1. Introduction
At GrowMore Recruitment, we are steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data protection and cybersecurity. Our Incident Response Procedure is regularly reviewed and updated to address evolving challenges in the cybersecurity landscape, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all data under our care.
2. Objective
The primary objective of this Incident Response Procedure is to establish a clear, organised approach for managing various types of security incidents. This process aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our organisational information assets.
3. Scope
This procedure is applicable to all employees, systems, and facilities at GrowMore Recruitment, as well as third-party collaborators and partners.
4. Incident Identification
4.1 Incident Detection
4.1.1 Automated Tools: We employ advanced monitoring tools to detect anomalies, suspicious activities, or unauthorised access in real-time.
4.1.2 Human Detection: Our employees are trained to identify and report unusual behaviour or patterns within the system.
4.2 Initial Assessment
4.2.1 Triage Team: Experienced security analysts form our triage team, responsible for initial incident assessment.
4.2.2 Criteria: Incidents are evaluated based on severity, impact, and urgency to determine the appropriate response.
5. Categorisation and Prioritisation
5.1 Severity Levels
5.1.1 Classification Schema: Incidents are classified as Low, Medium, High, or Critical based on predefined criteria.
5.1.2 Mapping: Each severity level corresponds to a specific response plan.
5.2 Prioritisation
5.2.1 Incident Scoring: A risk score is assigned to each incident to prioritise handling.
5.2.2 Escalation Matrix: Incidents involving highly confidential information are escalated through an established hierarchy.
6. Response and Containment
6.1 Immediate Response
6.1.1 Incident Commander: Our Technical Lead, acting as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), directs the response operations.
6.1.2 Task Forces: Cross-functional teams are mobilised based on the incident’s nature.
6.2 Containment
6.2.1 Short-term Measures: Immediate actions are taken to temporarily isolate affected systems to contain the breach.
6.2.2 Long-term Measures: Sustainable containment solutions are implemented to ensure system stability while identifying the root cause.
7. Notification
7.1 Internal Communication
7.1.1 Internal Alert System: Key internal stakeholders are informed via an automated notification system.
7.1.2 Communication Plan: A detailed plan outlines who needs to be informed, when, and how.
7.2 External Communication
7.2.1 Client Notification: Clients are notified within 72 hours of any security breaches involving their confidential information, in accordance with legal and contractual obligations.
7.2.2 Communication Plan: Notifications are sent to governmental or regulatory bodies as required within prescribed timeframes.
8. Remediation and Recovery
8.1 Incident Analysis
8.1.1 Forensic Analysis: A thorough forensic investigation identifies the root cause of the incident.
8.1.2 Post-Incident Review: A comprehensive review is conducted after the incident is controlled.
8.2 System Restoration
8.2.1 Validation: Systems undergo validation to ensure they are clean before being reinstated.
8.2.2 Monitoring: Post-restoration, systems are closely monitored to ensure ongoing stability.
9. Documentation
9.1 Incident Logs
9.1.1 Chronology: A chronological log records all actions, decisions, and individuals involved.
9.1.2 Evidence Archival: Relevant data and artifacts are securely archived for potential future investigations.
9.2 Report Generation
9.2.1 Executive Summary: A high-level summary is provided for senior management.
9.2.2 Detailed Analysis: A comprehensive breakdown is prepared for technical teams, including recommendations for future improvements.
10. Acknowledgement and Awareness
10.1 Policy Acknowledgement
10.1.1 All employees and key stakeholders must read and acknowledge their understanding of this procedure.
10.1.2 Documentation: Acknowledgements are documented and kept on record.
11. Policy Violations and Consequences
11.1 Violations of this Incident Response Procedure may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
11.2 Serious violations or deliberate security compromises will be subject to legal action.
This comprehensive procedure underscores our unwavering commitment to security and aligns with our core values of integrity and excellence.
