As the CISO for a bank aiming to prevent a successful ransomware attack and create a comprehensive security incident response plan, what must you know to ensure you have the best security posture?
Let’s see what you need to review:
Current Security Infrastructure
Information about your bank’s existing security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, endpoint security, and other relevant tools.
Network Architecture
Understanding your bank’s network topology, including the separation of critical systems and sensitive data from the rest of the network.
User Access and Privileges
Insight into user access controls and the levels of privileges granted to different user roles within the organization.
Data Backup and Recovery
Details about the bank’s data backup policies, including the frequency of backups, where they are stored, and how quickly data can be restored in case of an incident.
Employee Training and Awareness
Information on the cybersecurity training and awareness programs in place for bank staff, as human error is a significant factor in successful ransomware attacks.
Incident Response Team
Identification of key personnel responsible for incident response, their roles, and their contact information.
Communication Protocols
A clear outline of communication procedures during an incident, both internally and externally (e.g., with customers, regulators, law enforcement).
Incident Classification and Escalation
Criteria for classifying the severity of an incident and the corresponding escalation procedures.
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Understanding of the legal and regulatory obligations your bank must adhere to during and after an incident.
Vendor and Third-Party Risks
Awareness of risks posed by third-party vendors and partners that have access to your bank’s systems or data.
Monitoring and Threat Intelligence
Details about your bank’s monitoring capabilities and use of threat intelligence to detect and respond to potential threats.
System Patching and Updates
Information on how the bank handles software and system updates to minimize vulnerabilities.
Incident Documentation
Guidelines for proper documentation of incidents, including capturing relevant details and actions taken during the response.
Containment and Eradication Strategies
Strategies to contain the spread of ransomware and eradicate it from affected systems.
Forensics and Analysis
Procedures for conducting post-incident forensics and analysis to understand the attack’s origin and refine security measures.
Continuous Improvement
Plans for learning from each incident and improving the overall security posture of the ban
This list is not exhaustive but it should get you going ! For further information, please contact BD@HighgateCyberSecurity.com.
