What is meant by “root cause analysis”?

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach used to identify the fundamental reasons behind a problem or incident rather than just addressing the surface symptoms. In the context of incident response and security analysis, understanding the root cause is crucial because it allows analysts to prevent the recurrence of issues by targeting improvements or corrective actions at the underlying factors.

By focusing on the core issues, organizations can develop more effective strategies for remediation and mitigate risks. This process may involve techniques such as the "5 Whys" or fishbone diagrams, which help to drill down into the specifics of why an incident occurred, ensuring that the solutions implemented are not just temporary fixes but robust, long-term solutions. This understanding is essential for creating more resilient systems and processes within an organization.