CyberGuard dictionary / Incident Response
Playbook
A security playbook is a documented set of steps, decision points, and responsibilities for handling a recurring security scenario.
In simple terms
It gives responders a starting path when time matters, while leaving room to adapt to the facts of the incident.
Technical explanation
An incident playbook identifies triggers, evidence to collect, containment options, escalation contacts, approvals, communications, and recovery checks. It should be exercised and updated when systems or threats change.
A playbook turns a recurring incident type into actionable steps while leaving room for judgment. It should identify prerequisites, decision points, evidence needs, and how to close and review the case.
Examples in practice
A lost-device playbook tells staff how to verify ownership, revoke sessions, preserve records, and notify the privacy team.
A phishing playbook instructs analysts to preserve the message, inspect links safely, find other recipients, and decide on quarantine. After an exercise, the team adds a missed session-revocation step.
Why it matters
A practiced playbook reduces confusion and makes critical handoffs less dependent on one person.
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Sources and further reading
- csrc.nist.govhttps://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/61/r3/final↗
- www.cisa.govhttps://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ctep-package-documents↗
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.