1. Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures for identifying, responding to, and recovering from information security incidents at Nextsulting. It also details the protocols for notifying clients in the event of an incident that affects their data or services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all information systems, networks, and data managed by Nextsulting. It includes incidents involving potential breaches of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of client data.
3. Incident Identification
- Monitoring: The Digital Security Team will continuously monitor all systems for unusual activity or potential security breaches.
- Reporting: Employees, contractors, or third-party vendors must immediately report any suspicious activities or confirmed security incidents to the Digital Security Team.
- Classification: Incidents will be classified based on severity, impact, and type:
- Low: Minimal impact with no exposure of sensitive data.
- Medium: Potential exposure of sensitive data or moderate operational impact.
- High: Confirmed exposure of sensitive data or significant operational impact.
4. Incident Response Process
- Containment: Upon identification, the Digital Security Team will take immediate steps to contain the incident to prevent further damage or data loss.
- Eradication: The team will identify the root cause of the incident and remove any malicious software or unauthorized access from the affected systems.
- Recovery: Systems will be restored to normal operation as quickly as possible, with steps taken to ensure that the vulnerability exploited in the incident is addressed.
- Documentation: Every incident must be fully documented, including the timeline, actions taken, and outcomes. This documentation is crucial for post-incident analysis and reporting.
5. Client Notification Protocols
- Criteria for Notification:
- Immediate Notification: Clients must be notified immediately if the incident involves the confirmed exposure of their sensitive data.
- 24-Hour Notification: Clients will be notified within 24 hours if the incident could potentially impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of their data, even if no exposure has been confirmed.
- Periodic Updates: For ongoing incidents, clients will receive regular updates until the incident is fully resolved.
- Notification Content:
- Initial Notification: The initial notification will include a brief description of the incident, the potential impact on the client’s data, and the steps being taken to address the issue.
- Follow-up Communication: Detailed information about the incident, including the root cause, steps taken to resolve it, and any measures being implemented to prevent future occurrences, will be provided in follow-up communications.
- Final Report: Upon resolution, a final report will be shared with the client summarizing the incident, response actions, and any recommended changes to security practices.
- Communication Channels:
- Primary Contact: Notifications will be sent to the client’s designated primary contact via email.
- Follow-Up Meetings: If needed, follow-up meetings may be arranged to discuss the incident in more detail and address any client concerns.
6. Post-Incident Review
- Analysis: The Digital Security Team will conduct a thorough post-incident analysis to understand the root cause and assess the effectiveness of the response.
- Recommendations: Based on the analysis, recommendations will be made to improve security measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Client Debrief: A debriefing session with the client will be offered to review the incident and discuss any necessary changes to their services or security posture.