Introduction
This paper focuses on an incident response plan to be adhered to in case of any unfortunate mishap on the main home computer. The plan includes the various steps and activities to be taken to help overcome the threats, risks, and unintended activities that may strike the home computer.
Virus attack
Prevention
Concerning aspects such as a virus attack on the home computer, various preventive activities must be implemented that would help prevent viruses from infecting the computer. Foremost, there should be regular updates on the computer software. Software running on the home computer must be regularly checked and improved, including the operating system, antivirus software, and other applications installed in the computer (Khan et al., 2021).
Second, every individual handling and using the home computer should exercise total vigilance and caution while browsing the internet. Nobody should download any unknown file from an unknown vendor. Besides, clicking unknown links is also prohibited.
All users should ensure that they have a firewall which would help to block malicious network traffic.
There should be a backup of data and information regularly.
Detection
There should be an installed antivirus software on the home computer. This would help to provide real-time scanning and protection against viruses. Besides, there should be intrusion detection systems installed.
Response
In case of a virus attack, all connections to the network should be disconnected to avoid more infection. Afterward, a full scan of the home computer system is recommended, with the aid of certified antivirus software (Khan et al., 2021).
Quarantine and isolate all the infected files and data, and follow the steps provided by the antivirus software to remove the virus.
Restore the home computer system after the cleanup.
Recovery
Ensure that the virus has been removed completely from the computer system. Afterward, all necessary security updates and patches should be applied. Finally, it is necessary to review the security measures and features to see if they meet the system requirements. Any necessary updates are implemented immediately (Khan et al., 2021).
Power failure
Prevention
Using a surge protector in the home computer power supply socket will help to protect against power surges. Besides, acquiring a full-time, uninterrupted power supply would help to provide power during outages. Last, saving work regularly would help overcome issues caused due to power failure (Whitman & Mattord, 2021)
Detection
To detect power failure, check for normal lights; if they are off, it indicates a power shortage. Power shortage and failure cause appliances to switch off, and all lights go off.
Response
Unplug the home computer to avoid issues related to power surges. Besides, safely shut all the equipment to avoid instances of data corruption.
Recovery
Turn on the computer after restoring power, and confirm whether there are any issues caused by power failure.
Choose the best power backup solutions and purchase them for future use.
Fire
Prevention
Implement the use of smoke detectors and install fire extinguishers on the premises. Besides, the home computer should be kept safe from any flammable liquid or substance. Besides, all dust and unwanted substances should be cleaned and removed from the home computer (Whitman & Mattord, 2021)
Detection
During the case of a fire outbreak, the smoke detectors and the alarms will notify and sound to create awareness of the fire outbreak.
Response
Provide immediate evacuation and ensure fire safety during the process.
No processes of salvaging or rescuing home computers during the fire outbreak
Recovery
Assess the damage after the fire is extinguished, and initiate contact with the insurance company related to the home computer so that negotiations can be done regarding the coverage and compensation can begin. After sourcing a new unit, implement cloud storage to help as a backup in future circumstances (Whitman & Mattord, 2021).
Burst water pipe
Prevention
Insulate all the water pipes that run in the house, and keep the home computer safe from water and the water pipes that supply to the different parts of the house.
Detection
Look out for water patches and leakages in walls and ceilings. This may indicate a leaking or burst pipe.
Response
First, the water supply should be turned off to avoid further losses and damage. Afterward, the home computer should be disconnected and transported to a more secure and dry environment (Whitman & Mattord, 2021).
Recovery
After solving the issue with the burst water pipe, an assessment to know the total damage is done. After the assessment results show that installing electrical equipment and electronics is safe, the home computer can then be installed.
ISP failure
Prevention
To prevent ISP failure, one must choose the best and most reliable supplier with a good reputation and minimal downtime compared to other suppliers. Besides, the homes should source for a backup means, such as buying a hotspot or a mobile data plan, which would aid during ISP downtime (Ahmad et al., 2021).
Detection
To know whether there is an internet loss, check the connectivity status of the home computer. Loss of internet connectivity may indicate ISP failure.
Response
Check all the internet components, including the router, cables, or any other hardware related to the internet connection. If all components are okay, notify the ISP about the loss. During the downtime, use the available alternative means, such as mobile hotspots.
Recovery
Once all the issues with the ISP are dealt with, the internet connectivity is restored. To prevent similar disruptions in the future, it is advisable to source an alternative or secondary ISP that will provide connectivity during such downtimes.
Additional scenarios
Theft
In consideration of theft, security measures need to be implemented. These include physical security implementations, access control, and other related measures. Besides, enabling remote wiping and tracking of the home devices would help to counter theft.
Outdated software
To ensure the smooth running of software on the home computer, there should be regular updates and checkups on the different software and applications running on the computer.
Hardware failure
There should be a regular schedule for backing up data, where important data is backed up in external hardware such as flash drives and external storage devices. Besides, having spare hardware such as power supply units, storage units, and monitors would help recover from a disaster.
References
Ahmad, A., Maynard, S. B., Desouza, K. C., Kotsias, J., Whitty, M. T., & Baskerville, R. L. (2021). How can organizations develop situation awareness for incident response: A case study of management practice. Computers & Security, p. 101, 102122.
Khan, F., Kim, J. H., Mathiassen, L., & Moore, R. (2021). Data breach management: an integrated risk model. Information & Management, 58(1), 103392.
Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2021). Principles of incident response and disaster recovery. Cengage Learning.