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An Incident Response Plan maps out exactly how your organization will detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents and data breaches. It's your playbook for handling everything from cyber attacks to privacy breaches under New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 and other key regulations.

The plan spells out who does what during a crisis, sets clear steps for containing threats, and explains how to notify affected parties and regulators like the Privacy Commissioner. Good plans also include contact lists, incident classification guides, and specific procedures for preserving evidence - helping organizations stay compliant while protecting their operations and reputation.

Your Incident Response Plan kicks into action the moment you discover or suspect a security incident - from ransomware attacks and data breaches to unauthorized system access. Organizations across New Zealand activate these plans when facing cyber threats, privacy violations under the Privacy Act 2020, or any security events that could harm operations or expose sensitive data.

Use your plan immediately after detecting an incident to guide your team's response, maintain compliance with notification requirements, and protect evidence for potential investigations. It's especially crucial during the first 72 hours when quick, coordinated action can minimize damage, meet regulatory obligations, and maintain stakeholder trust.

• Basic IRPs focus on cyber incidents and data breaches, meeting minimum Privacy Act requirements with step-by-step response procedures
• Comprehensive Plans add sections for physical security incidents, natural disasters, and business continuity measures
• Industry-specific versions customize response protocols for healthcare providers (protecting patient data), financial institutions (addressing banking threats), or government agencies (handling classified information)
• Cloud-focused IRPs specifically address incidents involving SaaS platforms and third-party service providers
• Critical Infrastructure Plans include additional protocols for protecting essential services and coordinating with national security agencies

• IT Security Teams: Lead the drafting process and coordinate incident response activities, often serving as first responders during security events
• Legal Counsel: Review plans to ensure compliance with Privacy Act 2020 and advise on notification requirements
• Executive Management: Approve plans, allocate resources, and make critical decisions during major incidents
• Department Managers: Help identify critical assets and implement response procedures within their teams
• External Consultants: Provide specialized expertise in cybersecurity, forensics, and crisis communications
• Privacy Commissioner: Reviews incident reports and ensures proper breach notification compliance

• Asset Inventory: Map out critical systems, data types, and their locations across your organization
• Team Structure: Define roles, responsibilities, and contact details for your incident response team
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to your business operations
• Response Procedures: Document step-by-step protocols for different incident types and severity levels
• Communication Plans: Create templates for notifying stakeholders, including Privacy Commissioner requirements
• Recovery Strategy: Outline procedures for system restoration and business continuity
• Testing Schedule: Plan regular drills and updates to keep the plan current and effective

• Incident Definition: Clear criteria for what constitutes a security incident under Privacy Act 2020
• Response Team Structure: Defined roles, responsibilities, and escalation paths with contact details
• Notification Procedures: Specific timeframes and processes for informing affected parties and regulators
• Evidence Preservation: Methods for collecting and securing incident-related data for investigations
• Risk Assessment Matrix: Classification system for incident severity and impact levels
• Recovery Protocols: Step-by-step procedures for system restoration and business continuity
• Documentation Requirements: Templates and procedures for recording incident details and responses
• Review Schedule: Timeframes for testing and updating the plan

An Incident Response Plan differs significantly from a Data Breach Response Plan in several key aspects, though they're often confused. While both deal with organizational security, their scope and application vary considerably.

• Scope of Coverage: Incident Response Plans cover all security incidents, including physical breaches, cyber attacks, and system failures. Data Breach Response Plans focus specifically on unauthorized access to personal information
• Regulatory Focus: IRPs align with broader security frameworks and multiple regulations, while Data Breach Plans primarily address Privacy Act 2020 requirements
• Response Timeline: IRPs include immediate containment steps for various threats, whereas Data Breach Plans emphasize assessment and notification procedures
• Team Structure: IRPs involve broader response teams including IT, facilities, and operations. Data Breach Plans typically center on privacy officers and legal teams