Certified Incident Handler (CIH) Practice Ecam

Which of the following is a crucial first step in an incident response regarding email security?

1. Assessing physical security measures

2. Analyzing user behavior

3. Collecting email headers for investigation

4. Updating security policies

The correct answer is: Collecting email headers for investigation

Collecting email headers for investigation is a crucial first step in incident response regarding email security because it provides critical forensic information that can help identify the source and nature of a potential email-related security incident. Email headers contain data such as the sender's email address, the time the email was sent, the path it took through various servers, and other technical details that can reveal whether an email is legitimate or part of a phishing attempt or other malicious activity. By analyzing these headers, incident responders can determine if an email originated from a trusted source or if it has been spoofed, which is essential in assessing the scope of the incident. This information is vital for understanding how the attack occurred, who was targeted, and what actions may need to be taken to mitigate any damage. Collecting email headers helps build a timeline of the incident and offers insights that can inform the overall investigation process, enabling a more effective and targeted response. This foundational step sets the stage for further investigations, making it vital for a thorough and efficient incident response plan in the context of email security.