What is a Playbook?

Runbook

Definition: 

Set of instructions for completing a routine task. 

Examples:

How-to for setting up a server, deploying software to production, database backup and restore tasks. Regularly generating reports for customers

Threat Containment Actions

Playbook 

unique overarching set of guides that an organization has prepared and compiled for its teams 

Examples:

• Big-Picture Security Incident Response Plans 

• A playbook is to a runbook what a car manual is to a tire repair guide.

• A playbook might contain higher-level objectives and routine tasks that a company might not use daily. 

References

• sumologic.com - The difference between playbooks and runbooks in Incident Response

• techtarget.com - Compare runbooks vs. playbooks for IT process documentation

• statuspal.io - Runbook vs. Playbook: Meaning, Differences, and Uses

• cyware.com - What is the Difference Between a Security Playbook and a Runbook

• Runbooks, Playbooks, & SOPs — What’s the Difference?

Certainly, let's go deeper into the topic of Security and Risk Management and identify various runbooks or playbooks that are essential for GRC (Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance) Framework Implementation:

1. GRC Framework Implementation Playbook:

• A comprehensive guide for implementing a Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance framework within the organization. It includes steps for defining roles, responsibilities, and processes.

2. Compliance Assessment and Auditing Playbook:

• Detailed procedures for conducting compliance assessments and audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations.

3. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Runbook:

• A step-by-step process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across the organization. This includes risk identification, risk analysis, risk treatment, and monitoring.

4. Policy Development and Management Playbook:

• Guidelines for creating, implementing, and managing security policies and procedures that align with regulatory requirements and organizational objectives.

5. Threat Modeling Runbook:

• Instructions for performing threat modeling exercises to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in systems and applications.

6. Business Continuity Runbook:

• A playbook outlining strategies for business continuity and disaster recovery, including risk assessments, backup procedures, and crisis management.

7. Legal Playbook:

• Procedures for handling legal aspects related to cybersecurity, including contracts, intellectual property, and compliance with data protection laws.

8. Cybersecurity Laws and Regulations Playbook:

• A guide to understanding and complying with specific cybersecurity laws and regulations applicable to the organization's industry and location.

9. Data Breach Notification Laws Runbook:

• Instructions for complying with data breach notification laws, including the process for reporting and mitigating data breaches.

10. Cybersecurity Insurance Playbook:

- Guidance for assessing cybersecurity insurance needs, selecting appropriate policies, and managing insurance claims in the event of a cyber incident.

11. Legal Aspects of Incident Response Runbook:

- Steps to follow when addressing legal considerations during incident response, including evidence preservation and communication with legal counsel.

12. Security Education, Training, and Awareness Playbook:

- Procedures for developing and delivering security education and awareness programs to employees, contractors, and stakeholders.

These runbooks and playbooks collectively contribute to the effective management of security and risk within an organization, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and legal preparedness. Implementing these documents as part of a GRC framework can enhance the organization's overall cybersecurity posture.