How to Choose an Incident Response Framework

March 20, 2025

Why Every Organization Needs an Incident Response Framework

Security incidents can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and expose organizations to regulatory penalties. Whether caused by external cyberattacks or internal misconfigurations, incidents require a structured response to minimize damage and restore normal operations quickly. A well-defined Incident Response (IR) framework ensures that teams can efficiently detect, contain, and remediate threats. Beyond risk management, many industries—especially those handling sensitive or regulated data—must align with compliance frameworks like CMMC, NIST, or ISO 27001. Organizations that invest in a strong IR strategy reduce downtime and improve overall cyber resilience.

Download Dewpoint’s Incident Response Plan Template

Core Phases of an Incident Response Framework

Most IR frameworks follow a structured approach with several key phases. The first stage, Identification, focuses on detecting and confirming security incidents through monitoring and logging. Once an incident is detected, the Containment phase prevents the threat from spreading further by isolating affected systems. After containment, the Eradication phase ensures that all traces of the threat, including malware and vulnerabilities, are entirely removed. Recovery follows, during which systems are restored, and normal operations resume while ensuring no residual threats remain. Finally, the Lessons Learned phase allows organizations to analyze the incident, identify areas for improvement, and refine future responses to enhance overall cyber resilience.

Aligning Your Incident Response Plan with Industry Standards

Organizations should align their IR strategy with widely accepted frameworks to maximize effectiveness and meet compliance requirements. NIST 800-61 provides a comprehensive guide to handling security incidents, emphasizing preparation and continuous improvement. The CIS Controls, which Dewpoint follows closely, offer a prioritized set of cybersecurity best practices that strengthen threat detection and response capabilities. ISO 27035 outlines structured incident management processes at a global scale, ensuring consistency and reliability in incident handling. For defense contractors and organizations handling controlled unclassified information (CUI), aligning with CMMC guidelines is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring IR readiness.

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Common Incident Response Gaps and How to Address Them

Even with an IR plan, organizations often encounter gaps that can weaken their ability to respond effectively. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Lack of employee training and awareness – Employees may not recognize threats or respond effectively without proper training.
• Insufficient logging and monitoring – Poor visibility into security events can delay the detection of incidents.
• Delays in response time – A slow response can exacerbate the impact of an incident, making predefined playbooks crucial.
• Failure to conduct regular testing – Without frequent tabletop exercises, teams may struggle to execute response procedures efficiently.

To refine response capabilities, addressing these gaps requires ongoing training, robust monitoring tools, and frequent scenario-based testing.

How Dewpoint Supports Your Incident Response Readiness

Dewpoint helps organizations strengthen their incident response capabilities through comprehensive security services. Our IT Security Assessments provide a deep understanding of your environment and business risks, allowing for informed IR planning. By assessing existing security controls, identifying vulnerabilities, and mapping out potential threats, we help organizations develop a proactive and structured approach to incident response. Our threat detection and response services enhance security monitoring and rapid mitigation, minimizing the impact of cyber incidents. Furthermore, we ensure that your IR strategy aligns with applicable compliance requirements.

Strengthen Your Incident Response Today

Dewpoint’s security professionals are ready to help assess and enhance your IR strategy. Schedule a consultation today to ensure your organization is prepared to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents confidently.