Every incident response process must end with two critical questions: What went wrong? And how do we prevent it next time? In this final episode of Domain 4, we explore the structure and value of root cause analysis (RCA) and the metrics analysts use to evaluate incident response performance. You'll learn techniques for identifying the initial failure point, tracing cascading effects, and distinguishing symptoms from causes.

We’ll also dive into performance indicators like Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), Mean Time to Respond (MTTR), Mean Time to Remediate (MTTM), and alert volume tracking. These metrics provide feedback loops that help teams improve processes, justify investments, and meet service-level objectives. For CySA+ and beyond, this episode cements your understanding of how reflection and measurement transform reactive teams into proactive ones. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com

When a breach crosses a legal threshold, reporting to regulators or law enforcement may be required. In this episode, we examine the processes and obligations associated with regulatory reporting under frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and state-level data breach laws. You’ll learn what types of incidents trigger mandatory disclosure, how quickly reports must be filed, and what they typically include.

We also explore how analysts prepare documentation for criminal investigations or regulatory review, and how coordination with legal teams ensures accuracy and compliance. For CySA+, it’s vital to know when reporting is necessary and what role analysts play in supporting formal investigations. This episode provides the grounding you need to understand the intersection of cybersecurity, compliance, and public accountability. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com

Sometimes the most difficult part of a security incident isn’t stopping the threat—it’s explaining what happened to the people affected. In this episode, we explore how organizations communicate with customers, partners, and the media during and after an incident. You’ll learn what kinds of disclosures are required, what language builds trust, and how to balance transparency with prudence.

We’ll also discuss examples of strong vs. poor communication, the role of coordination with compliance and marketing, and how to provide updates without spreading confusion. While you may not be writing these press releases yourself, understanding how your technical findings support accurate messaging is key. This episode sharpens your awareness of what happens when security goes public—and how to support that process responsibly. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com