Avoid These 6 Incident Response Planning Mistakes
When a cyber incident strikes your business, every second counts. A well-structured Incident Response Plan (IRP) can mean the difference between containing a breach quickly and allowing it to spiral into a full-blown disaster. Yet, so many businesses fall victim to common pitfalls in their incident response preparation—and the costs can be devastating.
Cyberattacks are on the rise, and no organization is immune. The average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report. Yet, many businesses remain vulnerable simply because their incident response plans are incomplete or poorly executed.
This guide will help you fortify your defenses by identifying six common mistakes in incident response planning—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Failing to Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities
When a cyberattack occurs, chaos often follows. Without clearly assigned roles within your team, valuable time is wasted trying to decide who does what. This lack of preparation can turn a manageable situation into an operational nightmare.
Every Incident Response Plan must include a playbook that defines specific roles and responsibilities. Assign team members to critical positions such as an Incident Manager, Communications Lead, and Technical Analysts. Document their duties and ensure they are trained for their roles.
It’s also crucial to practice role-based scenarios. This way, when an incident does occur, your team will know exactly how to execute their tasks without delay.
Mistake #2: Neglecting Regular Updates to the Plan
Cyber threats evolve rapidly, but many businesses treat their IRPs as static documents. An outdated plan can fail to address new risks, rendering it ineffective when it’s needed most.
Schedule regular reviews and updates of your IRP—ideally every six months or whenever there are significant changes to your business, such as adopting new technology or onboarding key vendors.
Stay ahead of emerging threats by subscribing to cybersecurity alerts from trusted organizations like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Regularly updating your security plan ensures it stays effective and resilient against evolving risks.
Mistake #3: Skipping Realistic Testing and Simulations
Many businesses invest time in developing detailed incident response plans but often neglect to test them. Without regular drills or simulations, teams cannot be certain the plan will perform effectively under real-world pressure.
Test your IRP regularly with realistic tabletop exercises and live simulations. These tests help identify gaps in your plan and allow your team to practice working under pressure.
For instance, simulate a ransomware attack to see how efficiently your team can isolate affected systems or contact law enforcement. Recording the results can help you refine the plan and ensure everyone on your team is prepared for potential scenarios.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Third-Party and Supply Chain Risks
A significant number of cyber incidents stem from third-party vendors or supply chain partners—areas frequently overlooked in incident response planning. To ensure your Incident Response Plan (IRP) is comprehensive, it must include thorough third-party risk assessments. Begin by identifying all vendors with access to your data or systems, and carefully evaluate their security protocols to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Require vendors to comply with your cybersecurity standards—for example, using strong encryption or multi-factor authentication (MFA). Make sure you have provisions in your contracts that define how incidents involving third-party vendors should be handled.
Mistake #5: Focusing Only on IT Without Involving Key Stakeholders
Many businesses make the mistake of thinking incident response is the sole responsibility of the IT department. However, cyber incidents often affect multiple departments, from legal teams to public relations.
Your incident response planning should be a cross-departmental effort. Include input from legal, HR, PR, and other relevant teams to ensure the plan addresses all operational aspects of a cyberattack.
For example, your PR team should have a strategy for communicating with customers and the media if an attack leads to public data exposure. Similarly, your legal team should be involved in reporting obligations to regulators or affected parties.
Mistake #6: Not Prioritizing Post-Incident Reviews and Adjustments
Businesses often move on too quickly after an incident is resolved, failing to conduct a thorough post-mortem review. This oversight means they miss valuable lessons and leave vulnerabilities unaddressed.
After every incident, conduct a detailed review of what went wrong, what went right, and what needs improvement. This process—sometimes called an "after-action review"—is essential for strengthening your defenses against future attacks.
Document the findings and incorporate the lessons learned into your updated IRP. Continuous improvement is key to staying ahead of cyber threats.
Protect Your Business by Planning Proactively
The costs of a poorly executed incident response can be catastrophic. From financial losses to reputational harm, businesses that fail to invest in comprehensive planning often pay the price. By avoiding these six common mistakes, you can ensure your business is prepared to respond efficiently to any cyber incident.
Want expert guidance on refining your Incident Response Plan? Schedule a call with EpiOn today. Our team of cybersecurity experts has years of experience helping businesses strengthen their defenses against cyber threats. We can assist you in building a comprehensive and robust IRP, tailored specifically to your business needs, ensuring you're prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to potential security incidents. Don’t leave your organization vulnerable—let us help you safeguard your operations.
