team receives immediate notification.

10:16 AM:

• Team Assembly: The Incident Response Team (IRT) assembles swiftly. Core members include security analysts, network engineers, forensics specialists, and a legal representative.
• Threat Assessment: Analysts review the DLP alert details, identifying the compromised workstation, type of data exfiltrated, and possible exfiltration method (e.g., cloud upload, external drive). Logs and network activity around the workstation are analyzed for suspicious behavior.
• Containment Measures:
  • Network Isolation: The compromised workstation is immediately isolated from the network, severing its connection to any internal or external resources. This prevents further data exfiltration and limits potential damage.
  • Account Lockdown: User accounts associated with the workstation are locked down, preventing further access and potential privilege escalation.

10:25 AM:

• Physical Scene Securing: Two team members approach the server room cautiously. The door is sealed, and CCTV footage is reviewed to identify any recent entries or unusual activity. Access logs are checked for unauthorized entries.
• Intruder Apprehension: Based on CCTV footage and network activity, a potential suspect is identified. Security personnel are dispatched to discreetly secure potential exit points from the building.

10:30 AM:

• Investigation & Forensics: Forensics specialists begin acquiring evidence from the compromised workstation. Data recovery tools are used to retrieve deleted files and analyze system logs for any traces of the attacker’s activity. Network logs are further scrutinized for potential entry points and exfiltration paths.
• Law Enforcement Contact: Police and relevant authorities are notified about the incident, providing them with details of the exfiltration, evidence, and potential suspect. Collaboration is established for efficient investigation and possible apprehension.

10:45 AM:

• Internal Communication: A crisis communication plan is initiated. Senior management and affected employees are informed about the incident, emphasizing ongoing efforts to contain the breach and protect data. Transparency and clear communication are crucial to minimize panic and maintain trust.

11:00 AM onwards:

• Intruder Apprehension: Security personnel, with potential police assistance, apprehend the identified suspect based on accumulated evidence and CCTV footage.
• Forensic Data Acquisition: The police forensics team arrives to collect and analyze evidence from the server room and confiscated equipment. Chain of custody protocols are strictly followed to preserve evidence integrity.
• Investigation Continues: The IRT continues its investigation, collaborating with law enforcement to trace the exfiltrated data, identify the attacker’s motives, and assess the full extent of the breach. Remediation plans are developed to address any vulnerabilities exploited and strengthen security measures.

Key Points:

• Fast and coordinated response: Time is of the essence. Prompt containment, evidence collection, and law enforcement engagement are crucial in mitigating damage and apprehending the perpetrator.
• Multi-disciplinary collaboration: The IRT, legal team, forensics specialists, and law enforcement work together seamlessly to effectively manage the incident and ensure a comprehensive investigation.
• Communication and transparency: Clear communication with internal and external stakeholders is essential to maintain trust and manage the situation effectively.

This scenario demonstrates a well-coordinated incident response to a data exfiltration incident. By adhering to these principles and procedures, organizations can minimize the impact of cyberattacks, secure valuable data, and bring perpetrators to justice.