Incident response teams must have personnel available at what frequency?

Incident response teams must be available 24/7 to effectively manage and mitigate security incidents as they occur. The nature of cybersecurity threats is such that they can happen at any time, day or night, often without warning. Having personnel available around the clock ensures that the organization can quickly respond to incidents, minimizing potential damage and allowing for a swift recovery.

Moreover, cyber threats are not confined to traditional business hours and can be launched from various time zones globally. By maintaining a continuous presence, incident response teams can monitor systems, detect anomalies, and implement containment strategies immediately. This availability is crucial for minimizing downtime, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining the trust of clients and stakeholders.

In contrast, options that designate specific hours, such as 9 to 5 or during office hours, limit the organization’s ability to respond quickly to incidents that may arise outside of these times. Likewise, weekday-only availability would leave the organization vulnerable over weekends and holidays, when incidents could still occur. Therefore, having a 24/7 availability is essential for comprehensive incident response capabilities.