What does a security incident response team (SIRT) do?

A security incident response team (SIRT) plays a crucial role in an organization's cybersecurity framework by specifically focusing on responding to security incidents and managing the incident response plan. This involves identifying, managing, and mitigating the impact of security incidents such as data breaches, cyber attacks, or policy violations.

When a security incident occurs, the SIRT is mobilized to assess the situation, contain the threat, eradicate the vulnerability, and recover from any damage. They follow established protocols and processes outlined in an incident response plan, ensuring that the organization can quickly return to normal operations while minimizing the risk of future incidents. This role is vital because a well-structured response can significantly reduce the potential damage and recovery time associated with security breaches.

In contrast, developing software to prevent incidents, conducting security training for employees, and creating policies for data access are all important aspects of an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy but fall outside the specific remit of a SIRT. These functions focus on preventive measures and awareness rather than the reactive nature of incident response.