The Cyber Defense Incident Responder course is designed to train participants with the skills needed to detect and manage cybersecurity incidents, offering deep insights into incident response principles, strategies, and best practices.

At the core of the course is the emphasis on fundamental concepts and methodologies, including computer networking, protocols, network security, incident response, and disaster recovery continuity plans. Participants will gain a broad understanding of these areas, laying a solid foundation for more advanced topics. Participants will develop proficiency in understanding the network environment, equipping learners with the knowledge of intrusion detection methodologies, in-order to detect intrusions at a host and network level.

As the course progresses, participants will delve into advanced techniques such as processing memory dumps and analyzing network traffic captures. The curriculum also includes basic malware analysis to aid in determining the extent of system compromises. Each of these skills builds on the last, forming a comprehensive understanding of the tools and methodologies used in modern forensics.

Participants will hone their skills in identifying vulnerabilities, with a focused approach on understanding fundamental security settings and recognizing security misconfigurations. This emphasis on foundational security principles and configuration management is crucial for strengthening their ability to prevent and respond to security incidents effectively.

Upon completion of the MCDIR Certified Cyber Defense Incident Responder course, participants will be equipped with a diverse skill set enabling them to:

• Maintain comprehensive network device inventory for monitoring and control.
• Implement centralized log management systems for log analysis and storage.
• Configure security tools for automatic detection of suspicious behaviour.
• Utilize signature-based detection systems effectively to respond to known threats.
• Stay updated on cyber threat intelligence to counter emerging threats.
• Design and execute custom threat hunts tailored to organizational environments.
• Perform detailed network traffic analysis to identify security breaches and deviations from normal patterns.

MCSI is one of the most respected and trusted names in cyber security education and training. Our certifications teach critical skills, knowledge and abilities needed to advance a career in cyber security. Our courses are comprehensive and up-to-date, and our instructors are experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping students learn. MCSI provides the real-world skills and knowledge you need to protect any organization from cyber threats.

• Lab Setup

  Lab setup is crucial for cyber defense incident responders because it provides a controlled environment to simulate and practice various attack scenarios and response strategies. It allows responders to test security tools, develop proficiency in incident handling, and refine their skills without risking real-world systems or data.

  ELK Stack

  The ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) is essential for cyber defense incident responders to perform centralized log management, analyze network data, and create visual dashboards for monitoring and detecting security incidents.

  Pandas

  Pandas is a Python library used for data manipulation and analysis, beneficial for incident responders to process and analyze large datasets efficiently, aiding in identifying patterns and anomalies indicative of security threats.

  Yara

  Yara is a tool used for malware classification and detection, enabling incident responders to create custom rules for identifying specific types of malware and conducting threat hunting activities.

  OpenVAS

  OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is critical for incident responders to perform vulnerability scans and assessments, identifying weaknesses in systems and networks that could be exploited by attackers.

• Incident Response

  Incident response is crucial for cyber defense incident responders because it enables them to promptly detect, contain, and mitigate security incidents to minimize damage and restore normal operations swiftly. Effective incident response practices ensure that organizations can effectively manage and recover from cyber threats, reducing the impact of security breaches on critical systems and data.

  Incident Management Process

  The Incident Management Process involves structured approaches to identify, respond to, and resolve cybersecurity incidents promptly and effectively, essential for maintaining organizational security.

  Incident Response Teams

  Incident Response Teams are dedicated groups trained to manage and coordinate responses to cyber incidents, crucial for effective incident handling and mitigation.

  Creating a RFI

  Creating a Request for Information (RFI) helps in gathering specific details needed to investigate incidents thoroughly, supporting incident response efforts.

  Setting up Honeypots

  Setting up Honeypots aids in detecting and diverting potential threats away from critical systems, providing valuable insights into attacker behavior and tactics.

  Monitor Network Using Suricata

  Monitoring networks with Suricata helps in real-time detection of suspicious activities and potential security breaches, enhancing incident response capabilities.

  Capture Logs from Windows Machines Using Graylog

  Capturing logs from Windows machines using Graylog facilitates centralized log management, enabling comprehensive analysis and correlation of security events for incident response.

  Deploying GRR Rapid Response

  Deploying GRR Rapid Response aids in remote incident investigation and forensic data collection across multiple endpoints, streamlining incident response processes.

  Acquiring Artifacts Through GRR Rapid Response

  Acquiring artifacts through GRR Rapid Response enables quick retrieval and analysis of forensic evidence, supporting incident response investigations effectively.

  Hunt for Threats and Artifacts Using Velociraptor

  Hunting for threats and artifacts using Velociraptor enhances proactive incident response, enabling rapid detection and containment of cyber threats.

  Investigating Numerous Common Incidents

  Investigating numerous common incidents develops proficiency in incident response handling, preparing responders to address a wide range of cybersecurity threats effectively.

  Creating Incident Response Playbook

  Creating an Incident Response Playbook outlines predefined steps and procedures to guide effective incident response actions, ensuring consistency and efficiency in response efforts.

  Utilizing ELK to Detect Malicious Behavior

  Utilizing ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) aids in detecting and analyzing malicious behavior within logs and data, strengthening incident detection and response capabilities.

  Creating Custom Kibana Dashboard

  Creating custom Kibana dashboards provides tailored visualizations for monitoring and analyzing security incidents, enhancing situational awareness and response readiness.

• Malware Analysis

  Malware analysis involves examining malicious software to understand its functionality, behavior, and impact on systems. It is important for cybersecurity professionals to conduct malware analysis to identify and mitigate potential threats, protect systems from infection, and improve incident response capabilities.

  Understanding malware allows for proactive measures such as developing effective detection signatures, updating security defenses, and devising appropriate mitigation strategies to defend against evolving threats.

  Analyzing and Extracting Malicious Shortcut Files

  This involves examining shortcut files for hidden malware payloads, which is crucial for identifying and neutralizing threats targeting system vulnerabilities.

  Analyzing and Extracting Malicious PDF Files

  Analyzing malicious PDF files helps identify embedded malware and potential exploit techniques, enabling effective mitigation and response strategies.

  Analyzing and Extracting Malicious Word Files

  Examining malicious Word files allows for the detection of embedded malware or macros, essential for understanding attack vectors and developing effective countermeasures.

  Decompiling Java, AutoIt, MSI Files

  Decompiling these types of files aids in understanding their inner workings and identifying malicious behaviors, which is essential for malware analysis and threat intelligence.

  Using Resource Hacker to Decompose Malware

  Resource Hacker is a tool used to dissect Windows executable files, which can reveal hidden or obfuscated malicious code, aiding in malware analysis.

  Monitoring Malware with Process Monitor

  This involves using Process Monitor to observe malware behavior on systems, providing insights into its activities and helping to detect and respond to threats.

  Using API Monitor on Malware

  API monitoring helps analyze how malware interacts with system functions and external resources, enabling detection and mitigation of malicious activities.

  Reverse Engineering Malicious Macros

  This process involves dissecting malicious macros to understand their functionality and potential impact, which is crucial for identifying and mitigating macro-based attacks.

• Windows Forensics

  Windows forensics is crucial for investigating security incidents and identifying malicious activities on Windows-based systems. It enables analysts to collect and analyze digital evidence from Windows devices, aiding in incident response, threat detection, and mitigation efforts.

  Capturing an Image from USB Drives

  Capturing an image from USB drives is important for cyber defense forensic analysts as it allows them to collect and preserve data from removable storage devices for forensic analysis, aiding in investigations and incident response.

  Recovering Concealed Data

  Recovering concealed data is essential in forensic investigations as it helps analysts uncover hidden information and artifacts that may be critical for understanding the scope and impact of security incidents.

  Analyzing Windows Prefetch Files

  Analyzing Windows Prefetch files is important for cyber defense forensic analysts to understand program execution patterns and identify suspicious or unauthorized activity on Windows systems.

  Analyzing Windows Hibernation Files

  Analyzing Windows hibernation files is critical for extracting memory snapshots and volatile data, providing insights into system activities and potentially uncovering evidence of malicious behavior.

  Recovering Windows Shadow Copies

  Recovering Windows shadow copies is important for restoring previous versions of files and recovering data that may have been deleted or modified, aiding in digital forensics investigations.

  Using AmCacheParser

  Using AmCacheParser is essential for cyber defense forensic analysts to parse and analyze application compatibility cache data, helping to identify artifacts related to executed programs and user activity on Windows systems.

  Analyzing SCRUM Dumps on Windows

  Analyzing SCRUM dumps on Windows is important for examining memory dumps and extracting valuable information about processes, network connections, and file system activities, aiding in incident response and malware analysis.

• Memory Forensics

  Memory forensics is crucial for cyber defense forensic analysts because it enables the extraction of volatile data from active systems, providing insights into running processes, network connections, and system artifacts that may not be available through traditional disk-based forensics.

  Analyzing memory dumps can reveal important evidence of malware execution, persistence mechanisms, and attacker activities, aiding in incident response and threat mitigation efforts.

  Volatility Framework

  The Volatility Framework is a powerful tool used for memory forensics, allowing cyber defense forensic analysts to extract and analyze critical data from compromised machines' RAM. It aids in identifying malware, analyzing running processes, and uncovering artifacts crucial for incident response and threat hunting.

  Perform forensic analysis on compromised machines

  Performing forensic analysis on compromised machines involves extracting and examining evidence from systems that have been subject to security breaches. This process is essential for identifying the extent of compromise, understanding attacker tactics, and strengthening future defenses.

  Dump the RAM of a Windows machine

  Dumping the RAM of a Windows machine allows analysts to capture the volatile memory state, providing insights into active processes, network connections, and system artifacts. This data is critical for detecting malware, understanding attacker activities, and conducting thorough incident response investigations.

  Dumping the RAM of a Linux machine

  Dumping the RAM of a Linux machine enables analysts to capture volatile data from Linux systems, aiding in memory forensics investigations. This process helps identify malicious activities, uncover rootkits, and gather critical evidence for forensic analysis.

  Extracting malware from dumps

  Extracting malware from memory dumps allows analysts to isolate and analyze malicious code that resides in system memory. This activity is essential for understanding malware behavior, identifying indicators of compromise (IOCs), and strengthening defenses against similar threats.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Contingencies

  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Contingencies are crucial for cyber defense incident responders because they provide clear guidelines and protocols for responding to security incidents effectively. SOPs ensure consistent actions are taken, reducing response time and minimizing the impact of incidents on organizational operations.

  Contingencies allow responders to have predefined plans in place, enabling them to adapt quickly to unexpected situations and ensure continuity of operations during cyber crises.

  Creating a SOP

  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for cyber defense incident responders as they provide detailed instructions for handling security incidents consistently and effectively, ensuring a coordinated response and minimizing disruptions to operations.

  Automating the retrieval of information on recent cyber adversary activities

  Automating the retrieval of latest information on adversaries' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) is important for cyber defense incident responders to stay updated with evolving threats, enabling proactive defense measures and timely responses to potential security incidents.

  Create an IOC Playbook

  An IOC (Indicators of Compromise) playbook is essential for cyber defense incident responders to systematically document and respond to specific indicators of compromise, streamlining incident response efforts and improving overall security posture.

This course teaches the specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Tasks (KSATs) aligned with the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) as outlined in DoD 8140. By focusing on these critical competencies, the course ensures that you develop the essential capabilities required for various cybersecurity roles within the Department of Defense. This alignment not only guarantees that the training is relevant and comprehensive but also that it prepares you to meet the specific operational needs and standards of the DoD cyber workforce.

• knowledge

  ID	Description
  22	Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
  37	Knowledge of disaster recovery continuity of operations plans.
  50	Knowledge of how network services and protocols interact to provide network communications.
  60	Knowledge of incident categories, incident responses, and timelines for responses.
  61	Knowledge of incident response and handling methodologies.
  66	Knowledge of intrusion detection methodologies and techniques for detecting host and network-based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies.
  81A	Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services.
  105	Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflow, mobile code, cross-site scripting, Procedural Language/Structured Query Language [PL/SQL] and injections, race conditions, covert channel, replay, return-oriented attacks, malicious code).
  108	Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk).
  150	Knowledge of what constitutes a network attack and the relationship to both threats and vulnerabilities.
  984	Knowledge of cyber defense policies, procedures, and regulations.
  991	Knowledge of different classes of attacks (e.g., passive, active, insider, close-in, distribution).
  1029A	Knowledge of malware analysis concepts and methodologies.
  1033	Knowledge of basic system administration, network, and operating system hardening techniques.
  1069	Knowledge of general attack stages (e.g., foot printing and scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation or privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks).
  1072	Knowledge of network security architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, and principles (e.g., application of defense-in-depth).
  1157	Knowledge of national and international laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity.
  1158	Knowledge of cybersecurity principles.
  1159	Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
  3431	Knowledge of OSI model and underlying network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP).
  6900	Knowledge of specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses.
  29	Knowledge of data backup, types of backups (e.g., full, incremental), and recovery concepts and tools.
  49	Knowledge of host/network access control mechanisms (e.g., access control list).
  87	Knowledge of network traffic analysis methods.
  93	Knowledge of packet-level analysis.
  992C	Knowledge of threat environments (e.g., first generation threat actors, threat activities).
  1141A	Knowledge of an organization’s information classification program and procedures for information compromise.
  3362A	Knowledge of key factors of the operational environment and related threats and vulnerabilities.
  3561	Knowledge of the common networking and routing protocols(e.g. TCP/IP), services (e.g., web, mail, DNS), and how they interact to provide network communications.
  6935	Knowledge of cloud computing service models Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
  6938	Knowledge of cloud computing deployment models in private, public, and hybrid environment and the difference between on-premises and off-premises environments.
  6210	Knowledge of cloud service models and possible limitations for an incident response.
  6210	Knowledge of cloud service models and possible limitations for an incident response.

• skills

  ID	Description
  153	Skill of identifying, capturing, containing, and reporting malware.
  217	Skill in preserving evidence integrity according to standard operating procedures or national standards.
  893	Skill in securing network communications.
  895	Skill in recognizing and categorizing types of vulnerabilities and associated attacks.
  896	Skill in protecting a network against malware.
  897	Skill in performing damage assessments.
  923A	Skill in using security event correlation tools.

• tasks

  ID	Description
  470	Coordinate and provide expert technical support to enterprise-wide cyber defense technicians to resolve cyber defense incidents.
  716A	Monitor external data sources (e.g., cyber defense vendor sites, Computer Emergency Response Teams, Security Focus) to maintain currency of cyber defense threat condition and determine which security issues may have an impact on the enterprise.
  741A	Coordinate incident response functions.
  745	Perform cyber defense trend analysis and reporting.
  755	Perform initial, forensically sound collection of images and inspect to discern possible mitigation/remediation on enterprise systems.
  823	Receive and analyze network alerts from various sources within the enterprise and determine possible causes of such alerts.
  882	Write and publish cyber defense techniques, guidance, and reports on incident findings to appropriate constituencies.
  1030	Collect intrusion artifacts (e.g., source code, malware, trojans) and use discovered data to enable mitigation of potential cyber defense incidents within the enterprise.
  5670	Write and publish after action reviews.
  478	Correlate incident data to identify specific vulnerabilities and make recommendations that enable expeditious remediation.
  738	Perform analysis of log files from a variety of sources (e.g., individual host logs, network traffic logs, firewall logs, and intrusion detection system [IDS] logs) to identify possible threats to network security.
  743	Perform cyber defense incident triage, to include determining scope, urgency, and potential impact; identifying the specific vulnerability; and making recommendations that enable expeditious remediation.
  762	Perform real-time cyber defense incident handling (e.g., forensic collections, intrusion correlation and tracking, threat analysis, and direct system remediation) tasks to support deployable Incident Response Teams (IRTs).
  861	Track and document cyber defense incidents from initial detection through final resolution.
  961	Employ approved defense-in-depth principles and practices (e.g., defense-in-multiple places, layered defenses, security robustness).
  1031	Serve as technical expert and liaison to law enforcement personnel and explain incident details as required.
  2179	Coordinate with intelligence analysts to correlate threat assessment data.