Preparing for Security Incidents with a Small Team

2025-06-09 • 4 min read

Most small companies do not have a dedicated security team, let alone a 24/7 SOC. But incidents still happen, and the first few hours matter.

Here is how small teams can prepare for incidents without overcomplicating the process.


Know Who Does What

In a crisis, roles should already be assigned. Who investigates? Who talks to leadership? Who communicates externally?

Create a simple contact tree and response matrix before anything goes wrong. A shared Google Doc is enough to start.


Write a Checklist You Would Actually Use

Many incident response plans are long documents no one opens during real events. Small teams should focus on concise, practical checklists:


Practice With Tabletop Scenarios

Run through a few "what if" exercises with the team. It will reveal gaps and build confidence.

You do not need a complex simulation. A 30-minute call with a simple scenario can make a big difference.


Final Thought

Security incidents are stressful, but preparation reduces the chaos. You do not need a high-budget playbook. You just need a clear plan, defined roles, and some practice.

If you want help building a right-sized response plan for your team, contact us.