Before the Breach: Building Readiness for Major Cyber Events

A well-structured incident response (IR) strategy can mean the difference between swift recovery and prolonged operational disruption. Despite their ability to reduce the operational disruption, shockingly, formal incident response plans are not widespread, only 55% of medium-sized businesses and 73% of large businesses have them. [1]

Based on real-world experiences, including Adarma’s response to a major ransomware attack, we’ve identified 10 key measures organisations can implement to enhance their incident preparedness.

From building a resilient Security Operations Centre (SOC) to proactive threat hunting and strategic partnerships, these steps will help security teams fortify their defences and respond with confidence when faced with a cyber crisis.

1. Develop a Robust Incident Response Plan (IRP)

• Establish a well-defined IRP with clearly assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Conduct regular tabletop exercises and simulations to test response effectiveness.
• Ensure senior executives are aware of the plan and their role in the decision-making process during a crisis.

2. Invest in Security Operations

• Train security teams to proactively detect and respond accordingly to threats.
• Implement appropriate Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions with proper log collection and threat detection.
• Employ services of a SOC, whether in-house or through a trusted Managed Security Services Provider.

3. Enhance Threat Detection and Monitoring

• Maintain visibility across the IT environment using threat intelligence-driven monitoring.
• Regularly update detection rules and onboard new Indicators of Compromise.
• Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) to improve threat visibility and accelerate detection and containment.

4. Leverage Proactive Threat Hunting

• Conduct proactive threat hunting tailored to your organisation risk profiles and industry themes.
• Perform continuous monitoring, detect suspicious activities and investigate before they escalate.
• Utilise data from past incidents to improve detection capabilities. Good investigatory problem management can provide perspective into events that may inform future threat hunts and incident responses.

5. Ensure Rapid Incident Containment and Recovery

• Implement a rapid containment strategy to prevent lateral movement of attackers.
• Establish and maintain a backup and recovery plan with secure offline backups.
• Deploy temporary security solutions like a SIEM or heavy forwarders in case core infrastructure is compromised.

6. Strengthen Cyber Resilience Through Training

• Provide regular training for security teams on the latest threat tactics.
• Educate all employees on cybersecurity best practices to reduce human-related vulnerabilities (e.g., phishing awareness).
• Support security team members with mental health resources to prevent burnout.

7. Establish a Trusted Security Partnership

• Build relationships with external cybersecurity partners who can provide rapid support in critical situations.
• Foster collaboration with industry peers to share intelligence on emerging threats.

8. Tailor Security Measures to the Business Context

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and prioritise security gaps.
• Ensure cybersecurity measures align with business objectives and operational needs.
• Maintain executive engagement to secure ongoing investment in cybersecurity initiatives.

9. Adapt to Changing Threat Landscapes

• Stay informed on geo-political and industry-specific threats that could impact operations.
• Adjust security strategies dynamically based on new attack patterns and evolving risks.
• Conduct post-incident reviews to refine security strategies and prevent recurrence.

10. Ensure Legal and Compliance Readiness

• Align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
• Have a legal and communications plan in place to manage breach notifications and stakeholder communication.
• Prepare incident documentation and forensic evidence collection for potential investigations.

By adopting these measures, organisations can significantly improve their ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents, minimising both operational disruptions and financial losses.

[1] https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/board-toolkit/planning-your-response-to-cyber-incidents

How Adarma Can Help

Adarma provides customised cybersecurity solutions to assist businesses in achieving future-ready cyber resilience. We protect organisations in the FTSE 350, including those in CNI and other regulated sectors. We offer effective threat detection and incident response, acting as an extension of your team to enhance your security posture and optimise your security investments for maximum risk reduction.

Our approach enables organisations to decrease cyber risks by implementing effective threat intelligence, exposure management, and detection and response capabilities. We offer tailored threat intelligence, technological solutions, and strategic consultations catering to our customers’ security requirements and business goals. Our expertise guarantees a balanced approach between security and operational efficiency, safeguarding our customers’ most crucial infrastructure and data.

Let’s Talk

If you would like to learn more about how Adarma can support your organisation’s cyber resilience, please get in touch with us at hello@adarma.com.

To hear more from us, check out the latest issue of ‘Cyber Insiders,’ our c-suite publication that explores the state of the threat landscape, emerging cyber threats, and most effective cybersecurity best practices.

You can also listen to our new podcast, which explores what it’s really like to work in cybersecurity in today’s threat landscape.

Stay updated with the latest threat insights from Adarma by following us on X and LinkedIn.