✍️Legal Documents and Report Writing

Documentation on Common Legal Documents and Reports in Cybersecurity

1. Sales:

a. Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA):

A Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement is a foundational document that safeguards sensitive information shared between parties during discussions or collaborations. In cybersecurity sales, this is often used when discussing proprietary technologies, security measures, or other confidential details. The agreement ensures that both parties are bound to keep the shared information confidential.

b. Master Service Agreement (MSA):

The Master Service Agreement outlines the overarching terms and conditions governing a long-term business relationship. In cybersecurity, an MSA can define the scope of services, responsibilities, payment terms, and other crucial aspects of the engagement. It serves as a comprehensive framework for future collaborations.

c. Statement of Work (SOW):

The Statement of Work is a detailed document specifying the project's scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation. In cybersecurity sales, an SOW ensures that both the client and the cybersecurity provider have a clear understanding of the project's parameters and expectations.

2. Before You Test:

As ethical and legal considerations are paramount in cybersecurity testing, specific documents are essential to establish guidelines and boundaries.

a. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

The Rules of Engagement document sets the guidelines and constraints for a cybersecurity testing engagement. It defines the scope, permissible activities, and limitations for penetration testing or ethical hacking. An ROE ensures that the testing activities align with legal and ethical standards.

3. After You Test:

Post-testing, the focus shifts to comprehensive reporting of findings.

a. Findings Report:

The Findings Report is a detailed document presenting the results of cybersecurity testing. It includes identified vulnerabilities, their severity levels, potential risks, and recommendations for mitigation. This report is crucial for clients to understand their security posture and prioritize necessary actions.

Report Writing Guide for Cybersecurity Assessments

Table of Contents

1. Confidentiality Statement

   • This section emphasizes the importance of keeping the report confidential and limited to authorized personnel only. It outlines the consequences of unauthorized access or disclosure.

2. Disclaimer

   • The disclaimer clarifies that the cybersecurity assessment represents a snapshot of the security posture at a specific time. It explicitly states that any vulnerabilities discovered after the assessment due to the company's actions are not the responsibility of the testing entity.

3. Contact Information

   • Provide detailed contact information for your cybersecurity company, including key personnel, email addresses, and phone numbers. This ensures easy communication for any clarifications or additional information.

4. Assessment Overview

   • This section offers a high-level view of the cybersecurity assessment, summarizing its purpose, objectives, and methodologies used. It sets the stage for the reader to understand the context of the assessment.

5. Assessment Components

   • Detail the components involved in the assessment, such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and any other relevant methodologies. Provide insights into the comprehensive approach adopted for evaluating security measures.

6. Finding Severity Ratings

   • Explain the severity rating system used to categorize vulnerabilities, indicating their potential impact on security. This assists stakeholders in prioritizing remediation efforts.

7. Scope

   • Define the scope of the assessment, outlining the specific systems, networks, or applications tested. Clearly state any exclusions or limitations to manage expectations.

8. Executive Summary

   • A concise summary providing high-level insights into the assessment results. It includes key findings, overall security posture, and recommended actions. Aimed at executive stakeholders, it should be accessible and impactful.

9. Attacking Summary with Actions and Recommendations

   • Present a detailed account of the attack scenarios executed during the assessment. Outline the actions taken, vulnerabilities discovered, and specific recommendations for improvement.

10. Security Strengths

    • Highlight the positive aspects of the security posture, showcasing areas where the organization excels in protecting its assets.

11. Security Weaknesses

    • Identify and elaborate on the weaknesses in the security infrastructure. Provide context, severity, and potential risks associated with each weakness.

12. Vulnerability by Impact (with Charts)

    • Utilize charts and graphs to visually represent vulnerabilities based on their impact. This provides a quick overview of the distribution of vulnerabilities in terms of severity.

13. Technical Summary

    • Offer a technical overview of the assessment, delving into the methodologies used, tools employed, and the technical landscape encountered during testing.

14. Technical Findings

    • Present a detailed breakdown of each technical finding, including vulnerability descriptions, evidence of exploitation, and potential impact.

15. Remediation

    • Provide actionable recommendations for each identified vulnerability, outlining steps for remediation. Include a prioritized roadmap for addressing critical issues.

Sample Pentest Report: https://github.com/hmaverickadams/TCM-Security-Sample-Pentest-Report

Real world report: https://tcm-sec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/TCMS-Demo-Corp-Security-Assessment-Findings-Report.pdf