In the five-phase incident response process, which phase follows Planning?

• A. Execution
• B. Case Documentation and Mission Conclusion
• C. Initial Actions
• D. Notification and Initial Information

Answer: (A)

Planning outlines objectives, roles, and the steps to handle the incident. The next phase is execution, where those plans are put into action: responders are mobilized, containment and mitigation measures are implemented, evidence collection begins, tasks are coordinated, and updates are communicated as real-time findings shape the response. This transition from planning to active action is what makes execution the natural following phase. The other options correspond to activities that occur either earlier in the response, during early action and informing stakeholders, or later when wrapping up and documenting what happened.