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SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

Self-Assess
International (SANS Institute)
v2012 (Kral, GCIH Gold paper accepted 5 December 2011); PICERL phases from SANS Step by Step v1.5 (1998) and the SEC504 cycle
6 domains
21 controls

The SANS six-phase incident handling process (Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, Lessons Learned: PICERL) as set out in the SANS Reading Room Incident Handler's Handbook: what to have in place before an incident, how to decide and scope it, the three containment steps including a forensic image before rebuilding, clean rebuilds and hardening, recovery decided by system owners and monitored against baselines, and a report and review within two weeks. Built from the paper, read in full.

Verified

SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology is a compliance framework from International (SANS Institute) with 6 domains and 21 controls that map to 161 other frameworks. The largest domains are Phase 1: Preparation – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology (8 controls), Phase 2: Identification – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology (4 controls), Phase 3: Containment – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology (3 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard BlokdykControl text last updated

Framework summaries on this platform are interpretations grounded in the published source, for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.

Framework Domains (6)

Phase 1: Preparation – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

8 controls
Controls in the Phase 1: Preparation – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology domain of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology: 8 controls
CodeTitle
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-aP-a Written security policy that tells staff what is expected and lets the team judge whether an incident occurred
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-bP-b Incident response plan that ranks incidents by organizational impact
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-cP-c Communication plan: who the team contacts, when and why, including when to involve law enforcement
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-dP-d Document every action taken so records answer who, what, when, where, why and how
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-eP-e Multidisciplinary response team including legal, HR, public relations and IT specialists
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-fP-f Response team can be granted the permissions it needs during an incident and have them removed afterwards
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-gP-g Ready tools in a jump bag: journal, contact list, bootable media, forensic laptop, tool kits, write-blocking duplicators
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::P-hP-h Regular drills so every team member knows and can perform their duties

Phase 2: Identification – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

4 controls
Controls in the Phase 2: Identification – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology domain of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology: 4 controls
CodeTitle
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::I-1I-1 Detect and decide whether an event is an incident using logs, error messages, IDS and firewall data, and report it promptly
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::I-2I-2 Notify the team, coordinate with a command centre, assign a primary handler plus a second handler, and document
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::I-3I-3 Check Windows hosts for unusual processes, files, registry run keys, network use, scheduled tasks, accounts and event logs
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::I-4I-4 Check Unix hosts for root processes, unlinked files, SUID and large files, promiscuous interfaces, cron jobs, UID 0 accounts and logs

Phase 3: Containment – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

3 controls
Controls in the Phase 3: Containment – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology domain of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology: 3 controls
CodeTitle
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::C-1C-1 Short-term containment: limit the damage fast, from isolating a segment to failing over to other servers
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::C-2C-2 Take a forensic image of affected systems with recognised tools before wiping or reimaging, and store it securely
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::C-3C-3 Long-term containment: temporary fixes to keep production running while clean systems are rebuilt

Phase 4: Eradication – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

2 controls
Controls in the Phase 4: Eradication – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology domain of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology: 2 controls
CodeTitle
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::E-1E-1 Remove malicious content and restore clean systems, usually by full reimaging from known-good images, documenting effort and cost
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::E-2E-2 Improve defences so the same cause cannot recur: patch exploited weaknesses, disable unused services, harden

Phase 5: Recovery – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

2 controls
Controls in the Phase 5: Recovery – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology domain of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology: 2 controls
CodeTitle
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::R-1R-1 System owners decide the date and time to restore operations, on the response team's advice
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::R-2R-2 Test and verify restored systems, monitor them for a set period with chosen tools, and compare against baselines

Phase 6: Lessons Learned – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology

2 controls
Controls in the Phase 6: Lessons Learned – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology domain of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology: 2 controls
CodeTitle
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::L-1L-1 Complete the documentation and write an incident report giving a play-by-play account
sans-incident-handlers-handbook-and-picerl-methodology::L-2L-2 Hold a short lessons learned meeting within about two weeks, finalize an executive summary and agree improvements

Your Compliance Coverage

If you comply with SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology, you already cover:

South Korea ISMS-P

13%

8 controls mapped

Compare →

PSD2 SCA

11%

7 controls mapped

Compare →

PCI PIN Security

11%

7 controls mapped

Compare →

+ 158 more: FFIEC IT Examination Handbook (11%), PCI P2PE (11%)

See all 161 mapped frameworks ↓

Maps to 161 other frameworks

61 total controls
South Korea ISMS-P
8 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
13%
PSD2 SCA
7 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
11%
PCI PIN Security
7 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
11%
FFIEC IT Examination Handbook
7 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
11%
PCI P2PE
7 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
11%
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
7 source controls mapped|9 target controls covered
11%
ISO 22320:2018
7 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
11%
ISO/IEC 27019:2024
7 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
11%
PCI SSF
7 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
11%
API 1164
7 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
11%
NIST SP 1800-32
7 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
11%
IEC 62443
7 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
11%
NIST SP 800-190
7 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
11%
Singapore Government Instruction Manual on ICT&SS Management (IM8)
7 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
11%
ASIS SPC.1-2009 - Organizational Resilience Standard
7 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
11%
SOC 2
7 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
11%
NRC 10 CFR 73.54 - Nuclear Facility Cybersecurity
7 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
11%
SSAE 18 - Attestation Standards (SOC Reporting)
7 source controls mapped|8 target controls covered
11%
TSA Pipeline Cybersecurity Directives
6 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
ASD Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents
6 source controls mapped|8 target controls covered
10%
NFPA 1600 - Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management
6 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 30111:2019
6 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
6 source controls mapped|8 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-124 Revision 2 - Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices
6 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 27400:2022
6 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
TISAX - Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
6 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
SOC for Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity Risk Management Examination
6 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
SLSA
6 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
SIG (Shared Assessments)
6 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
PTES
6 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
OWASP SAMM
6 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
ISO/SAE 21434
6 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 27043:2015
6 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 27011:2024
6 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
FTC GLBA Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314)
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
UK Gambling Commission LCCP and Remote Technical Standards
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
UK GDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation)
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
Trinidad and Tobago Data Protection Act 2011
5 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
8%
Tanzania Personal Data Protection Act 2022
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
South Korea PIPA
5 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
8%
UK Defence Standard 05-138 - Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers
5 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
8%
Switzerland New Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP/nDSG, 2023)
5 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
8%
UK Open Banking Standard
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
US Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and USCG Cybersecurity Requirements
5 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
8%
Barbados Data Protection Act 2019
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
ISO 28001:2007 Supply Chain Security Management
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
Annex 11 to EU GMP - Computerised Systems
5 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
8%
UK Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
AICPA Privacy Management Framework (PMF)
5 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
8%
ISO/IEC 27031:2011
5 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
8%
FedRAMP Rev 5
5 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
DAMA-DMBOK2 - Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition)
5 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
8%
Virginia CDPA
4 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Uruguay DPL
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Taiwan PDPA
4 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Qatar DPL
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
7%
POPIA
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (UAE PDPL)
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT)
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
BSI IT-Grundschutz
4 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
7%
APRA CPS 230 Operational Risk Management
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Bahrain PDPL
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
7%
EASA Part-IS - Information Security in Aviation
4 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
7%
ISO/IEC 27010:2015
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI)
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
7%
Saudi Arabia PDPL
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
7%
UK Security and Emergency Measures Direction (SEMD) - Water Industry
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Papua New Guinea National Cybersecurity Policy & Cybercrime Act (2016)
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
Nevada Gaming Control Board Cybersecurity Requirements
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
Canada ITSG-33 - IT Security Risk Management
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
APPI
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
5%
COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
ITIL 4
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
APRA CPS 234
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
5%
Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms (TSSR)
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
5%
ISO/TS 22318:2021
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
5%
ISO/TS 22317:2021
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
5%
ISO 22316
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
5%
AWWA Cybersecurity Guidance for the Water Sector (American Water Works Association)
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
5%
CISA Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPG) 2.0
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
5%
FBI CJIS Security Policy
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
US Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSC) Manufacturer and Importer Duties
2 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
3%
NATO STANAG 4774 (Confidentiality Metadata Labels) and STANAG 4778 (Metadata Binding)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
WCAG 2.2
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - E-Commerce Chapter
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
UK Bribery Act 2010
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Philippines Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ICH Q10 - Pharmaceutical Quality System
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
French Sapin II Law (Law No. 2016-1691)
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - General Requirements for Testing and Calibration
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27003:2017
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
IEC 60601-1 - Medical Electrical Equipment Safety
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) - Net-Zero Standard
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO 19650 - Organisation and Digitisation of Information about Buildings and Civil Engineering Works (BIM)
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27557:2022 - Organisational Privacy Risk Management
2 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
3%
ISO 56002
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO 26262:2018 - Functional Safety for Road Vehicles
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 29100:2024
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Albania Law No. 124/2024 on Personal Data Protection
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 29134:2023
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Azerbaijan Law on Personal Data (2010)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO 20400:2017 - Sustainable Procurement
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 29147:2018
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27050-1:2019
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
PCI DSS 4.0
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO 15189:2022 - Medical Laboratories Requirements for Quality and Competence
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
DFARS 252.204-7012 - Safeguarding Covered Defense Information
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 23894:2023
2 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27014:2020
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 25012:2008 - Data Quality Model
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27004:2016
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
ISO 41001:2018 - Facility Management Systems
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Austria Data Protection Act (Datenschutzgesetz, DSG, amended 2018)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Nebraska Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Kuwait National Cybersecurity Framework
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 23837:2023
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27007:2020
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
FedRAMP High
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
FedRAMP Moderate
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
ISO 8000 - Data Quality
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
IEC 62351 - Power Systems Communication Security
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
COBIT 2019
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) v4.1 - Process Assessment Model
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
IAIS Insurance Core Principles (ICPs)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 29115:2013 - Entity Authentication Assurance Framework
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO 14064 - Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Verification (Parts 1-3)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (RIDTPPA)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
US SEC Digital Assets and Crypto Regulatory Framework
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Singapore Cybersecurity Act 2018
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Sweden Data Protection Act (Dataskyddslag, 2018:218)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO 13485:2016
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO 22301:2019
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
UNICEF Policy Guidance on AI for Children (2021)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
UK FCA/PRA Operational Resilience Framework
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
UK AI Regulation Framework
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
SEC Climate Disclosure Rule
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ICAO Annex 17 - Aviation Security (AVSEC)
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
SQF Code Edition 9 - Safe Quality Food
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO 22313:2020 - Guidance on Business Continuity Management Systems
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
2%
ISO 22000:2018
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes - Global Standards
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
AML/CTF Act 2006 (Australia)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO 27799:2025
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
GDPR
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
APRA SPS 220 Risk Management (Superannuation)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
UK Age Appropriate Design Code (Children's Code)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) - Responsible Minerals Assurance Process
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
2%
UK Modern Slavery Act 2015
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO 27018:2019
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
ISO 27002:2022
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
2%
Compare SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology with South Korea ISMS-P

Coverage is not the same as your position

This page shows what SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology overlaps with in general. Where your organisation actually stands, against the standard you are going for and the certifications you already hold, is a different question. Same graph and the same recorded refutations, scoped to you rather than to a pair.

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What is SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology and who does it apply to?

SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology is a compliance framework from International (SANS Institute) with 6 domains and 21 controls. The SANS six-phase incident handling process (Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, Lessons Learned: PICERL) as set out in the SANS Reading Room Incident Handler's Handbook: what to have in place before an incident, how to decide and scope it, the three containment steps including a forensic image before rebuilding, clean rebuilds and hardening, recovery decided by system owners and monitored against baselines, and a report and review within two weeks. Built from the paper, read in full. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology actually require?

SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology has 21 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Phase 1: Preparation – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology (8 controls), Phase 2: Identification – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology (4 controls), Phase 3: Containment – SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology do I already cover?

SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology maps to 161 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are South Korea ISMS-P (13% coverage), PSD2 SCA (11% coverage), PCI PIN Security (11% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.

How do I implement SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology?

Start your SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 21 controls and track your progress.

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