What does incident response in cybersecurity entail?

Incident response in cybersecurity is a structured approach to handling and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyberattack. This process encompasses several critical steps, including identifying the security incident, containing its impact on systems and data, and mitigating any damage that has occurred.

Effective incident response is essential for minimizing the consequences of security incidents, restoring normal operations, and preventing future occurrences. The response typically involves a team of cybersecurity professionals who assess the incident's scope, gather evidence, and implement strategies to recover impacted systems and data. By promptly addressing incidents, organizations can protect their assets and maintain trust with stakeholders.

The other options presented focus on broader operational aspects like employee onboarding, data privacy management, and IT audits, which, while important, do not directly pertain to the immediate and specific actions taken during a security incident. Thus, they do not capture the essence of incident response, which is fundamentally about managing and mitigating the effects of security incidents as they arise.