What must each agency have to describe actions in the event of a security incident?

Each agency must have a written policy to describe actions in the event of a security incident because this policy serves as a foundational document that establishes the procedures, responsibilities, and steps to be taken in response to security incidents. A written policy ensures that all personnel understand what actions to take, promotes consistency in responses, and provides a clear guideline for maintaining security protocols.

Having a written policy helps to define reporting structures, designate roles and responsibilities, and outline communication strategies. It also addresses training requirements and compliance, which are critical for effectively managing security incidents. This structure is essential in helping an agency respond swiftly and effectively, mitigating potential risks and damages resulting from such incidents.

While a disaster recovery plan details how an organization will recover from a catastrophic incident, and a security incident report provides documentation of specific incidents after they occur, these are not sufficient on their own to guide actions proactively. A financial audit, although important for financial oversight and accountability, does not pertain directly to security incident response. Thus, a comprehensive written policy is crucial for guiding agencies in effectively managing security incidents.