Plan for the formation of investigation and forensics teams: Develop a plan for the formation of an investigation and forensics team.

When you consider the sheer volume of cyber-enabled devices out there today, it's no surprise that cybercrime rates are on the rise. The big challenge? There's a severe shortage of qualified cyber investigators to keep up with these incidents. That's why businesses need to take matters into their own hands, forming dedicated investigation and forensics teams of their own.

Forming an Investigation and Forensics Team

When creating your own investigation and forensics team, it's essential to start with a robust plan. A well-planned structure offers a solid foundation to ensure that your team can effectively manage cyber incidents.

Identification of Roles and Responsibilities

First things first, you need to identify the roles and responsibilities within your team. From investigators to analysts, every team member must understand their responsibilities to ensure a smooth workflow. For instance, while investigators are responsible for identifying and gathering digital evidence, analysts might focus on interpreting that data. Proper role assignment minimizes confusion and increases efficiency during the investigation process.

Skills and Expertise Assessment

Next, assess the skills and expertise needed for the investigation. This could include proficiency in tools like EnCase or FTK for forensic analysis, understanding of legal considerations in digital forensics, or experience in incident response. Ensure your team has a diverse skill set to handle the various challenges that may arise during an investigation.

Allocation of Resources

Resource allocation is another crucial step in the process. This involves assigning personnel, acquiring necessary equipment, and setting a budget for the team. For instance, you might need to purchase specialized software for digital forensics, or ensure the team has access to secure servers to store sensitive data.

Development of a Timeline and Milestones

You'll also need to develop a timeline and milestones for the investigation. This helps keep the team on track and provides a way to measure progress. For instance, a milestone might be completing the data collection phase, or presenting preliminary findings to stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting Protocols

Lastly, establish communication and reporting protocols within the team. This ensures everyone is on the same page and information is disseminated effectively. For example, you might set up regular team meetings to discuss progress, or use a secure communication platform to share updates.

Case in Point

Consider the case of a multinational corporation dealing with a data breach. They quickly assemble an internal investigation and forensics team, clearly defining roles and responsibilities. The team includes both IT professionals with a strong understanding of their internal systems, and external consultants with expertise in digital forensics. Resources are allocated wisely, with a generous budget approved for necessary software and equipment. A timeline is established, with crucial milestones outlined to ensure progress. Regular meetings are set up to facilitate communication, and a secure reporting system is put in place.

In doing so, they successfully manage the incident in-house, minimizing the damage and securing their network against future attacks. This real-life example underscores the importance of a well-planned and structured approach to forming a digital investigation and forensics team.