������Ƶ

An Incident Response Plan lays out your organization's step-by-step playbook for handling cybersecurity breaches, data leaks, and other digital emergencies. It's a crucial document that Philippine companies must maintain to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the National Privacy Commission's guidelines.

The plan spells out who does what during a crisis, from the initial detection team to legal counsel and PR representatives. It includes specific procedures for containing threats, preserving evidence, notifying affected parties, and restoring normal operations. Having this ready before an incident helps organizations respond quickly and effectively while meeting their legal obligations to protect personal data.

Your Incident Response Plan springs into action the moment you detect or suspect a data breach, cyber attack, or security incident. Under Philippine law, organizations must activate their response protocols immediately when personal information is compromised, with mandatory breach reporting within 72 hours to the National Privacy Commission.

Use your plan when facing ransomware attacks, unauthorized system access, data leaks, or even physical theft of devices containing sensitive information. The plan guides your team through critical first steps: securing affected systems, documenting the incident, notifying stakeholders, and meeting regulatory requirements. Early activation helps minimize damage, protect evidence, and demonstrate compliance with data privacy laws.

• Incident Response Audit Program: For evaluating and testing your Incident Response Plan's effectiveness. It helps organizations assess their readiness, identify gaps, and improve response capabilities.
• Basic Response Plan: Covers essential elements required by Philippine data privacy laws - ideal for small to medium businesses needing fundamental incident management procedures.
• Comprehensive Enterprise Plan: Detailed protocols for large organizations, including specific procedures for different incident types, multiple response teams, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Industry-Specific Plans: Tailored versions for sectors like healthcare, banking, or telecommunications, incorporating industry-specific compliance requirements and threat scenarios.

• Data Protection Officers (DPOs): Lead the development and maintenance of the Incident Response Plan, ensuring compliance with Philippine privacy laws and NPC guidelines.
• IT Security Teams: Execute the plan's technical components, from threat detection to system recovery and forensics.
• Legal Counsel: Review and validate the plan's compliance with regulations, advise during incidents, and manage breach notifications.
• Executive Management: Approve the plan, allocate resources, and make critical decisions during major incidents.
• Department Heads: Implement response procedures within their units and coordinate with the incident response team.
• Communications Team: Handle internal and external communications, including stakeholder notifications and media relations.

• System Inventory: Document all IT assets, sensitive data locations, and critical business systems that need protection.
• Risk Assessment: Map potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to your organization's Philippine operations.
• Team Structure: Define roles, responsibilities, and contact information for your incident response team members.
• Response Procedures: Create step-by-step protocols for different incident types, aligned with NPC guidelines.
• Communication ������Ƶ: Prepare notification drafts for stakeholders, authorities, and affected individuals.
• Recovery Plans: Outline procedures for system restoration and business continuity after an incident.
• Testing Schedule: Plan regular drills and updates to keep the plan current and effective.

• Incident Classification: Clear definitions of security incidents and their severity levels per NPC guidelines.
• Response Team Structure: Detailed roles and responsibilities of the incident response team, including DPO designation.
• Detection Protocols: Procedures for identifying and reporting potential security breaches.
• Containment Measures: Steps to limit incident impact and preserve evidence.
• Notification Procedures: ������Ƶ and timelines for mandatory reporting to the NPC within 72 hours.
• Recovery Actions: Detailed steps for system restoration and data recovery.
• Documentation Requirements: Standards for incident logging and report creation.
• Compliance Statement: Reference to Data Privacy Act of 2012 and relevant NPC circulars.

An Incident Response Plan differs significantly from a Business Continuity Plan, though they work together to protect organizations. While both address organizational disruptions, their focus and timing are distinct.

• Primary Focus: Incident Response Plans specifically tackle immediate security incidents and data breaches, while Business Continuity Plans cover broader operational recovery after any type of business disruption.
• Time Horizon: Incident Response Plans guide immediate actions within the first 72 hours of a security breach, while Business Continuity Plans manage longer-term recovery efforts.
• Legal Requirements: Under Philippine law, Incident Response Plans must follow strict NPC guidelines for breach reporting and response, while Business Continuity Plans have more flexible requirements.
• Team Composition: Incident Response Plans primarily involve security and IT teams, while Business Continuity Plans engage all departments to maintain critical business functions.