A CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) is a specialist cybersecurity team dedicated to managing large-scale IT security incidents. In French, we sometimes use the term CERT or CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team).
The role of a CERT
Its main role is to prevent, detect and respond to cyber attacks on government institutions or major industries.
CERTs play a crucial role in protecting information systems. They act as first aid in the event of a cyber attack, providing their technical expertise and experience to manage critical situations.
Main tasks
- Monitoring : CERT constantly monitors systems to detect any anomalies or intrusions.
- Analysis: When an incident is detected, CERT analyses its nature, extent and impact.
- Response: CERT implements the necessary actions to contain the incident, limit its consequences and restore system security.
- Communication : CERT communicates with stakeholders (managers, employees, partners, authorities) to inform them of the situation and support them in managing the crisis.
- Raising awareness : CERT carries out awareness-raising campaigns to help users adopt good security practices.
The different types of CERT
- Government CERTs: They are responsible for protecting a country's critical infrastructure (power grids, telecommunications, etc.).
- CERT-FR (France)
- US-CERT (United States)
- CERT-BE (Belgium)...
- Sector CERTs
- Banking sector
- Energy sector
- Telecommunications sector...
- Enterprise CERT: Large companies can have their own CERT to manage internal incidents.
- Commercial CERTs : These organisations offer their services to smaller companies that do not have the resources to set up their own CERTs.
Why are CERTs important?
Cyber attacks are multiplying and becoming increasingly sophisticated. CERTs make it possible to :
- Reduce response time to incidents, which limits damage.
- Improving overall safety information systems.
- Sharing information on threats with the cybersecurity community.
Certifications and skills required to work in a CERT
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification)
- Expertise in malware
- Digital forensics skills