In band vs Out of band communication in incident response: which is better?

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Critical IT incidents demand swift and reliable communication. Yet, conventional communication channels often rely on the same infrastructure under attack. This vulnerability was starkly illustrated by the 2024 CrowdStrike incident, where a faulty software upgrade triggered a global IT outage, costing businesses an estimated $5.4 billion. The incident exposed a critical flaw: relying on "in band" communication for incident response.

In band communication, dependent on the affected network, becomes unreliable during outages, system compromises, or bandwidth limitations. This interferes with effective response, leading to delays and escalating damage.

In contrast, out of band communication in incident response offers a solution by establishing independent communication channels, ensuring reliable contact even when primary systems are compromised.

This article examines the key differences between in band and out of band communication in incident response. We present seven compelling reasons why out of band is crucial to maintain control and minimize damage during critical IT incidents.

In band communication: An overview

As noted above, in band communication refers to the use of the same network or systems that are currently under attack or experiencing issues for communication purposes. This means that the communication channels are integrated within the primary operational infrastructure.

Examples:

• Standard email: Using corporate email systems that rely on the same network infrastructure.
• Internal messaging platforms: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams that are hosted on the organization's network.
• Cloud-based tools: Services such as Google Workspace or Office 365 that are tied to the same infrastructure.

Drawbacks:

1. Operational limitations: In-band management depends on the network's operational status; if the network experiences issues or goes down, management capabilities are also impacted, hindering troubleshooting and recovery efforts. 
2. Congestion issues: Management traffic competes with regular data traffic, potentially leading to congestion during peak times. This competition can slow down network operations.
3. Risk of exposing sensitive information: If the network is breached, sensitive information transmitted through in band communication channels can be exposed to unauthorized parties, leading to the risk of data security breaches.
4. Interference and data loss: In-band control in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) can lead to challenges such as security vulnerabilities, network congestion, or data loss, affecting overall network reliability.

What is out of band communication in incident response?

Out of band communication in incident response involves using independent, secure channels that are separate from the primary network. This means that even if the main network is compromised or experiencing issues, communication can still occur through these alternative channels.

Examples:

• Encrypted messaging apps: Tools like Rocket.Chat, Signal, or WhatsApp that use end-to-end encryption and operate independently of the organization's primary network.
• External communication tools: Platforms such as satellite phones or secure external email services that are not tied to the internal network.
• Dedicated backup systems: Systems specifically designed for emergency communication, such as backup servers or dedicated VPNs that remain operational even if the main network is down.

7 reasons why out of band communication is better for incident response

Here are some compelling reasons why out of band communication in incident response is the superior choice for organizations:

1. Ensures communication continuity

Surprisingly, only 9% of global organizations manage to avoid network outages in an average quarter. This means that the vast majority are vulnerable to disruptions that can sever traditional communication channels, leaving them scrambling to respond effectively.

Out of band communication in incident response ensures that even during these frequent outages, teams can stay connected and continue their operations without interruption.

2. Protects sensitive information

OOB communication comprises encryption and isolation from the primary network, reducing the risk of exposing confidential data during a breach. 

3. Enables faster incident resolution 

Independent systems allow teams to collaborate without delays caused by compromised in band channels. 

4. Reduces reliance on affected systems 

Out of band communication in incident response tools works separately from the attacked infrastructure, enabling secure operations. 

For example, during a ransomware attack that turns off all systems, out of band communication methods like satellite phones or secure external email services allow teams to continue coordinating their response. 

This independence ensures that communication remains unaffected by the compromised systems.

5. Improves leadership coordination

Out of band communication in incident response enables executives and security teams to communicate securely during high-stakes incidents. Effective communication is important for leadership, as it helps in making informed decisions and maintaining organizational security. 

6. Compliance with regulatory requirements

Using out of band communication in incident response helps organizations maintain secure, auditable communication for incident response and meet regulations like GDPR and CCPA. 

For example, platforms like ShadowHQ are designed to meet regulatory standards for data protection and secure communication. 

7. Enhances preparedness for future incidents

Proactively incorporating OOB systems strengthens resilience against evolving cyber threats. Organizations that implement out of band communication as part of their incident response plan are better prepared to handle future incidents.

5 tools for out of band communication in incident response

Implementing out of band communication in incident response requires the right tools. Here are five essential tools you can try:

1. Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is a secure collaboration tool that enhances incident response by providing a centralized communication platform for real-time collaboration. 

• Teams can quickly share updates, logs, and files within secure channels, ensuring all stakeholders stay informed. 
• Integration with monitoring tools like Jira allows automatic alerts and task tracking, while bots and automation streamline workflows. 
• Its robust search capabilities enable quick retrieval of past incident details and features like audio/video calls and screen sharing facilitate efficient coordination during crises. 
• Plus, with end-to-end encryption and role-based access, Rocket.Chat ensures sensitive information remains protected throughout the response process.

2. PagerDuty

PagerDuty is a leading incident management platform that ensures secure notifications and escalations for crisis coordination. Its key features are as follows:

1. End-to-end incident management: PagerDuty provides comprehensive management of the incident response process, from on-call notifications to post-incident reviews.
2. Automated response capabilities: The platform can automate diagnostics and remediation steps, reducing manual intervention and speeding up response times.
3. Real-time collaboration tools: Stakeholders are kept informed through status dashboards and notifications, enabling effective collaboration during incidents.
4. AI-powered alert management: PagerDuty utilizes AI to filter alerts and group similar notifications, enhancing the efficiency of incident analysis and response.
5. Postmortem analysis: The platform streamlines post-incident learning by allowing teams to create timelines and analyze root causes for continuous improvement.