Table Stakes: Before Writing Your IRP1. Get Executive Sponsorship2. Name Names, Not Job Titles3. Write the Templates Now—Not During the Crisis4. Contract the Help Before You Need It5. Know What Tools You’ve Got (and Where to Find Them)Cybersecurity Resources Around the WorldWho’s Got Your Back?Free Frameworks and ToolsEarly Warning SystemsWhat They Do When You’re Actually Under AttackHow to Actually Use This StuffThe Bottom LineSetting Objectives and ScopeDefining the Goals of the Incident Response PlanWhat Does the Incident Response Plan Cover?Metrics of EffectivenessMatching the Plan to Business Priorities?Assembling Your Incident Response TeamSorting Out Who Does WhatWho’s Calling the Shots?Making Sure You’re Covered 24/7Cross-Training and Alternate PlansTeaming Up with Outside HelpDetection and Initial Response ProceduresInitial Detection and AssessmentFirst MovesContainment and Evidence Preservation ProceduresForensic Evidence PreservationCommunication and Coordination ProceduresNotification, Communication, and Escalation ProtocolsEngaging External Response and SupportRecovery and Investigation ProceduresData Recovery and Remediation: Assessing the Damage and Recovery ScopeRestoring Data from BackupsRebuilding and Restoring SystemsDeciding on Ransom PaymentEvaluating Decryption Options (and Possibly Life Choices)Forensic Investigation and Root Cause AnalysisPost-Incident Review and Continuous ImprovementConducting a Post-Incident ReviewUpdating the Incident Response PlanConducting a Root Cause AnalysisTraining and Awareness UpdatesTesting and Refining the PlanPlanning an Annual Ransomware Tabletop ExerciseDefining Exercise Goals and ObjectivesSelecting ParticipantsScenario DevelopmentFacilitating the ExerciseConducting a Ransomware War GameSetting Up the War Game EnvironmentPlaying in a SandboxEvaluating Team PerformanceUpdating the Incident Response PlanTracking Progress and MaturitySummary