What should be the first action taken after a security incident has been detected?

The first action to take after detecting a security incident is to activate the incident response plan. This plan is a predefined, organized approach to addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyber attack. It provides a structured methodology for handling incidents, ensuring that responses are swift, coordinated, and effective.

Activating the incident response plan helps to mobilize the appropriate personnel and resources dedicated to managing the situation. It outlines who is responsible for what actions, defines the processes to be followed, and sets the legal and regulatory considerations in motion. This ensures that each step, from containment and eradication to recovery and lessons learned, follows best practices and minimizes potential damage.

While documenting the incident, notifying the legal team, and considering system restoration are all critical steps, they typically follow the activation of the incident response plan. Without following the structured response plan first, efforts may become disorganized and inefficient, leading to worse outcomes. Therefore, initiating the incident response plan is paramount in effectively managing the security incident.