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The first 72 hours after a cyber incident are decisive for business survival. Leadership, communication, and preparedness are essential. This executive summary highlights key lessons and actionable priorities for boards and CISOs, drawn from real-world incident response experience.
Executive Perspective
Cyber incidents are no longer rare events. They are a near certainty for every organisation. The first hours are not just about technical containment, but about decisive leadership and coordinated action. Boards and CISOs must ensure that incident response plans are not just documents, but living processes, regularly tested through simulations and tabletop exercises. The ability to communicate clearly, both internally and externally, is as important as technical response. Regulatory obligations, legal privilege, and stakeholder trust all hinge on how well your organisation manages the narrative and maintains transparency.
Moreover, the human element cannot be overlooked. Incident responders face intense pressure and fatigue; supporting their wellbeing is vital for sustained performance. As the dust settles, a thorough post-incident review will not only uncover root causes but also provide the intelligence needed to prevent future breaches.
Key Takeaways for Leaders
- Decisions Under Uncertainty:
In the first 24 hours, leaders must act quickly with incomplete information. Effective crisis management relies on clear roles, rapid containment, and open communication between the board, crisis teams, and responders. - Communication is Reputation:
By 48 hours, stakeholder communications become critical. Transparent, timely updates to clients, regulators, and partners can mitigate reputational damage and regulatory risk. - Business Continuity and Team Wellbeing:
Fatigue and stress are real. Activate business continuity plans and support your teams - your people are your greatest asset in a crisis. - Planning for Recovery and the Pathway back to BAU
After 72 hours, focus shifts to recovery, forensic analysis, and threat hunting. The goal is to move away from a crisis response, and begin defining a pathway back to BAU.
FAQ
- Why are the first 72 hours so important?
Early decisions set the tone for containment, communication, and recovery, impacting business outcomes and reputation. - What should executives prioritise?
Activate incident response plans, maintain transparent communications, and support your teams. - How can we prepare before an incident?
Regular simulations and tabletop exercises build muscle memory and test plans under pressure.
