Not everyone needs the same incident training. IR-2 asks you to give training that matches each person's role and responsibility, and to repeat it at defined points.
800-53 binds US federal systems and contract holders. Other companies can treat it as a reference, since auditors commonly ask who has been trained and when.
What the control asks
Provide incident response training to system users consistent with assigned roles:
- Within a defined time of taking an incident response role or getting system access.
- When system changes require it.
- On a defined frequency after that.
Also review and update the training content on a frequency you set and after defined events.
What it means in practice
NIST gives a ladder. Ordinary users may only need to know who to call and how to recognize an incident. System administrators need more on handling. Responders get deeper material on forensics, data collection, reporting, system recovery and restoration. Training for users can be delivered through AT-2 or AT-3.
Triggers to update content include plan testing, response to an actual incident, audit findings and legal changes.
Evidence to collect
- A role to training matrix.
- Completion records with date, person and course.
- Content review history and what prompted changes.
- Evidence that new hires finish the user level module within your stated time.
- Records of responder exercises, which also support IR-3.
Common gaps
One generic annual video for everyone. No separate material for responders. Content untouched after a real incident taught you something.
Enhancements: IR-2.1 Simulated Events, IR-2.2 Automated Training Environments and IR-2.3 Breach.
How to implement it
Define three tiers. Track completion in your learning system. After each incident, update the slides within a month.
Quick check
What might an ordinary user need to know under IR-2?
Who to call and how to recognize an incident.
