How to set up a Network-based Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) Platform for Automating Incident Response

Setting up a network-based Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platform involves several key steps: assessing your organization's requirements, selecting a SOAR solution, integrating it with your existing security infrastructure, configuring playbooks for automation, and continuously monitoring and maintaining the platform. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

1. Assess Requirements and Plan

• Identify Objectives: Determine the primary goals for implementing a SOAR platform, such as reducing response times, improving incident response consistency, or enhancing threat detection.
• Scope: Define the scope of automation and orchestration, including which security processes and workflows to automate.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Involve key stakeholders from IT, security, and management to gather requirements and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

2. Select a SOAR Solution

Choose a SOAR platform that fits your organization's needs. Some popular SOAR solutions include:

• Splunk Phantom
• IBM Resilient
• Cortex XSOAR (formerly Demisto)
• Swimlane
• Siemplify

Consider factors such as integration capabilities, ease of use, scalability, and support.

3. Prepare Your Environment

• System Compatibility: Ensure the SOAR platform is compatible with your existing security tools and infrastructure.
• Hardware and Software Requirements: Verify that your environment meets the hardware and software requirements of the SOAR platform.
• Backup Data: Back up critical data before implementing any new system changes.

4. Install and Configure the SOAR Platform

• Installation: Follow the vendor's installation instructions. This may involve deploying the SOAR platform on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.
• Initial Configuration: Configure the basic settings of the SOAR platform, including network settings, user roles, and access permissions.

5. Integrate with Existing Security Tools

• Connect Security Tools: Integrate the SOAR platform with your existing security tools such as SIEM, endpoint protection, firewalls, threat intelligence platforms, and ticketing systems.
• APIs and Connectors: Utilize APIs and built-in connectors provided by the SOAR platform to facilitate seamless integration.
• Test Integrations: Verify that the integrations are working correctly by testing data flow and communication between the SOAR platform and the connected security tools.

6. Develop and Configure Playbooks

• Identify Use Cases: Identify key incident response use cases that can benefit from automation, such as phishing response, malware investigation, or vulnerability management.
• Create Playbooks: Develop playbooks (automated workflows) for these use cases. A playbook typically includes:
  • Trigger: The event or alert that initiates the playbook.
  • Actions: The automated steps taken to investigate, contain, and remediate the incident.
  • Decision Points: Conditional logic to handle different scenarios within the workflow.
  • Notifications: Alerts and updates sent to relevant stakeholders during the incident response process.
• Test Playbooks: Test each playbook in a controlled environment to ensure it performs as expected and refines it based on the results.

7. Implement Access Controls and Auditing

• User Roles and Permissions: Define user roles and permissions to control access to the SOAR platform and its capabilities.
• Auditing: Enable logging and auditing to track actions taken within the SOAR platform, ensuring accountability and traceability.

8. Monitor and Maintain the SOAR Platform

• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor the SOAR platform’s performance and the execution of playbooks to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Regular Updates: Keep the SOAR platform and its integrations updated with the latest patches and improvements.
• Training: Provide ongoing training to your security team to ensure they can effectively use the SOAR platform and adapt to new features and workflows.
• Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve playbooks and workflows based on real-world incidents and evolving threats.

Setting up a network-based SOAR platform involves a comprehensive approach to planning, selecting the right tools, integrating with existing systems, configuring automated workflows, and maintaining the platform. By following these steps, you can enhance your organization's incident response capabilities, reduce response times, and improve overall security posture.