> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.blusapphire.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.blusapphire.io/m-soc/m-soc-or-architecture-and-workflow/incident-response-workflow.md).

# Incident Response Workflow

## Incident Response Workflow

### Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

## 1. Purpose

This document outlines the incident response process for alerts received from the **Next-Gen SIEM**, detailing the responsibilities of **M-SOC, RE (Regulated Entity), and Exchange** at each stage of incident handling.

## 2. Scope

This SOP applies to all security alerts/Incidents triggered in the **Next-Gen SIEM**, ensuring timely detection, notification, and remediation of security incidents.

## 3. Roles & Responsibilities

* **M-SOC**: Responsible for triaging, confirming incidents, and tracking resolution.
* **RE (Regulated Entity)**: Takes necessary actions, submits the Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and remediate/resolve the incident.
* **Exchange**: Facilitates communications with external regulatory bodies (e.g., CERT-IN, NCIIPC, SEBI) as required.

## 4. Incident Handling Procedure

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Alert Reception

* **M-SOC** receives an alert from **Next-Gen SIEM** and assesses its severity:
  * **Critical**
  * **High**
  * **Medium**
  * **Low**
    {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Incident Classification and Notification

#### Critical Incident

1. **M-SOC** triage and confirms the alert as a **Critical Incident**.
2. **M-SOC** notifies the **RE SPOC (Single Point of Contact)**.
3. **M-SOC** sends a notification to **Exchange**.
4. **RE** informs **CERT-IN/NCIIPC/SEBI** (if required as per impact).
5. **M-SOC** tracks incident status.

#### High Incident

1. **M-SOC** triage and confirms the alert as a **High Incident**.
2. **M-SOC** notifies the **RE SPOC**.
3. **M-SOC** sends a notification to **Exchange**.
4. **M-SOC** tracks incident status.

#### Medium Incident

1. **M-SOC** triage and confirms the alert as a **Medium Incident**.
2. **M-SOC** notifies the **RE SPOC**.
3. **M-SOC** tracks incident status.

#### Low Incident

1. **M-SOC** triage and confirms the alert as a **Low Incident**.
2. **M-SOC** notifies the **RE SPOC**.
3. **M-SOC** tracks incident status.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Incident Resolution

* **RE** takes action to mitigate and remediate the incident.
* **RE** submits the **Root Cause Analysis (RCA)** to both **Exchange and M-SOC** (for Critical and High Incidents).
* **For Medium & Low Incidents**, **RE** updates M-SOC on the resolution status.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Validation and Closure

* **M-SOC** validates the resolution provided by **RE**.
* **M-SOC** closes the incident upon successful resolution verification.
* **End of Process**.
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

**Incident Workflow** and **Defined SLA’s** are detailed in [Annexure A](https://app.gitbook.com/o/RP5QC3ULbyB3uRyWKTb8/s/-MMRHZBPHlLDUc8519fX/~/edit/~/changes/316/m-soc/m-soc-or-architecture-and-workflow/incident-response-workflow#annexure-a)

## 5. Compliance and Reporting

* **M-SOC** must ensure that all incidents are tracked and documented.
* **RE** must report critical incidents to regulatory authorities as required.
* **RE** must provide an RCA for every incident to improve future security posture.

## 6. Escalation Matrix

* If an incident is not addressed within the defined SLA, **MSOC** escalates it to the higher-level stakeholders within **RE and Exchange**.
* For unresolved or repeated security incidents, **Exchange** and **MSOC** must collaborate on further mitigation strategies.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note** – Response and mitigation must be performed by the **RE**. BluSapphire is responsible only for sharing recommendations. The BluSapphire team will provide guidance to the RE via Microsoft Teams if any assistance is required. BluSapphire **does not support or engage** in remote access to the RE's environment using remote administration tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.
{% endhint %}

### Annexure A

Incident Workflow:

<figure><img src="/files/ILpauAOnSMyqi64AkdSR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Classification of cybersecurity incidents

<table><thead><tr><th width="145.08203125">Classification</th><th width="111.5859375">Level</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Low</strong></td><td>1</td><td>- System probes or scans detected on external systems<br>- Intelligence received concerning threats to which systems may be vulnerable<br>- Intelligence received regarding username<br>-password compromise- Isolated instances of known malware easily handled by antivirus software</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Medium</strong></td><td>2</td><td>- Target recon or scans detected<br>- Penetration or Denial of Service attacks attempted with no impact on operations<br>- Widespread instances of known malware easily handled by antivirus software<br>- Isolated instances of new malware not handled by antivirus software- Instances of phishing emails clicked by employees<br>- Instances of data corruption, modification, and deletion being reported</td></tr><tr><td><strong>High</strong></td><td>3</td><td>- Penetration or Denial of Service attacks attempted with limited impact on operations - Widespread instances of new malware not handled by antivirus software - Unauthorized access to servers and network devices- Unauthorized or unexpected configuration changes on network devices detected- Impersonation of SEBI officials in emails- Data exfiltration - High volume of phishing emails- Outbound phishing emails- Some risk of negative financial or PR impact</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Critical</strong></td><td>4</td><td>- Successful penetration or Denial of Service attacks with significant impact on operations- Ransomware attack - Exfiltration of market-sensitive data- Widespread data corruption impacting operations - Significant risk of negative financial or PR impact</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Classification of incident SLA’s:

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="105.65625"></th><th width="196.140625"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>S.No.</strong></td><td><strong>KPI</strong></td><td><strong>SLA Timelines</strong></td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Time to Detect</td><td>> 4 Min</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Time to Respond</td><td>Critical – 30 Mins</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>High – 60 Mins</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Medium – 90 Mins</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Low – 120 Mins</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Time to Resolution</td><td>Critical – 2 Hours</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>High – 4 Hours</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Medium – 2 Business days</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Low – 5 Business days</td></tr></tbody></table>
