What is a critical component in responding to an incident?

A comprehensive plan that includes all stakeholder engagement is crucial in responding to an incident because it ensures that every relevant party understands their roles and responsibilities during the incident response process. By having a detailed plan, organizations can systematically address the incident, leading to a more organized and efficient response. This engagement encompasses communication with internal teams, such as IT and legal, as well as external parties, like law enforcement and regulatory bodies, which can be pivotal in successfully mitigating the incident's impact.

The plan also helps in making informed decisions and coordinating responses, which can be essential in minimizing damage and restoring normal operations. It typically encompasses procedures for assessing the incident, reporting, containment, eradication, recovery, and follow-up, ensuring that all bases are covered during the response.

In contrast, options emphasizing immediate public disclosure or solely focusing on risk assessment may overlook the importance of coordinated stakeholder engagement. Transparent communication with employees is important, but without a thorough plan that includes all stakeholders, it may not be as effective in resolving the incident.