Question

Difficulty: MediumIncident Response Process and Playbooks

A security analyst is executing an incident response playbook following the detection of an unauthorized rogue wireless access point connected to an enterprise network switch. According to the NIST Incident Response Framework (NIST SP 800-61 Rev. 2), in what chronological order should the analyst perform the response actions below?

  1. 1Validate the alert by reviewing wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) logs to confirm the unauthorized access point.
  2. 2Disable the specific switch port connected to the rogue device to stop unauthorized network traffic traversal.
  3. 3Physically remove the rogue access point from the site and configure 802.1X port security restrictions on the switch.
  4. 4Hold a post-incident review meeting with stakeholders to update wireless security policies and playbook procedures.

Answer

The correct sequence follows the NIST Incident Response lifecycle: 1) Validate the alert via WIPS logs (Detection & Analysis), 2) Disable the switch port (Containment), 3) Physically remove the rogue access point and configure 802.1X (Eradication & Recovery), and 4) Hold a post-incident review meeting (Post-Incident Activity).
The standard incident response framework dictates four major sequential phases: Detection and Analysis, Containment, Eradication and Recovery, and Post-Incident Activity. The response begins by validating the alert through WIPS log analysis to confirm the threat. Next, the switch port is disabled to contain network traffic and limit potential compromise. Following containment, the physical rogue device is eradicated and port security controls are applied for recovery. Finally, post-incident activities occur to document lessons learned and update operational playbooks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Execute Detection and Analysis
The incident is verified as a true positive rogue access point.
Initial analysis confirms the scope and validity of the threat before initiating containment.
2
Execute Containment
Network access for the unauthorized device is terminated at the switch layer.
Immediate containment limits exposure and prevents attacker lateral movement or eavesdropping.
3
Execute Eradication and Recovery
The physical device is removed and port security controls are reinforced.
Eradication removes the unauthorized artifact and recovery ensures the infrastructure returns to a secure baseline.
4
Execute Post-Incident Activity
Incident details are documented and response playbooks are refined.
Lessons learned activities occur post-mitigation to institutionalize improvements for future incidents.

Key Concept

NIST Incident Response Lifecycle (NIST SP 800-61 Rev. 2)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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