IncidentResponsev2

Finalize Documentation and Transition to Eradication

Task Finalize Containment Documentation and Prepare for Transition to Eradication

Conditions

Given that containment actions have been completed and validated, the operator will ensure all containment documentation is finalized, verified, and prepared for transition to the eradication phase. This includes ensuring IR stakeholders are aligned and approve progression.

Operator Note: This step is the bridge from containment to eradication. Accurate, complete documentation enables clear handoff, prevents gaps in incident response, and supports later lessons learned and reporting.

Standards

Team member consolidates all containment records and documentation.
Team member ensures all containment actions, validations, and outbrief outcomes are fully logged.
Team member reviews and verifies documentation with IR lead and key stakeholders.
Team member updates incident timeline and artifacts in IR management platform or designated repository.
Team member facilitates transition meeting and receives formal approval to move into eradication.

End State

Containment documentation is finalized and reviewed, and the IR team and stakeholders agree that the incident is ready to move into eradication phase.

Notes

The transition to eradication should never be automatic → formal sign-off is required.
Documentation should support future forensic analysis, recovery planning, and lessons learned activities.
Proper documentation also supports legal, regulatory, and audit requirements.

Manual Steps

Step 1: Consolidate Containment Documentation

Collect action logs (scripts, operator notes, ticketing systems)
Include containment outbrief summary
Validate host-based, network-based, identity/account containment records
Collect validation evidence (screenshots, log excerpts, etc.)

Operator Note: Review against containment checklist to ensure completeness.

Step 2: Validate with IR Lead and Stakeholders

Review documentation in IR team meeting or async review
Validate that all containment actions are closed or risk-accepted
Obtain sign-off from IR lead or Incident Commander

[ ] Containment actions completed
[ ] Validation completed
[ ] Residual risk documented
[ ] Approved to proceed to eradication

Step 3: Update Incident Timeline and Repository

Update central IR tracker or playbook
Upload finalized documentation to IR file repository (SharePoint, Confluence, ticketing system, etc.)
Update incident timeline and summary document

2025-05-02 1400 - Containment Outbrief complete
2025-05-02 1600 - Containment validation complete
2025-05-02 1700 - Approved to begin eradication

Step 4: Facilitate Eradication Transition Meeting (Optional but Recommended)

Recommended attendees:

IR Lead
Incident Response Team
Enclave/System Owner
IT Operations Lead
Recovery team lead (if defined)

Recommended Agenda:

Summary of containment actions and success
Review of residual risks or exceptions
Eradication plan overview and ownership
Approval to transition

Operator Note: Document meeting notes and decision in incident record.

Running Script (PowerShell - Export Final Action Log)

$containmentFinal = @()

$containmentFinal += [PSCustomObject]@{
    Action = "Block C2 IPs via Firewall ACL"
    System = "Firewall-Edge01"
    Operator = "Leo"
    Completed = "Yes"
    Notes = "No further outbound traffic observed"
}

$containmentFinal | Export-Csv -Path .\FinalContainmentActions.csv -NoTypeInformation

Dependencies

IR documentation repository (SharePoint, Wiki, Ticketing System)
IR lead and key stakeholders availability
Access to all containment action records
Transition plan for eradication phase

Other Available Tools

Tool	Platform	Use Case
SharePoint / Confluence / Markdown	Cross-platform	Store finalized documentation
Ticketing System (Jira, ServiceNow)	Enterprise	Track approvals and transitions
Email / Teams / Zoom	Cross-platform	Outbrief and eradication planning
PowerShell	Windows	Scripted export of logs and containment actions

Operator Recommendations and Additional Tools

Operator Checklist

Consolidate all containment documentation
Validate completeness and accuracy with IR team
Obtain IR lead or Incident Commander sign-off
Update central IR record and timeline
Facilitate eradication transition meeting or communication
Document transition approval and move to eradication

Best Practices

Do not move to eradication without IR lead sign-off.
Ensure all containment gaps or risks are formally recorded and tracked.
Prepare eradication team with full context and known issues.
Retain containment documentation in IR case files for future lessons learned and reporting.

References

NIST SP 800-61 Rev. 2 - Computer Security Incident Handling Guide
US-CERT Incident Handling Guidelines

Revision History

Date	Version	Description	Author
2025-05-02	1.0	Fully generated operator guide for finalizing containment documentation and transitioning to eradication	Leo