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An Incident Response Plan maps out exactly how your organization will detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents or data breaches in the UAE. It's your playbook for handling everything from malware attacks to unauthorized system access, aligned with Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection.

The plan designates key roles and responsibilities, sets clear procedures for containing threats, and establishes communication protocols with UAE authorities like the Cyber Security Council. It also includes specific steps for preserving evidence, documenting incidents, and notifying affected parties within the mandatory 72-hour window required by UAE law. Having this plan ready helps organizations maintain compliance while protecting sensitive data and business operations.

Your Incident Response Plan springs into action the moment you detect or suspect a cybersecurity incident in your UAE operations. This includes data breaches, ransomware attacks, unauthorized system access, or any security events that could compromise sensitive information or disrupt business operations.

Activate the plan immediately when your monitoring systems flag suspicious activity, employees report potential breaches, or you discover unauthorized data access. UAE law requires swift notification to authorities and affected parties within 72 hours of discovery. The plan guides your team through critical first steps, from isolating affected systems to documenting the incident timeline and coordinating with the UAE Cyber Security Council.

• Incident Response Audit Program: Evaluates and tests your Incident Response Plan's effectiveness through simulated breaches. Most UAE organizations adapt their Incident Response Plans into three main types: Basic Plans (covering essential cybersecurity incidents), Comprehensive Plans (including detailed protocols for various threat types and UAE regulatory requirements), and Industry-Specific Plans (tailored for sectors like banking, healthcare, or critical infrastructure with unique compliance needs and threat profiles under UAE cyber laws).

• Information Security Teams: Lead the development and implementation of the Incident Response Plan, coordinating with UAE's Cyber Security Council during incidents.
• Legal Counsel: Reviews and updates the plan to ensure compliance with UAE data protection laws and regulatory requirements.
• IT Department: Executes technical response procedures and maintains systems monitoring.
• Senior Management: Approves the plan and makes critical decisions during major incidents.
• Department Heads: Ensure their teams understand and follow incident reporting procedures.
• Communications Team: Manages internal and external communications during incidents, including mandatory notifications to UAE authorities.

• Asset Inventory: Map out your critical systems, data types, and infrastructure that need protection under UAE data laws.
• Risk Assessment: Document potential threats specific to your industry and UAE operations.
• Team Structure: Define roles, responsibilities, and contact details for your incident response team.
• Response Procedures: Create step-by-step protocols aligned with UAE Cyber Security Council guidelines.
• Communication ������Ƶ: Prepare notification drafts for authorities, stakeholders, and affected parties.
• Recovery Plans: Outline procedures for system restoration and business continuity.
• Testing Schedule: Plan regular drills and updates to maintain effectiveness.

• Incident Classification: Clear definitions of security incidents aligned with UAE Federal Law No. 45 requirements.
• Response Timeline: Mandatory 72-hour notification procedures for data breaches.
• Authority Contacts: Required communication protocols with UAE Cyber Security Council.
• Data Protection Measures: Specific safeguards meeting UAE Personal Data Protection Law standards.
• Documentation Requirements: Incident logging and evidence preservation procedures.
• Recovery Procedures: Step-by-step restoration protocols compliant with UAE cybersecurity framework.
• Review Schedule: Regular assessment and update requirements per UAE regulations.

While both documents address security incidents, an Incident Response Plan differs significantly from a Data Breach Response Plan. The key distinctions lie in their scope, focus, and application under UAE cybersecurity laws.

• Scope of Coverage: An Incident Response Plan covers all types of security incidents (malware, system outages, unauthorized access) while a Data Breach Response Plan specifically addresses personal data compromises under UAE's Federal Decree Law No. 45.
• Regulatory Requirements: Data Breach Response Plans focus heavily on UAE data protection compliance and notification procedures, while Incident Response Plans include broader operational and technical recovery steps.
• Team Structure: Incident Response Plans involve IT security teams primarily, while Data Breach Response Plans require more involvement from legal and compliance teams.
• Response Timeline: Data Breach Response Plans emphasize the mandatory 72-hour notification window, while Incident Response Plans may have varying timelines based on incident severity.