Security Event Detection and Monitoring Policy (RES-POL-003)

1. Objective

The objective of this policy is to establish comprehensive requirements for the detection, monitoring, and initial reporting of security events and incidents within [Company Name]’s information systems and infrastructure. This policy ensures that security events are identified promptly through both automated and manual detection methods, properly reported through established channels, and appropriately triaged to determine if incident response procedures should be activated. By implementing robust detection and monitoring capabilities, [Company Name] can minimize the time between incident occurrence and detection, reducing potential impact on operations and electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) while maintaining compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, and SOC 2 requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all [Company Name] workforce members, contractors, third parties, and business associates who may detect, observe, or report potential security events or incidents. It encompasses all information systems, applications, networks, devices, and infrastructure components owned, operated, or managed by [Company Name], including cloud services, mobile devices, and third-party systems that process company data. This policy covers all detection methods including automated security tools, manual observation, and workforce reporting, as well as the initial triage and reporting procedures that determine whether formal incident response should be activated.

3. Policy

[Company Name] shall implement comprehensive security event detection and monitoring capabilities across all information systems and infrastructure components to ensure early identification of potential security incidents and enable rapid activation of incident response procedures as defined in the Incident Response Framework & Team Management Policy (RES-POL-001).

3.1 Security Event Detection Framework

Multiple detection methods shall be employed to identify potential security incidents as early as possible across all organizational systems and infrastructure.

3.1.1 Automated Detection Systems

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM):
  • Centralized log collection and correlation from all critical systems
  • Real-time analysis and alerting for security events and anomalies
  • Custom rules and signatures for organization-specific threats
  • Integration with threat intelligence feeds for enhanced detection
  • Automated escalation procedures for high-priority alerts
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS):
  • Network-based detection for suspicious traffic patterns and known attack signatures
  • Host-based detection for system-level compromises and malicious activity
  • Behavioral analysis and machine learning for advanced threat detection
  • Automated blocking and containment for confirmed threats
  • Integration with network security infrastructure and response systems
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR):
  • Continuous monitoring of all endpoints including workstations, servers, and mobile devices
  • Real-time detection of malware, suspicious processes, and unauthorized changes
  • Behavioral analysis and anomaly detection for advanced persistent threats
  • Automated isolation and containment capabilities for compromised endpoints
  • Forensic data collection and analysis for incident investigation
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP):
  • Monitoring of data access, transmission, and storage activities
  • Detection of unauthorized data exfiltration attempts and policy violations
  • Content inspection and classification for sensitive data protection
  • Integration with email, web, and network security systems
  • Automated blocking and quarantine of suspicious data activities
• Additional Automated Detection Tools:
  • Antivirus and anti-malware system notifications and alerts
  • Network anomaly detection and behavioral analysis systems
  • File integrity monitoring and system change detection tools
  • Cloud security posture management (CSPM) and configuration monitoring
  • Application security monitoring and runtime protection systems

3.1.2 Detection Coverage Requirements

• System Coverage:
  • All production systems processing ePHI or Confidential data shall have continuous monitoring
  • Critical infrastructure components shall have redundant detection capabilities
  • Cloud services shall be monitored through native and third-party security tools
  • Network perimeter and internal segments shall have comprehensive coverage
  • Remote access and VPN connections shall be continuously monitored
• Event Categories:
  • Unauthorized access attempts and authentication failures
  • Privilege escalation and administrative access activities
  • Data access violations and unauthorized data movement
  • Malware infections and suspicious file activities
  • Network intrusions and communication anomalies
  • System configuration changes and unauthorized modifications
  • Performance anomalies that may indicate security compromise

3.2 Manual Detection and Observation

Workforce members shall be trained and empowered to identify and report potential security events through observation and awareness.

3.2.1 Workforce-Based Detection

• Security Awareness and Training:
  • Annual security awareness training including incident recognition and reporting
  • Regular updates on current threat landscape and attack techniques
  • Specialized training for IT and security personnel on advanced threat detection
  • Simulated phishing and social engineering exercises to test detection capabilities
  • Recognition and incentive programs for effective security event reporting
• Observation-Based Detection Methods:
  • Workforce member reports of suspicious emails, phone calls, or social engineering attempts
  • System administrator observation of anomalous system behavior or performance
  • Physical security observations including unauthorized access attempts or suspicious individuals
  • Customer or partner reports of potential compromise or suspicious communications
  • Third-party security service provider notifications and threat intelligence

3.2.2 Proactive Security Monitoring

• Security Team Activities:
  • Proactive threat hunting and security monitoring activities
  • Regular analysis of security logs and system behavior patterns
  • Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities
  • Dark web monitoring for indicators of organizational compromise
  • Threat intelligence research and analysis for organization-specific risks
• System Administrator Monitoring:
  • Regular review of system logs and security events
  • Monitoring of system performance and capacity metrics for anomalies
  • Configuration change monitoring and unauthorized modification detection
  • User activity monitoring and access pattern analysis
  • Integration with automated tools for manual validation and investigation

3.3 Security Event Reporting and Triage

Comprehensive reporting procedures shall ensure that all potential security events are properly documented and triaged for appropriate response.

3.3.1 Incident Reporting Channels

• Primary Reporting Methods:
  • 24/7 security hotline: [Phone Number] for immediate verbal reporting
  • Email reporting: [Email Address] for detailed written reports
  • Online incident reporting portal: [URL] for structured reporting and tracking
  • In-person reporting to Security Officer, IT Management, or designated incident response personnel
• Reporting Channel Requirements:
  • Multiple redundant channels available 24/7 for continuous availability
  • Secure communication methods to protect sensitive incident information
  • Integration with incident tracking and management systems
  • Automated acknowledgment and case number assignment for all reports
  • Escalation procedures for high-priority or urgent security events

3.3.2 Reporting Requirements and Procedures

• Mandatory Reporting Timelines:
  • All suspected security incidents shall be reported within [Timeframe, e.g., 2 hours] of discovery
  • Initial reports may be verbal with written follow-up mandated within [Timeframe, e.g., 24 hours]
  • Critical incidents involving ePHI or system compromise require immediate reporting
  • Workforce members shall not delay reporting while gathering additional information
  • No investigation or remediation attempts shall be made prior to reporting
• Report Content Requirements:
  • Date, time, and method of incident discovery
  • Description of observed events, symptoms, or indicators
  • Affected systems, applications, or data categories
  • Potential impact assessment and scope of compromise
  • Actions taken prior to reporting (if any)
  • Contact information for the reporting individual
  • Any relevant evidence or supporting documentation

3.3.3 Event Triage and Classification

• Initial Triage Process:
  • Immediate assessment of reported events to determine validity and priority
  • Classification of events according to incident severity criteria
  • Determination of whether formal incident response procedures should be activated
  • Assignment of incident response team members based on event type and severity
  • Coordination with Incident Response Framework & Team Management Policy (RES-POL-001)
• Event Classification Criteria:
  • Critical: Events involving ePHI compromise, widespread system compromise, or immediate threat to operations
  • High: Events involving Confidential data access, targeted attacks, or significant system compromise
  • Medium: Events involving suspicious activity, minor system compromise, or potential policy violations
  • Low: Events involving general security alerts, routine monitoring findings, or minor security issues
  • Informational: Events requiring documentation but not requiring active response

3.4 Detection System Management and Maintenance

Continuous management and optimization of detection systems shall ensure effective coverage and minimal false positives.

3.4.1 System Configuration and Tuning

• Detection Rule Management:
  • Regular review and optimization of detection rules and signatures
  • Custom rule development for organization-specific threats and environments
  • False positive analysis and rule tuning to improve detection accuracy
  • Integration of threat intelligence feeds for enhanced detection capabilities
  • Documentation of all custom rules and configuration changes
• Performance Monitoring:
  • Continuous monitoring of detection system performance and availability
  • Capacity planning and resource allocation for detection infrastructure
  • Redundancy and failover capabilities for critical detection systems
  • Regular testing of detection capabilities and response procedures
  • Integration with overall system monitoring and alerting infrastructure

3.4.2 Continuous Improvement

• Detection Effectiveness Assessment:
  • Regular analysis of detection system effectiveness and coverage gaps
  • Metrics tracking including mean time to detection (MTTD) and false positive rates
  • Comparison with industry benchmarks and best practices
  • Integration of lessons learned from incident response activities
  • Continuous improvement based on emerging threats and attack techniques
• Technology Updates and Enhancement:
  • Regular updates to detection system software and signatures
  • Evaluation and integration of new detection technologies and capabilities
  • Coordination with vendor support and threat intelligence providers
  • Testing and validation of system updates in non-production environments
  • Documentation of all changes and their impact on detection capabilities

4. Standards Compliance

See Annex: Control Mapping

5. Definitions

See Annex: Glossary

6. Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Security Officer	Develop detection and monitoring policies, oversee detection system implementation, coordinate with incident response team, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
IT Security Team	Implement and manage detection systems, analyze security events and alerts, perform threat hunting activities, and coordinate event triage and escalation.
Security Analysts	Monitor security events and alerts, perform initial triage and investigation, escalate incidents to response team, and maintain detection system rules and configurations.
System Administrators	Monitor system performance and behavior, report suspicious activities, support detection system implementation, and coordinate with security team on event investigation.
SOC Team	Provide 24/7 monitoring and analysis of security events, perform initial incident triage, coordinate escalation procedures, and maintain situational awareness of security posture.
Network Administrators	Monitor network traffic and behavior, implement network-based detection systems, support security event investigation, and coordinate network-related incident response activities.
All Workforce Members	Report suspected security events promptly, participate in security awareness training, follow established reporting procedures, and cooperate with security event investigations.