Scenario: Responding to a Data Theft Incident

Time: 10:45 AM

Alert: The Data Loss Prevention (DLP) server detects unauthorized export of confidential data and Protected Health Information (PHI) from Workstation #123 in the server room.

Immediate Actions:

1. Containment:
   • Isolate Workstation #123: Disconnect the network cable and power cord immediately to prevent further exfiltration of data.
   • Lockdown Server Room: Secure the physical access to the server room by restricting entry only to authorized personnel.
   • Quarantine User Account: Disable the user account associated with Workstation #123 to prevent further activity.
2. Identification:
   • Gather Information: Review DLP logs and system activity records to identify the user, source of compromised data, and destination of the exfiltration.
   • User Verification: Compare the identified user account to active employees, contractors, and third-party access logs to determine legitimacy.
   • Investigate Workstation: Analyze installed software, running processes, and network connections to identify any malicious activity or tools.
3. Apprehension:
   • Alert authorities: Contact the local police department and inform them of the potential data theft and request assistance in apprehending the suspect.
   • Internal investigation: If a legitimate employee is suspected, collaborate with human resources and legal teams to initiate an internal investigation while respecting employee rights.
4. Evidence Preservation:
   • Document the scene: Take photographs and detailed notes of the workstation, server room, and any relevant equipment.
   • Forensic acquisition: Do not touch or attempt to analyze the compromised system. Prepare a forensic image of the entire workstation hard drive for the police forensics team.
5. Communication:
   • Internal Communication: Inform senior management and relevant stakeholders about the incident, severity, and ongoing response measures.
   • External Communication: Depending on the nature of the compromised data and regulatory requirements, prepare a communication plan to notify potentially affected individuals or authorities.
6. Recovery:
   • Damage Assessment: Evaluate the scope of the breach, identifying all systems and data potentially affected.
   • Remediation: Implement necessary measures to remediate the vulnerabilities exploited in the attack, including patching systems, updating security policies, and reviewing user access controls.
   • Data restoration: Restore affected systems and data from backups if necessary.

Securing the Scene for Police:

• Maintain clear logs and documentation: Provide the police with detailed logs, timestamps, and notes documenting all actions taken since the initial alert.
• Restrict access to the server room: Only authorized personnel and law enforcement should have access to the evidence.
• Prepare workstation for forensic imaging: Power off the workstation and avoid any modifications to maintain its state for forensic analysis.
• Cooperate with law enforcement: Provide full cooperation and assistance to the police throughout their investigation.

Remember: This is a high-pressure situation, and calm and methodical action is crucial. Following established incident response protocols will help contain the breach, identify the perpetrator, secure evidence, and minimize the overall impact on the organization.