SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology
The SANS Institute Incident Handler's Handbook establishes the widely-adopted PICERL incident response methodology: Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned. SANS provides the most widely recognised incident response training and certifications: GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), and GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE). The SANS methodology is taught in SEC504 (Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling), the most popular information security course worldwide. SANS also maintains the Internet Storm Center (ISC) and SANS Technology Institute.
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Framework Domains (6)
Phase 1 - Preparation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PICERL-P1 | Security Policy Review |
| PICERL-P2 | Risk Assessment |
| PICERL-P3 | CSIRT Formation |
| PICERL-P4 | Tools and Documentation |
Phase 2 - Identification
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PICERL-I1 | Monitoring and Detection |
| PICERL-I2 | Evidence Collection |
| PICERL-I3 | Incident Classification |
Phase 3 - Containment
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PICERL-C1 | Short-Term Containment |
| PICERL-C2 | System Backup |
| PICERL-C3 | Long-Term Containment |
Phase 4 - Eradication
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PICERL-E1 | Threat Removal |
| PICERL-E2 | Root Cause Analysis |
| PICERL-E3 | Backdoor Elimination |
Phase 5 - Recovery
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PICERL-R1 | System Restoration |
| PICERL-R2 | Security Verification |
| PICERL-R3 | Enhanced Monitoring |
Phase 6 - Lessons Learned
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PICERL-L1 | Post-Incident Review |
| PICERL-L2 | Documentation and Reporting |
| PICERL-L3 | Plan Improvement |
Maps to 596 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology?
SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology is a compliance framework from International (SANS Institute) with 6 domains and 19 controls. The SANS Institute Incident Handler's Handbook establishes the widely-adopted PICERL incident response methodology: Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned. SANS provides the most widely recognised incident response training and certifications: GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), and GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE). The SANS methodology is taught in SEC504 (Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling), the most popular information security course worldwide. SANS also maintains the Internet Storm Center (ISC) and SANS Technology Institute. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology have?
SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology has 19 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Phase 1 - Preparation (4 controls), Phase 2 - Identification (3 controls), Phase 3 - Containment (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology map to?
SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology maps to 596 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are CSA STAR (Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk) (42% coverage), NIS2 Directive Implementing Acts (42% coverage), ASD Information Security Manual (ISM) (42% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
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