Staffing Models for Incident Response

1 min read Advanced Security Topics

Staffing Models for Incident Response

Organizations can structure their incident response teams using various models:

Dedicated Team: Full-time incident response professionals

  • Pros: Specialized expertise, faster response, consistent procedures
  • Cons: Higher cost, potential for skill atrophy during quiet periods
  • Best for: Large organizations with frequent incidents

Virtual Team: Part-time responders with other primary duties

  • Pros: Cost-effective, leverages existing staff, maintains operational knowledge
  • Cons: Slower response, competing priorities, training challenges
  • Best for: Small to medium organizations

Hybrid Model: Core dedicated staff supplemented by virtual members

  • Pros: Balances expertise and cost, scalable response
  • Cons: Requires careful coordination, potential role confusion
  • Best for: Medium to large organizations

Outsourced/Managed Services: External incident response providers

  • Pros: Access to expertise, 24/7 coverage, reduced overhead
  • Cons: Less organizational knowledge, potential response delays, data privacy concerns
  • Best for: Organizations lacking internal expertise