Addressing insider attacks via forensic-ready risk management.

Cyberattacks perpetrated by insiders are difficult to prevent using traditional security approaches. Often, such attackers misuse legitimate access to the system to conduct an attack, or an external attacker manipulates or masquerades as an insider to gain access, bypassing the security controls. A possible solution to this problem are forensic-ready software systems that support the eventual forensic investigation. For example, assuring that appropriate evidence of an attack would be generated and assessable if needed. While not primarily aimed at prevention, the controls of forensic-ready systems can be used to ensure reliable post-incident investigation in the case of an insider attack. Currently, however, there is a gap in adequate methods for identifying requirements and assessment of such systems. Therefore, we propose FR-ISSRM, a risk management approach to derive the forensic readiness requirements addressing insider attacks. The requirements, once implemented, assist in the reliable uncovering culprit, root cause, damage of the attack, and overall improvement of security posture. The approach is then demonstrated in three cases covering typical insider attacks.