72-hour Crisis Response Plan for Cyber Incidents

Your Checklist for Navigating Data Breaches, Malware Attacks or Other Cyber Crises

In a world where resilience defines leadership, how we respond to crises often speaks louder than the crises themselves. When a data breach or other cyber incident occurs, being prepared and equipped to act decisively is critically, and in many cases existentially, important. Failing to act, reacting too slowly, or just responding ineffectively can cause serious, sometimes irreversible damage. Here is your 72-hour checklist, crafted to embody the EU Preparedness Union Strategy principles and fortified by timeless best practices.

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What is the Preparedness Union Strategy?

The European Union's Crisis Preparedness Strategy, officially known as the Preparedness Union Strategy, was launched to enhance Europe's resilience against emerging threats and crises. This initiative underscores the importance of a proactive, whole-of-government approach to crisis management, integrating efforts across civilian and military sectors. The strategy aims to improve anticipation, preparedness, and response mechanisms for potential emergencies by fostering cooperation among EU Member States. This comprehensive approach is vital for safeguarding essential services and ensuring the well-being of European citizens in an increasingly complex global landscape.

First 0-4 Hours: Immediate Assessment and Containment

• Assess the Scope: Identify which systems, data, and users are affected. Time is of the essence, but so is precision
• Activate Your Incident Response Team: Assemble your pre-designated response team immediately. Authority and action must align
• Secure Out-of-Band Communication Channels: Traditional systems may be compromised. Use secure, independent platforms for all internal coordination (e.g., encrypted apps, secure phones)
• Isolate Affected Systems: Rapidly disconnect compromised networks or devices to halt further intrusion
• Preserve Evidence: Secure system logs, memory dumps, and any other forensic data necessary for later investigation
• Engage Third-Party Experts: Enlist forensic investigators or cybersecurity consultants for deeper analysis

4-12 Hours: Communication, Preservation, Escalation

• Notify Executive Leadership: Ensure senior management is informed with clear, concise facts, not speculation
• Engage Legal Counsel: Involve legal experts early to navigate regulatory obligations, particularly under GDPR
• Evaluate Notification Requirements: Determine whether you must notify supervisory authorities or affected individuals within the GDPR's 72-hour window

12-24 Hours: Stabilization and Strategic Communication

• Issue Initial Internal Communication: Ensure all employees know the situation and understand communication protocols
• Develop External Messaging: Prepare a draft public statement that aligns with legal obligations, maintains public trust, and conveys a tone of responsibility
• Coordinate with National Authorities: Align with national cybersecurity agencies or Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) as required by the EU framework

24-48 Hours: Recovery and Transparency

• Conduct a Lessons-Learned Session: What worked, what failed, and where can we improve
• Update Crisis Playbooks: Integrate findings into revised protocols and training
• Reassure Stakeholders: Communicate ongoing remediation efforts to regulators, partners, and the public with humility and clarity
• Plan Long-Term Monitoring: Establish enhanced detection and monitoring to safeguard against further threats
• Continuous Improvement: Establish a regular process using techniques like tabletop exercises to continuously test and improve your crisis response plan

The Vital Role of Secure Out-of-Band Communication

In the aftermath of a breach, traditional communication channels are often the first casualty. Establishing secure out-of-band communications ensures that command and control remain unbroken, enabling rapid, coordinated, and confidential decision-making.

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Wire and Crisis Communications

In the critical first 72 hours after a cyber incident, clear and secure communication can make the difference between a controlled response and a crisis that spirals out of control. Wire’s out-of-band communications capabilities enable organizations to maintain a secure communications channel and support operations securely and seamlessly, even when (especially when) traditional systems are compromised. Fully aligned with NIS2 requirements, Wire offers end-to-end encryption, hardened infrastructure, and effortless usability, giving crisis teams a dependable, compliant, and invisible layer of security exactly when they need it most. With Wire, organizations can respond faster, protect sensitive data, and stay connected in order to rise to the challenge in times of crisis.

When resilience and trust are non-negotiable, Wire delivers. Purpose-built for emergency response, cybersecurity resilience, and business continuity, Wire ensures secure, uninterrupted communication at the height of any crisis. Whether it's a cyberattack, a natural disaster, or a coordinated emergency response, Wire supports global compliance standards like NIS2, GDPR, and ISO - making it the gold standard for modern crisis management.

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If your organization is developing a crisis response strategy, contact us. Our solution experts will be glad to show you how Wire can contribute to your approach.