The Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) lifecycle follows a standard industry framework (often referred to as PICERL, derived from SANS and aligned with NIST guidelines). The process begins with Preparation to ensure the organization is ready to respond. Identification follows to detect and validate the potential security incident. Once confirmed, Containment is prioritized to limit the scope and damage. Eradication removes the threat and root cause from the environment. Recovery restores systems to normal operation and confirms they are clean. Finally, Lessons Learned (or Post-Incident Activity) involves reviewing the incident to improve future response capabilities.

NIST Special Publication 800-61 Revision 2, Computer Security Incident Handling Guide, August 2012.

Section 3.1 (Introduction): Figure 3-1 "Incident Response Life Cycle" illustrates the cyclic nature but distinct phases: Preparation -> Detection & Analysis (Identification) -> Containment, Eradication, & Recovery -> Post-Incident Activity.

Section 3.2: Details "Preparation".

Section 3.3: Details "Detection and Analysis".

Section 3.4: Details "Containment, Eradication, and Recovery".

Section 3.5: Details "Post-Incident Activity" (Lessons Learned).

SANS Institute, Incident Handler's Handbook, 2011.

Chapter 1 (The Incident Response Process): Defines the six-step process explicitly as Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned.