What foundational element should be included in an incident response plan?

Including defined recovery plans for incidents in an incident response plan is crucial because it provides a structured approach to restoring normal operations after an incident occurs. Recovery plans specify the steps that need to be taken to recover systems, data, and services, ensuring that the organization can return to business as usual in a timely and efficient manner. This aspect not only helps minimize downtime but also guides the response team in evaluating the impact of the incident and implementing the necessary actions to restore operations effectively.

While high-level management strategies may offer guidance for overall organizational direction, they don't provide the specific tactical steps required during an incident. Similarly, social community involvement and cost analysis of technology upgrades do not directly address the immediate needs for recovering from an incident, which is the primary focus of an incident response plan. Therefore, having defined recovery plans is essential for an effective incident response, ensuring that organizations can manage crises effectively and resume normal operations.