What is the purpose of an incident response plan (IRP)?

An incident response plan (IRP) is a critical component of an organization's cybersecurity strategy, designed specifically to provide a structured approach for addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyberattack. The primary purpose of an IRP is to establish a clear framework for determining responses to information security incidents. This involves identifying the types of incidents that might occur, assessing their potential impact, and outlining the necessary steps to effectively respond, mitigate damage, and recover from such incidents.

By having an IRP in place, organizations can ensure that they are prepared to act quickly and efficiently when an incident occurs. This involves designating roles and responsibilities, defining communication protocols, and outlining the steps for containment, eradication, and recovery. It helps organizations respond in a timely manner to minimize the impact of incidents on their operations and information integrity.

Other options, while important for overall information security practices, do not encapsulate the core purpose of an incident response plan. Creating backups, conducting software updates, and maintaining operational continuity are all crucial aspects of an organization's security posture, but they do not directly focus on the immediate response to incidents involving breaches or attacks.