What is the purpose of a forensic readiness plan?

The purpose of a forensic readiness plan is to prepare an organization for potential digital incidents and subsequent investigations. This plan outlines the procedures and strategies necessary to ensure that an organization can effectively respond to and manage cyber incidents or data breaches when they occur. By having a well-defined readiness plan in place, an organization can minimize damage, preserve evidence, and facilitate a thorough investigation, ultimately improving incident response.

A forensic readiness plan involves identifying the types of data that need to be collected, the legal considerations surrounding that data, and the technical capabilities necessary for effective forensic analysis. This proactive approach enables organizations to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary tools, personnel, and policies to handle incidents efficiently and reduce the risk of losing crucial evidence during an investigation.

While establishing a budget for forensic tools, organizing employee training programs for data handling, and creating a database of hardware and software are all valuable aspects of an organization's overall information security strategy, they do not specifically address the immediate goal of preparing for digital incidents and investigations. These activities may support the broader context of forensic readiness but do not capture the essence of what a forensic readiness plan is fundamentally designed to achieve.