This 1-day course is designed for managers and project leaders who have been tasked with implementing a computer security incident response team (CSIRT). This course provides a high-level overview of the key issues and decisions that must be addressed in establishing a CSIRT. As part of the course, attendees will develop an action plan that can be used as a starting point in planning and implementing their CSIRT.

The course is composed of lectures and class exercises. Participants will learn the requirements for establishing an effective CSIRT, the various organisational models for a CSIRT, the variety and level of services that can be provided by a CSIRT, and the types of resources and infrastructure needed to support a team. Additionally, attendees will identify policies and procedures that should be established and implemented when creating a CSIRT.

Attendees may also want to register for the three-day companion course, Managing Computer Security Incident Response Teams, which is scheduled immediately following this course.

World leading course

This course is presented in association with Axenic, a member of the SEI (Software Engineering Institute) Partner Network, Carnegie Mellon University. SEI is a recognised world leader and one of the most respected names in computer, software and security research, development and education. Other courses in this series are:

Fundamentals of Incident Handling
Advanced Incident Handling
Managing Computer Security Incident Response Teams

Learning outcomes

This CSIRT course will help participants to:

  • understand the requirements for establishing an effective CSIRT
  • strategically plan the development and implementation of a new CSIRT
  • highlight issues associated with assembling a responsive, effective team of computer security professionals
  • identify policies and procedures that should be established and implemented
  • understand various organisational models for a new CSIRT
  • understand the variety and level of services that can be provided by a CSIRT

Who should attend

  • current and prospective CSIRT managers; C-level managers such as CIOs, CSOs, CROs; and project leaders interested in establishing or starting a CSIRT
  • other staff who interact with CSIRTs and would like to gain a deeper understanding of how CSIRTs operate. For example, CSIRT constituents; higher-level management; media relations, legal counsel, law enforcement, human resources, audit, or risk management staff

Course contents

  • incident management and the relationship to CSIRTs
  • prerequisites to planning a CSIRT
  • creating a CSIRT vision
  • CSIRT mission, objectives, and level of authority
  • CSIRT organisational issues and models
  • range and levels of provided services
  • funding issues
  • hiring and training initial CSIRT staff
  • implementing CSIRT policies and procedures
  • requirements for a CSIRT infrastructure
  • implementation and operational issues and strategies
  • collaboration and communication issues

Course fees

This course is currently available for in-house presentation only.  Please contact us for further information.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Materials

Participants will receive a course notebook, CSIRT action plan, and a CD containing the course materials.

Certificate of Completion

Participants will receive a SEI–CERT branded Certificate of Completion.

CERT-Certified Computer Security Incident Handler

SEI has available the CERT-Certified Computer Security Incident Handler (CSIH) certification program.  The awarding of the certification is upon application to SEI and is based on a combination of demonstrable experience plus performance in the CSIH certification examination.  For further details please refer to this link.