An Incident Response Team (IRT) helps organizations deal with cybersecurity incidents like data breaches, ransomware attacks, or system failures. Their main job? Minimize damage, protect customer trust, and keep business running smoothly. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Why It Matters: 81% of companies reported over 25 security incidents in 2023. The average cost of a data breach hit $4.35 million, but having a response plan saved companies nearly $473,706 on average.
- Key Roles:
- Incident Commander: Oversees the entire response process.
- Lead Investigator: Finds the root cause and manages technical analysis.
- Communications Lead: Handles all internal and external messaging.
- Forensic Analyst: Collects digital evidence and identifies vulnerabilities.
- Containment Specialist: Stops threats from spreading.
- Threat Intelligence Officer: Analyzes attacker methods to prevent future incidents.
- Legal/HR Representative: Ensures compliance and manages employee-related issues.
- Documentation Lead: Keeps detailed records for audits and reviews.
- System Recovery Engineer: Restores systems and strengthens defenses.
Why Small Businesses Should Care
- 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyberattack.
- Combine roles or outsource to save costs without sacrificing preparedness.
- Regular training, response playbooks, and simulations can make a big difference.
Bottom Line: A strong incident response team isn’t optional – it’s essential for protecting your business, reputation, and bottom line. Keep reading to learn more about each role and how to build a team that works for your organization.
Roles of an Incident Response Team (IRT) | Cybersecurity Basics
Core Roles in an Incident Response Team
A well-functioning incident response team thrives on clearly defined roles that work seamlessly together. These roles not only make incident management more efficient but also support proactive measures to counter cybersecurity threats. At the heart of any effective response effort are three key positions. Each brings unique expertise to handle the intense demands of cybersecurity incidents. Let’s break down these roles and their individual contributions.
Incident Commander
The Incident Commander takes charge of the entire response process – from the initial assessment to the final resolution. This role involves managing resources, assigning tasks, and ensuring that operations run smoothly. One of the biggest challenges they face is striking the right balance between recovering quickly and preserving evidence for further analysis[5].
"The incident commander operates like the conductor of an orchestra, understanding everyone’s part and ensuring that each action occurs at precisely the right time."
– Tony Kirtley, Director Incident Command, Secureworks[5]
Strong leadership in this position means planning ahead, staying updated on industry practices, and conducting thorough post-incident reviews to identify areas for improvement[4].
Lead Investigator
The Lead Investigator oversees the technical side of the incident, focusing on evidence collection, analysis, and determining the root cause. They play a critical role in post-incident reviews and guide the remediation process[6][1][8].
"Incident Response needs people, because successful Incident Response requires thinking."
– Bruce Schneier, Schneier on Security[7]
Their responsibilities often include tracking remediation progress and recommending solutions to address vulnerabilities, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future[6][8].
Communications Lead
The Communications Lead is responsible for managing all communication during an incident, both within the organization and with external parties. They ensure updates are clear, timely, and compliant with legal standards[9][10][12].
Clear communication helps limit reputational damage by curbing misinformation and addressing rumors quickly[11]. To prepare for such scenarios, Communications Leads often create templates for media releases, internal updates, and customer notifications. They also train designated spokespeople to deliver consistent and effective messaging during incidents[10].
Technical Roles for Incident Management
When a cybersecurity incident occurs, technical specialists step in with their expertise to analyze threats, stop their spread, and uncover critical details about the breach. These roles work alongside leadership teams, ensuring swift and precise action during a crisis.
Forensic Analyst
Forensic Analysts act as digital detectives, diving into compromised systems to uncover the who, what, and how of an attack. They gather digital evidence, pinpoint attack methods, evaluate the impact, and secure valuable data for investigations or insurance claims. Their findings often include detailed technical reports that help organizations understand their vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses.
"Digital forensics can be the difference between quick restoration and remediation or costly, extended down time."
– Arctic Wolf [13]
In over 90% of cases, forensic teams identify the root cause of breaches, offering insights that help prevent future incidents. Considering that more than 75% of organizations take over 100 days to fully recover from a breach, the thoroughness of forensic investigations is essential [13]. Today’s digital forensics spans computers, mobile devices, networks, and databases, enabling analysts to track threats across various platforms.
Containment Specialist
Containment Specialists are the first line of defense when a threat is detected. They work quickly to isolate affected systems, preventing the attacker from spreading further into the network. Their main objective is to safeguard sensitive data and intellectual property by cutting off unauthorized access. The speed at which containment occurs has a direct impact on the cost of a breach – costs drop significantly when threats are contained within 30 days [14].
These specialists must act decisively while weighing the operational consequences of taking critical systems offline [15]. Leveraging tools like AI-driven detection and Zero Trust microsegmentation, they isolate threats and enforce strict access controls based on user behavior and system roles [28, 31].
"If your architecture is actually accurate and correct and segmentation is where it’s supposed to be, it’s like in the Navy, we call it watertight integrity – I can take a missile hit; ship still stays afloat."
– Dr. Chase Cunningham, aka Dr. Zero Trust [16]
With ransomware attacks more than doubling in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, and identity-based attacks making up nearly 30% of cyber incidents in 2024, the role of Containment Specialists has never been more crucial. For breaches involving stolen credentials, it took an average of 292 days to identify and contain the threat in 2024 [16].
Threat Intelligence Officer
Threat Intelligence Officers provide the strategic insights needed to understand not just what happened during an incident, but why it occurred and how to prevent similar attacks in the future. They analyze the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers, arming security teams with the knowledge to anticipate and counter future threats [19]. This proactive approach helps shift organizations from reactive responses to preventive measures [17].
These experts stay ahead of the curve by monitoring cybercrime forums, analyzing ransomware blogs, and searching for stolen data on the dark web [17].
"Threat intelligence is evidence-based knowledge that provides context, mechanisms, indicators, and action-oriented advice on both existing and emerging threats."
– Gartner [18]
The value of proactive threat intelligence is clear in real-world scenarios. For example, a U.S. school district serving over 180,000 students used expert analysis to detect compromised accounts early, avoiding a ransomware attack [17]. Similarly, a financial services company in Japan identified 30,000 leaked credit card numbers – 188 of which were still active – preventing over $750,000 in fraud [17]. With the cybersecurity industry projected to grow by at least 31% between 2019 and 2029, the demand for skilled Threat Intelligence Officers continues to rise [19]. By working closely with incident commanders and lead investigators, these professionals help create forward-thinking strategies that strengthen overall response efforts.
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Support Roles in Incident Response
While technical experts and leadership teams tackle immediate threats, support roles ensure operations run smoothly and comply with regulations. These roles focus on documentation, compliance, and operational recovery, all of which are essential for effective incident management.
Legal/HR Representative
Legal and HR professionals are the compliance backbone of any incident response effort. They ensure that actions taken during an incident align with applicable laws and regulations. For example, when customer data is compromised, these representatives guide the team on notification requirements and legal obligations.
HR representatives handle the human side of cybersecurity incidents. They manage disciplinary actions involving employees, oversee sensitive investigations, and communicate with staff. According to the 2022 Security Operations Benchmark Study, 73% of organizations aim to address critical event management proactively [20], highlighting the critical role HR plays in cybersecurity preparedness.
Legal counsel provides guidance on the legal implications of incidents, including whether law enforcement should be involved, the risk of litigation, and decisions about public disclosures. HR teams also contribute to cybersecurity risk assessments, identifying human-related risks and ensuring policies are regularly updated. This proactive approach equips employees to take preventive measures rather than just reacting to incidents.
Once compliance and personnel matters are in place, maintaining detailed and accurate records becomes the next focus.
Documentation Lead
Documentation Leads are responsible for capturing every detail of an incident, from timelines to actions taken, creating reports for regulators, insurers, and internal audits. With increasing scrutiny and stricter compliance requirements, this role has become more important than ever.
Using digital tools and standardized templates, Documentation Leads ensure that no critical information is overlooked during the chaos of an incident. Features like automated time-stamps and audit trails help ensure the records can withstand legal scrutiny. Comprehensive documentation not only stabilizes the situation during an attack but also serves as a foundation for analyzing and learning from the incident afterward.
Modern documentation practices go far beyond basic note-taking. Documentation Leads maintain updated records of employee roles, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions, effectively building a playbook for future incidents. Storing this information in centralized repositories with strong security measures – such as encryption and authentication – ensures that it remains accessible only to authorized personnel [21].
System Recovery Engineer
System Recovery Engineers are tasked with restoring normal operations after a cybersecurity incident. Their work involves more than just restoring systems from backups – they must also validate recovered data, eliminate any remnants of the attack, and ensure security controls are functioning properly.
These engineers often collaborate with forensic analysts and containment specialists to confirm that the threat has been fully neutralized. Their decisions not only affect immediate operations but also influence long-term security strategies. The demand for cybersecurity engineers is projected to grow by 33% through 2033 [23], reflecting the increasing complexity of IT environments and cyber threats.
System Recovery Engineers require expertise in areas like system administration, cloud security, programming, database security, and forensic analysis. They implement immediate fixes to restore operations and introduce long-term improvements, such as updating security settings, patching vulnerabilities, and sometimes even redesigning network architecture to enhance resilience. Staying current with evolving threats and technologies through certifications and continuous learning is a key part of their role [22].
Beyond technical restoration, these engineers play a vital role in business continuity planning. They work closely with business leaders to prioritize the restoration of critical systems, balancing operational needs with security requirements. Their decisions directly impact how quickly an organization can return to normal operations and serve its customers effectively.
Building an Incident Response Team for Small Businesses
Small businesses face a tough reality when it comes to cybersecurity. A staggering 60% of small businesses shut down within six months of a cyberattack [24]. Adding to this, 46% of all database breaches affect businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, and 82% of ransomware attacks target companies of the same size [25]. While small businesses may not have the resources of larger enterprises, they can still build effective incident response capabilities by creatively combining roles, utilizing external resources, and planning strategically. Even with limited budgets and smaller teams, smart preparation can make all the difference.
Combining Roles for Cost Efficiency
For many small businesses, hiring a full team of dedicated specialists just isn’t realistic. The solution? Combine roles and cross-train your existing staff. For instance, your IT administrator could take on dual responsibilities as both the Technical Lead and System Recovery Engineer, managing containment and recovery efforts. Similarly, your HR representative might handle Documentation Lead duties, ensuring compliance while managing internal communications.
A simple but effective tool to keep things organized is a contact sheet. This document should clearly list each team member’s roles, responsibilities, and contact information. Even if someone is juggling multiple responsibilities, a contact sheet ensures everyone knows who to turn to during an incident. If full-time coverage isn’t possible, consider remote team members or train your IT help desk staff to handle initial investigations. These employees are already familiar with your systems and can quickly determine whether an issue needs escalation [26][7].
Using External Services
When specialized cybersecurity expertise is out of reach, outsourcing becomes a lifeline. In 2023, 73% of small and midsize businesses reported experiencing a data breach or cyberattack, while the global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals reached 4.8 million [27]. External services can provide 24/7 monitoring and response, ensuring your business is protected even outside of normal working hours [28]. Outsourcing often costs less than hiring and training an in-house team, making it a practical choice for many small businesses [27][28][29].
For example, companies like Computer Mechanics Perth offer managed IT services tailored to small businesses. Their packages include cybersecurity solutions, system monitoring, and on-call support, all for a fixed monthly fee. When evaluating external providers, dig into their experience and service options. Look closely at their Service Level Agreements and ask for client references to ensure their response times and support align with your needs. A hybrid approach often works well – your internal team handles initial responses and communication, while external experts step in for advanced analysis and containment [27]. However, even with external support, regular team training remains crucial.
Training and Preparedness
Training your team doesn’t have to break the bank. Plenty of free online resources are available to help your staff learn cybersecurity best practices. The key is tailoring this training to your specific systems and processes rather than relying on generic advice [26]. Developing an incident response playbook is another essential step. This document should outline team roles, escalation procedures, contact information, and basic containment steps.
Simulations and drills are invaluable for testing your plan. By running tabletop exercises that mimic real-world attack scenarios, you can identify weak spots and build your team’s confidence [26]. As more businesses rely on cloud-based systems, it’s also important to focus training on cloud environments. Your team should understand how incidents impact these systems and how to work with cloud providers during a crisis [2]. Quarterly training sessions and drills help ensure your plan stays sharp and your team remains ready [25].
As Bruce Schneier, a prominent security expert, wisely said:
"Incident response needs people, because successful incident response requires thinking" [7].
Clear communication is another cornerstone of preparedness. Your team should know exactly how to contact one another and any external partners at all times. Establish backup contacts and escalation procedures to guarantee 24/7 availability, ensuring no incident catches your team off guard [7].
Key Takeaways for Effective Incident Response
A well-prepared response team acts as a strong line of defense against cyber threats. With 81% of organizations reporting at least 25 cybersecurity incidents in the past year, having clearly outlined roles and responsibilities is no longer optional – it’s a necessity for survival [3]. This structure ensures every team member knows their part, paving the way for a coordinated and efficient response.
The success of incident response hinges on defined roles, from the Incident Commander to the Forensic Analyst. These roles empower the team to act decisively, speeding up recovery efforts and minimizing damage.
Having a formal incident response plan can also significantly reduce breach costs – by an average of $2.66 million [30]. These plans need to include regular training, up-to-date contact lists, and clear protocols for execution to be effective.
For small businesses with limited resources, external services can fill critical gaps. Companies like Computer Mechanics Perth offer managed IT services that include 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring and response. Their fixed monthly pricing makes it easier for smaller teams to access robust protection without the expense of hiring specialized staff.
With 75% of security professionals calling this the most challenging period in five years [3], it’s crucial to regularly evaluate and refine your incident response strategy. Whether it’s combining roles, integrating external expertise, or adopting new tools, staying proactive is key to keeping up with ever-evolving threats.
Effective incident response isn’t just about technical skills – it’s also about seamless communication. The ability to contain threats, preserve evidence, and coordinate recovery efforts determines how quickly your business can bounce back and how much trust you retain with customers and partners during and after the crisis.
FAQs
What does an Incident Commander do in an Incident Response Team, and why is their role important?
The Incident Commander (IC) plays a pivotal role in any Incident Response Team, acting as the leader who oversees and coordinates the response to cybersecurity incidents. Their responsibilities revolve around making key decisions, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring smooth communication across the team to keep everyone aligned and productive.
One of the IC’s primary tasks is creating the incident action plan. This plan lays out the steps needed to contain the threat, reduce risks, and bring operations back to normal. By steering the team’s efforts and tapping into their expertise, the IC works to limit the incident’s impact, speed up recovery, and strengthen the organization’s defenses against future challenges.
What are the key roles small businesses should focus on when building an incident response team with limited resources?
Small businesses can set up an effective incident response team by focusing on a few key roles that make the most of their available resources. Here are the essential positions to prioritize:
- Incident Manager: Responsible for overseeing the entire response process, ensuring every action is well-coordinated and executed efficiently.
- Technical Lead: Tackles the technical side of the incident, from identifying the issue to containing and resolving it.
- Communications Lead: Handles timely and clear communication with employees, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring everyone stays informed during the incident.
- Documentation Specialist: Maintains detailed records of all actions taken during the response, which can be invaluable for post-incident analysis and future planning.
Small businesses can assemble this team by tapping into their existing workforce, utilizing employees with relevant expertise. For any skill gaps, partnering with external IT service providers is an excellent way to fill in the blanks. This strategy ensures businesses stay prepared to handle cybersecurity incidents without stretching their budgets.
For extra support, companies like Computer Mechanics Perth offer managed IT services and cybersecurity solutions designed to help small businesses strengthen their defenses against threats.
What are the advantages of outsourcing incident response, and how can small businesses find the right provider?
Outsourcing incident response can be a game-changer for small businesses. It gives you access to expert knowledge and tools that might not be readily available within your team. This means quicker recovery from cyberattacks and a reduced impact on your daily operations. Plus, external providers often bring advanced technologies and follow established best practices, adding an extra layer of protection to your business.
When evaluating potential providers, pay close attention to their experience, certifications, and ability to handle incidents tailored to your industry and company size. Opt for a partner with a solid track record, dedicated resources, and fast response times. A dependable provider can help your business stay ahead of threats and keep things running smoothly, even during challenging times.