The First 90 Seconds: How Early Decisions Shape Cyber Incident Response Investigations
- Richard Keenlyside
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In the world of cybersecurity, the first 90 seconds after detecting an incident are critical. These moments set the tone for the entire investigation and can determine whether an organisation contains the threat swiftly or suffers prolonged damage. I have seen firsthand how early decisions impact the effectiveness of incident response teams and the overall outcome of cyber investigations. In this post, I will share insights on why these initial moments matter, what actions to prioritise, and how to structure your response to maximise success.
Why the First 90 Seconds Matter in Cyber Incident Response
When a cyber incident occurs, time is of the essence. The initial 90 seconds are a window of opportunity to gather vital information, limit damage, and mobilise the right resources. Delays or missteps during this period can lead to data loss, extended downtime, and increased costs.
Early decisions influence:
Scope of the investigation: Quickly identifying affected systems helps focus efforts.
Containment strategy: Immediate actions can prevent lateral movement of attackers.
Communication flow: Establishing clear lines of communication avoids confusion.
Evidence preservation: Proper handling ensures forensic integrity for later analysis.
For example, if a ransomware attack is detected but the team waits too long to isolate infected machines, the malware can spread rapidly across the network. Conversely, prompt isolation can contain the threat and reduce recovery time.
Key Actions to Take in the First 90 Seconds
To make the most of this critical timeframe, I recommend focusing on these essential steps:
Confirm the Incident
Validate alerts to avoid chasing false positives. Use automated tools and manual checks to confirm suspicious activity.
Identify Affected Assets
Quickly determine which systems, applications, or data are impacted. This helps prioritise response efforts.
Isolate Systems if Necessary
Disconnect compromised devices from the network to prevent further spread.
Notify the Incident Response Team
Alert key personnel immediately, including IT, security, legal, and management.
Preserve Evidence
Avoid actions that could overwrite logs or alter data. Document everything from the start.
Establish Communication Protocols
Define who communicates what, to whom, and when. Clear communication reduces errors and duplication.
These steps form the backbone of an effective early response. I have found that organisations with predefined playbooks and trained teams execute these actions more confidently and efficiently.
Building a Robust Incident Response Framework
A strong incident response framework is essential to guide early decisions. This framework should include:
Predefined Roles and Responsibilities
Everyone involved must know their tasks during an incident.
Incident Classification and Prioritisation
Categorise incidents by severity to allocate resources appropriately.
Communication Plans
Include internal updates and external notifications, such as regulators or customers.
Technical Procedures
Detailed steps for containment, eradication, and recovery.
Regular Training and Simulations
Practice ensures readiness and highlights gaps.
For example, I worked with a global organisation that implemented a tiered incident classification system. This allowed their team to rapidly escalate critical incidents and deploy specialised resources within the first 90 seconds, significantly reducing response times.
The Role of Technology in Accelerating Early Response
Technology plays a pivotal role in enabling swift decisions during the initial moments of a cyber incident. Automated detection systems, real-time analytics, and orchestration tools can accelerate identification and containment.
Key technologies include:
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Aggregates and analyses logs to detect anomalies.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Provides visibility into endpoint activity and enables rapid isolation.
Incident Response Platforms
Coordinate workflows and documentation.
Threat Intelligence Feeds
Offer context on emerging threats to inform decisions.
However, technology alone is not enough. I have observed that the best results come from combining advanced tools with skilled analysts who understand the organisation’s environment and can interpret data quickly.
Practical Recommendations for Enhancing Early Incident Response
To improve your organisation’s ability to make effective decisions in the first 90 seconds, consider these actionable steps:
Develop and regularly update an incident response playbook tailored to your environment.
Conduct frequent tabletop exercises simulating various attack scenarios.
Invest in training your incident response team on both technical skills and decision-making under pressure.
Implement automated alerting and response tools to reduce manual delays.
Establish clear communication channels and escalation paths before incidents occur.
Ensure evidence preservation protocols are well understood to maintain forensic integrity.
By embedding these practices, you create a culture of preparedness that can dramatically improve outcomes when incidents arise.
Navigating Complex Cyber Challenges with Confidence
The first 90 seconds of a cyber incident are a defining moment. Early decisions shape the trajectory of the investigation and the organisation’s ability to recover. I encourage leaders to prioritise building strong incident response capabilities that empower teams to act decisively and effectively.
If you want to learn more about strategic IT leadership and digital transformation to enhance your organisation’s resilience, feel free to explore my consultancy services. Together, we can navigate complex technology challenges and drive sustainable growth.
Richard J. Keenlyside
Strategic IT Leadership and Digital Transformation Expert
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