During incident preparation, what is a crucial step for incident handlers regarding devices?

During incident preparation, defining live analysis laboratory configurations is vital for incident handlers because it establishes the environment where incidents can be analyzed in real-time without disrupting operational systems. This configured lab allows handlers to simulate attacks, test responses, and validate tools safely, enhancing their readiness and effectiveness when real incidents occur.

The ability to conduct live analyses is critical for understanding the tactics employed by threat actors during an incident. By having a predefined setup, incident handlers can quickly adapt and use methods that will provide insights into the attacker's techniques, methods, and processes. This preparation also aids in developing and refining incident response plans, ensuring that they are both timely and efficient.

Other steps, while important, do not directly contribute to the capability of responding to live incidents in the way that a well-defined lab setup does. Regular software updates contribute to overall security hygiene, but they do not specifically prepare handlers for incident analysis. Backing up configurations is crucial for recovery, while maximizing network speeds might enhance performance but does not relate to incident-specific preparation.