(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which process begins after an incident response is initiated?

1. Incident Auditing

2. Evidence Gathering

3. Damage Assessment

4. Documentation Review

The correct answer is: Damage Assessment

The process that begins after an incident response is initiated is damage assessment. This phase is critical as it helps identify the impact of the incident on the organization's systems, data, and operations. Damage assessment involves evaluating the extent of the compromise, understanding how it occurred, and determining which assets were affected. This process is essential for formulating an effective recovery strategy, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring that necessary remedial actions are taken to prevent future incidents. It lays the foundation for prioritizing responses and resource allocation based on the level of damage incurred. Further steps, such as evidence gathering, documentation review, or incident auditing, may follow, but they typically rely on the insights gained during the damage assessment phase. Therefore, the accurate recognition of the sequence of these processes is vital for effective incident management and mitigation.