What is a 'runbook' in relation to incident response?

A 'runbook' in the context of incident response is fundamentally a comprehensive resource that contains a set of documented procedures specifically designed to troubleshoot and resolve incidents. This documentation is crucial during incident management as it provides clear, step-by-step instructions that help responders act efficiently and effectively when a problem arises.

The primary function of a runbook is to ensure consistency in the response to similar incidents and to minimize the time it takes to restore services. By following the runbook, team members can rely on established processes rather than needing to rely solely on memory or experience, which is especially valuable in high-stress situations.

While other options may refer to elements that are useful in incident management, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a runbook. For instance, checklists can be part of a runbook but serve a different purpose, focusing on specific tasks rather than comprehensive procedures. Similarly, a guide for users or a log of past incidents does not relate directly to the structured, procedural nature that defines a runbook.