When should a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) be activated?

A Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) should be activated after malware detection has occurred because this scenario represents a clear indicator of a security incident that could threaten the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems and data. The presence of malware typically requires immediate investigation and remediation efforts to prevent further compromise and to understand the scope of the incident.

After malware detection, the CSIRT can work to identify the type of malware, how it entered the system, what data or systems were affected, and what measures need to be taken to contain, eradicate, and recover from the incident. Being proactive in response to such detections is crucial, as it helps mitigate risks and protect the organization's assets.

In contrast, while reports of suspicious activity can signal an issue, they do not confirm that a security incident has occurred, making them less urgent than confirmed malware detection. Regular system maintenance is part of proactive security measures, and while important, it does not trigger CSIRT activation. Similarly, a privacy policy review is essential for organizational compliance but does not directly pertain to active incident response scenarios. Therefore, the activation of CSIRT post-malware detection aligns with their primary role of addressing confirmed security breaches effectively.