IR Playbook
Auto-generated incident response playbook derived from exercise findings, gap analysis, and NIST 800-61 phase mapping.
The IR Playbook deliverable produces a structured incident response playbook tailored to the organization based on exercise findings. It translates observed gaps and decisions into actionable response procedures.
What It Contains
Incident Classification Matrix
A table mapping incident types to severity levels, response timelines, and escalation paths. Derived from the scenario type used in the exercise and the gaps identified during execution.
Response Procedures by Phase
Procedures are organized by NIST 800-61 incident response phases:
| Phase | Content | |---|---| | Preparation | Team roster, communication channels, tool inventory, runbook references | | Detection & Analysis | Indicator identification, triage criteria, initial classification steps | | Containment | Short-term and long-term containment strategies with decision trees | | Eradication | Root cause elimination procedures and verification steps | | Recovery | System restoration priorities, validation checkpoints, business resumption criteria | | Post-Incident | Lessons learned process, evidence preservation, regulatory notification checklist |
Escalation Decision Trees
Visual decision trees generated from exercise escalation gaps. Each tree defines the conditions under which escalation occurs, who is notified, and the expected response timeline.
Communication Templates
Pre-drafted notification templates for key stakeholders:
- Internal executive notification
- Legal counsel notification
- Regulatory body notification (framework-specific)
- Customer/affected party notification
- Media statement template
Role Assignments
A RACI matrix mapping incident response roles to specific actions during each phase. Roles are populated based on exercise participant assignments and organizational structure.
Generation Logic
The IR Playbook engine uses data from:
- Exercise gaps — Each gap maps to a procedure improvement or new procedure
- Decision analytics — Participant decisions reveal which procedures were followed (or missed)
- Compliance mapping — Regulatory requirements are embedded in notification and documentation procedures
- Scenario context — The threat type determines which response paths are emphasized
Customization
After generation, the playbook can be edited in the Ops Portal. Sections can be reordered, procedures can be modified, and organization-specific details (tool names, team structures, contact lists) can be added before publishing to the Client Portal.
Export
The IR Playbook exports as a formatted PDF suitable for printing and distribution. It includes a version number, generation date, and exercise reference for traceability.