The exploitation of vulnerabilities as the critical path action to initiate a breach has almost tripled in the last year. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, attacks involving vulnerabilities are up 180%. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and—because in this case crime really does pay—more virulent, with cybercrime syndicates perpetuating attacks and selling malware on the Dark Web that can be purchased for as little as USD50. The Orange Cyber Defence Cy-Explorer report 2024 also highlights how cyber extortion, or Cy-X, has increased significantly in recent years. This means that even with good recovery capability, victims of cybercrime are often extorted by criminals who exfiltrated their data.
What can organisations do to increase their cyber resilience in the face of this storm? Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) is a specialised field within cybersecurity that focuses on identifying, investigating, and addressing security incidents and breaches. This multidisciplinary approach combines elements of forensic science, information technology, and security practices to handle incidents involving digital assets and information systems. DFIR professionals are tasked with uncovering the root cause of security breaches, understanding the extent of the damage, and formulating strategies to mitigate and prevent future incidents.
Critically, a successful DFIR solution has two key elements:
Incident response involves a structured approach to managing and addressing security incidents in real-time. Incident response teams are responsible for detecting and assessing security threats, containing the impact of the incident, eradicating the malicious elements, and restoring normal operations. This phase also includes conducting a post-incident analysis to understand how the breach occurred, what vulnerabilities were exploited, and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
Digital forensic experts collect and analyse data from various digital devices, including computers, mobile phones, and network infrastructure. It’s critical to preserve the integrity of the evidence, using tools and techniques to recover deleted files, and interpreting the data to provide insights into the nature and scope of the security incident. The primary goal of digital forensics is to gather conclusive evidence that can be used for legal proceedings, internal investigations, insurance claims, or to enhance an organisation’s security posture.
Together, DFIR plays a critical role in maintaining the security and resilience of an organisation’s digital infrastructure. By combining the proactive measures of incident response with the investigative proficiency of digital forensics, organisations can effectively manage security threats, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity.
Bringing niche specialisations to the war against cybercriminals
Both digital forensic experts and incident response experts bring specialised skills and methodologies to the cybersecurity field that set them apart from traditional cybersecurity experts. These specialisations are crucial in dealing with the intricacies of cyber incidents and providing a comprehensive approach to security that goes beyond preventive measures.
Importantly, they complement traditional cybersecurity roles by adding layers of depth in investigation, evidence handling, real-time crisis management, and continuous improvement. Their specialised knowledge and skills ensure that organisations are not only able to prevent and detect cyber threats but also effectively respond to and recover from incidents, enhancing overall cybersecurity resilience.
5 reasons to work with DFIR specialists
There are a number of reasons why it makes sense to work with DFIR specialists, but here are the five that we see most often in the field:
1. They are niche experts: External DFIR specialists bring a level of expertise and objectivity that internal teams or existing service providers may lack. These specialists have a singular focus on forensics and incident response, allowing them to stay current with the latest threats, techniques, and tools. Their concentrated experience and training ensure a higher quality of investigation and response, leading to more accurate and actionable insights.
2. They bring a fresh perspective: An unbiased assessment of an organization’s security posture can be critical when dealing with a breach. An external specialist can critically evaluate the situation, identify overlooked vulnerabilities, and suggest improvements that internal teams might miss. This impartial viewpoint is crucial for a thorough and effective response to security incidents.
3. There is no conflict of interest during an investigation: Managed service providers and SOCs are often responsible for the day-to-day security management and may inadvertently overlook their own shortcomings. An external DFIR team can conduct an independent investigation, providing objective findings and recommendations without the pressure to protect their own service reputation. This independence is vital for building trust with stakeholders, including customers, partners, and regulatory bodies.
4. They have advanced and specialised tools: DFIR tools are not part of a ‘traditional’ cybersecurity tool kit. These tools are critical for deep forensic analysis and effective incident response. The investment in state-of-the-art technology and the expertise to use it allows external specialists to perform tasks that go beyond the capabilities of a typical SOC. For instance, they can uncover sophisticated attack vectors, recover lost or deleted data, and provide detailed threat intelligence that enhances overall security defenses.
5. They enhance overall incident response readiness and resilience: By working with these experts, businesses can gain valuable knowledge and best practices that improve their internal capabilities. External specialists can help in developing comprehensive incident response plans, conducting regular drills and training sessions, and refining existing protocols. This proactive approach ensures that the organization is better prepared to handle future incidents swiftly and effectively, reducing downtime and mitigating potential damages.
How Cyber+ can help
Cyber+ is a retainer offering that not only provides 24×7 access to Cybercom’s renowned DFIR team, but includes a carefully curated selection of value-add services to enhance your resilience, from pro-active assessments and Incident Response Plan reviews, to Dark Web monitoring and penetration testing.
With Cybercom’s expertise in handling 40 to 60 major breaches annually, we bring battle-tested knowledge to the table. Our top 10 list of common points of compromise ensures that Cyber+ addresses the most critical threats facing businesses today. Combined with Cyanre’s 20 years of experience in providing Digital Forensic services, Cyber+ is a holistic, integrated DFIR solution.