What is Incident Response Software: How to Choose one?

Oct 2021: a printer in a hospital in Tokushima, Japan, started printing out papers on its own after their systems were compromised by ransomware. Attackers demanded money in exchange for decrypting the encrypted patient data of 85,000 patients. They recovered eventually but could have avoided the situation had they deployed incident response software. 

The security marketplace is currently flooded with security solutions designed for specific use cases. Choosing the right one could be a daunting task, isn’t it?

We’ve combed through the available options and listed a set of incident response software you can consider for your business

This article aims to empower you with the data you need to pick one from a series of top rated incident management tools  – read through and analyze key features, pros, and cons while mapping it to your organization. 

What is incident response software?

Incident response software detects, manages, and minimizes the occurrence and impact of cyber attacks in a strategic way. It helps organizations minimize damage (financial, operational, backup servers, and brand recall), enables migration from affected systems to new systems, recommends defense protocols, and helps achieve the security score required for resuming business operations. 

Best incident response software

Without further ado, let’s check the best security incident management software in the market. 

Sprinto

Sprinto is an compliance automation solution with a built in incident detection and response system that helps users proactively mitigate vulnerabilities while staying compliant.

It is a smart tool built that helps you eliminate security blind spots, ensure compliance against security standards, and remediate security issues.

• It scans the cloud for malicious behavior and non-compliant activities and notifies users about the same. 
• Sprinto leverages AI to recommend corrective actions against the risks while generating audit-proof.
• It maps common security controls requirements from a centralized dashboard to run fully automated checks, run monitoring in real-time, and consolidate risks. 
• Users can scope out gaps in their infrastructure and implement measures to minimize them.
• Facilitates role based access control across data and devices to prevent data theft or data damage 
• Helps to rigorously interpret security risks and assess their impact by culling out vulnerabilities with high speed and accuracy
• Users can add custom security risks and assign impact scores to ensure actionable risk data
• Collects evidence against system logs, corrective actions, and security risks and documents it in a centralized repository

Features	Collects incidents records AI based corrective actions Risk consolidation Real-time detection  Control mapping for common security frameworks Continuous control monitoring Incident response plan
Pros	Collects incidents records AI-based corrective actions Risk consolidation Real-time detection  Control mapping for common security frameworks Continuous control monitoring Incident response plan
Cons	Not the best solution for  on-premise infra

IBM Security QRadar SIEM

IBM QRadar SIEM simplifies threat remediation in a way that maintains your bottom line. It prioritizes high-fidelity alerts to help IT teams detect threats that escape the radar of most detection tools.

It combines security tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Extended detection and response (XDR), Medical Device Reporting (MDR), Security information and event management (SIEM), and Security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) in a single interface to offer shared insights and connected workflows.

• The platform leverages enterprise-grade AI and automation to significantly boost analyst productivity, enabling bandwidth constrained incident response teams to boost their efficiency.
• Users can augment traditional log data by monitoring data flow within the network to add another layer of protection. 
• Leverages machine-learning to identify anomalies as threats against a baseline by analyzing individual activity
• Real-time analytics capabilities investigates and prioritizes high-fidelity alerts based on factors like credibility, relevance and risk severity 

Features	Threat investigation Delivered as SaaS on AWS Federated search Data collection Detection and response center Unified user experience
Pros	Security threat detection Incident management process
Cons	Poor UI Unresponsive at times

Symantec Endpoint Security

Symantec Endpoint Security is an incident response management software that offers protection against malicious software and actors. It secures all endpoint devices using technologies to reduce attack surface, prevent breaches, and respond to threats. It provides multi layered defense and AI-assisted policy changes.

The solution helps to maximize security performance using a multi-layered defense system for both traditional and modern endpoints. 

• Combines signatureless and critical endpoint techniques to actively mitigate ransomwares and unknown threats
• Leverages machine learning powered by a civilian threat database to maximize protection and minimize false positives
• Actively blocks zero-day attacks that exploits memory-based vulnerabilities
• Quarantines affected devices to prevent the infection from spreading and stop C&C traffic
• Facilitates custom investigation on endpoints using the Live Shell Configuration feature 

Features	Cloud Workload Protection Data Center Security Cloud Workload Protection for Storage Protection Engine for Cloud Services Protection Engine for Network Attached Storage Protection for SharePoint Servers Incident response tools
Pros	User-friendly UI Built in firewall Custom security policies Scheduled scanning system
Cons	False positives Runs on a large number of system resources

Also check: 9 Best Incident Management Software in 2024

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection is a managed detection and response system that leverages real-time threat intelligence to protect businesses against fraudulent emails, unsafe web browsing, infected files, and malicious insiders.

It contains, resolves, and hardens systems against breaches to prevent future incidents by combining multiple tools to block lateral movement.

• Detects and blocks a wide range of threats like malware, trojan, ransomware, phishing attacks, spyware, file-less attacks, and more
• Offers protection from malicious scripts that use evasion shield technology to detect, block, and remediate evasive script attacks
• Isolates network from the endpoint and investigates endpoint activity to evaluate attack chain and cause 
• Generates a comprehensive overview of why a treat was detected, indicators of compromise, analyzes event timeline, and provides endpoint user information 

Features	Endpoint Detection Threat Prevention Incident response process Threat investigation Reporting Policy-based email protection User Behavior analyses
Pros	User friendly UI Quick scanning Low system resource utilization Web filtering File restoration
Cons	Reporting capabilities are not comprehensive False positives

Sophos Intercept X

Sophos Intercept X offers comprehensive incident response capabilities that help security teams to identify and neutralize active threats like infections, compromise, and unauthorized access.

It monitors your systems for threat recurrence, analyzes the risks within the IT infrastructure, and provides useful recommendations on how to eliminate threats and malicious activities.

Their managed detection and response bundle contains email protection, firewall, endpoint protection, cloud security, audit log capabilities, third-party endpoint protection, and XDR (extended detection and response). 

• Detects and blocks 99 percent of threats, enabling security analysts to proactively detect sophisticated threats that can be identified only through human expertise
• Offers useful recommendations that reduce organizational risks to ensure minimum disruption for security teams, customers, and employees
• Identifies active threats and launches a full scale response activities to contain and eliminate threats remotely
• Performs root cause analysis to help you identify the root issue that led to the incident. Provides prescriptive guidance that helps to prevent future threats by identifying weaknesses

Features	Application Control Asset Management System Isolation Endpoint Intelligence Automated Remediation Rule-Based Detection
Pros	Comprehensive threat analysis Easy configuration Zero-day threat protection Pocket friendly In-depth security event analysis Comprehensive dashboard
Cons	Resource intensive False positives

Check: Incident Management Policy (What Does It Include?)

Trend Micro Smart Protection Suite

Trend Micro Smart Protection Suite is an incident management software that helps security teams detect, investigate and respond to threats across endpoints, servers, workflows, emails, networks, and the cloud. 

It collects activity data from its native solutions to offer comprehensive incident views, real-time information, and actionable alerts. 

Trend Micro’s suite continuously updates detection rules and models to boost its detection and response capabilities. Users gain deep visibility into the attack life cycle to respond effectively.

• Endpoint sensor system records endpoint system events and behaviors. This enables investigation teams to search user telemetry for advanced threats using IOCs or Indicators of Compromise or possible attacks using IOAs or Indicators of Attack
• Collects data from various endpoints, network security, and server security to conduct a root cause analysis and provide a remediation plan
• Leverages a suite of cross-generational threat defense techniques to secure endpoints, email, web, and SaaS applications. 
• Ensures deep visibility and complete control across the evolving threat landscape to harmonize everything 

Features	Threat intelligence API and integration friendly Eliminate silos Eliminate data redundancy Hardening against future attacks
Pros	Regular updates Granular security policies Easy setup Pocket friendly Works across attack vendors
Cons	Blocks executable files at times Resource intensive Time consuming cleaning process

Cynet 360 AutoXDR

Cynet 360 AutoXDR puts security on autopilot with its automated investigation and response capabilities to address threats across the infrastructure.

Users can determine the root cause of the attack, eliminate suspicious files across endpoints or networks, automate multi action response across systems,and automate incident response workflows among others.

• Offers an extensive suite of automated capabilities that enable security teams to orchestrate incident response across the threat landscape
• Automatically analyze the root cause and full scope of attacks using graphical timeline, layout of attacks, and automated investigation and response capabilities
• A set of remediation tools help to eliminate malicious presence from endpoints, networks, users, SaaS applications, and other IT systems
• Leverage pre-built or custom playbooks to trigger automated response across the ecosystem for a wide range of incidents

Features	Remediation Playbooks Graphical timeline and layout of attacks SOAR solution Workflow automation Quick remediation Real-time cyber threat detection
Pros	Integration and Orchestration Real-Time Visibility Scalability Reduced Alert Fatigue Centralized Management
Cons	Complex configuration False positives Limites integration capabilities

CrowdStrike Falcon

CrowdStrike Falcon insight is an incident response platform that offers proactive incident response services to stop active breaches like intellectual property theft, payment card extortion, destructive malware, and personally identifiable information (PII) in mobile apps and networks.

Users can accelerate digital forensic investigations using threat intelligence with efficiency and using an effective incident response plan to facilitate a tailored approach.

• Offers enterprise-wide visibility to quickly and comprehensively detect lateral movement and sophisticated attacks
• Optimized managed detection and response operations reduce the mean time to detect and respond
• In-house team of security experts and consultants helps to handle incidents, respond to threats, analyze threats, and administrate the IT environment
  

Features	Immediate threat visibility Preserve digital forensic evidence Adversary ejection from the network Reduce business impact Artificial Intelligence-led investigation
Pros	Regular updates Low system resource utilization Result accuracy Proactive customer support Real-time visibility Real-Time Response Lightweight application
Cons	Non-intuitive web interface Blocks legitimate applications Lacks robust reporting capabilities

FortiClient

FortiClient is a threat intelligence platform that offers endpoint detection and threat response services that efficiently identify and block breach attempts and suspicious activities in real-time efficiently. It combines real-time visibility, analysis, protection, and remediation.

The solution proactively reduces the attack surface, prevents malware infections, and eliminates potential threats using customizable playbooks.

• Identifies and controls rogue devices and applications based on the applicable risk mitigation strategy
• Detects and diffuses potential threats in real-time, even if the device is compromised
• Security administrators can use contextual incident response playbooks that automate the incident response process
• Stops and prevents breaches in real-time to ensure no loss of data or ransomware damage
• Eliminates alter fatigue and optimizes security operations using highly customizable incident response solutions
  

Features	Discover and control rogue devices Defuse threats in real-time Customizable contextual incident response playbooks Prevent data loss Eliminate alert fatigue Response and remediation
Pros	Zero-day attack protection Web filtering Continuously updates databases Easy connection to VPN
Cons	Resource intensive User connectivity issues

How to choose an incident response software?

 When you’re on the lookout for incident response software, you’ll want a tool that’s got all the bells and whistles. Here’s a rundown of the must-have features:

1. Keepin’ it Real-Time: First off, you need real-time monitoring. Picture this: it keeps an eagle eye on network traffic, system logs, and applications, spotting anything fishy or out of the ordinary pronto.
2. Priority Patrol – Incident Triage: Ever heard of incident triage? It’s like sorting things out based on severity, impact, and type. Helps your security team play superhero and tackle the big risks first.
3. Bells and Whistles – Notifications and Alerts: Oh, and it’s got a built-in alarm system. When an incident raises its head, it doesn’t shy away. Nope, it triggers alerts and pings the right folks, letting them know something’s up.
4. Sherlock Mode – Forensics and Investigation: Like a virtual detective, it collects all the evidence – system logs, unauthorized access attempts, network tracks, you name it. It’s like having Sherlock Holmes on your digital payroll.
5. Follow the Script – Playbooks: Imagine having a playbook, like in sports. These playbooks here are predefined workflows that guide you step by step. Perfect for a smooth response to incidents.
6. Automagic – Automated Response: Automation is the name of the game. It can trigger responses on its own, like isolating affected systems to stop any more damage. Talk about having a digital first responder.
7. Show and Tell – Reporting and Documentation: Now, after the dust settles, you want to document everything. This software can whip up custom reports and visuals. Handy for keeping a record of incidents, prepping for future attacks, and keeping the auditors happy.
8. VIP Access Only – Access Management: Last but not least, security is key. Role-based access control ensures only the VIPs (Very Important Personnel) can peek at, manage, or edit sensitive data. No sneak peeks allowed!

Conclusion

Sprinto helps you prevent a wide range of vulnerabilities at source by continuously monitoring your business environment at an entity level and sending alerts when anomalies are detected. 

Sprinto is an incident life cycle management platform that helps you identify, detect, and patch vulnerabilities in your organization before they are detected by bad actors and used to gain unauthorized access to your critical systems.

Sprinto continuously monitors your system in real-time, triggers alerts for non-compliant activities, and leverages AI to suggest corrective actions. It offers deep visibility into risks and system failures with context rich alerts so you can proactively manage security gaps.

Sprinto has already helped hundreds of companies to meet their security requirements and improve the overall posture to break sales deals using automation. Talk to our compliance + security experts to know how we help your business scale.  

FAQs

What are the common features of an incident management system?

Incident management systems should effectively minimize security incidents, automate repetitive tasks, detect abnormal activities, offer threat intelligence feeds, real-time notifications, and web filtering. 

What are the steps for incident response? 

You can address threats and respond to incidents using these guiding steps: Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, investigation, and continuous improvement. 

What is the best incident response software?

Some of the best incident response tools based on popularity and user feedback are Sprinto, IBM Security QRadar SIEM, Symantec Endpoint Security, and Sophos Intercept X. 

What is the best framework for incident response?

Some of the best incident response frameworks are SOC (System and Organization Controls), NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), and ISO 27001.