When is it most critical to assess incident severity?

Assessing incident severity before recovery efforts is crucial because it informs the direction and prioritization of response actions. By understanding the severity of an incident, the response team can identify the impact on systems, data, and operations, allowing them to allocate resources effectively and determine the urgency of the recovery efforts.

This assessment is critical in shaping the response strategy and ensuring that the most significant risks are addressed first. If a severe incident is misclassified or assessed too late, it may lead to inadequate response measures, potentially prolonging recovery time and amplifying the damage.

In contrast, evaluating incident severity after the incident is resolved would limit the ability to make informed decisions in real-time. During detection, while it's important to understand the nature of the incident, the full scope and impact often cannot be assessed until further investigation occurs. Assessing severity immediately after a breach might not provide a comprehensive picture either, as immediate emotions and chaos can cloud judgment, and full assessments often require analysis and corroboration of evidence.