# What is a Security Runbook?

> A security runbook is a repeatable, task-level procedure for carrying out a defined operational action.

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## Content

It might explain how to preserve volatile evidence, isolate a device, revoke active sessions, rotate a compromised secret or block an indicator. A useful runbook tells an authorized operator what is required, what to do, how to verify the result and how to stop or recover if an action fails.

Runbooks can support people, automation or both. They should specify inputs, access requirements, safety checks, ordered steps, expected outputs, logging and rollback or escalation conditions. Because interfaces, commands, dependencies and privileges change, a technically precise runbook can become unsafe faster than a higher-level policy document.

### Key points

- **Entry conditions:** Define the approved trigger, required evidence, operator authority, dependencies and assumptions before execution begins.
- **Execution detail:** Use unambiguous steps, expected results, decision gates and validation checks; identify actions that are destructive or difficult to reverse.
- **Maintenance:** Assign ownership, control versions, test in a representative environment and review after relevant platform changes or incidents.
- **Important limitation:** A runbook cannot safely replace judgment when facts are uncertain. Blind automation or literal execution can destroy evidence, disrupt critical services or spread an incorrect response at machine speed.

### Related terms

[Security playbook](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/security-playbook/>) · [Security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/security-orchestration-automation-and-response/>) · [Incident response (IR)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/incident-response/>)

### Sources

[UK NCSC cyber incident response processes](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/incident-management/cyber-incident-response-processes) · [Australian Cyber Security Centre incident response planning guidance](https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/detecting-responding-to-threats/cyber-security-incident-response/cyber-security-incident-response-planning-practitioner-guidance)

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