Overview
A 24/7 SOC operates in shifts, and the handover between shifts is where incidents fall through the cracks. If the outgoing analyst does not clearly communicate open investigations, pending actions, and notable events, the incoming analyst starts blind. This template standardizes shift handovers so every transition includes the critical context needed for continuity. It takes 15 minutes to complete and can save hours of duplicated effort.
Handover Report Sections
- Shift summary: date, time, outgoing analyst, incoming analyst
- Open incidents: active investigations with current status and next steps
- Pending actions: tasks awaiting response, approval, or execution
- Notable events: significant alerts, environmental changes, or threat intelligence updates
- Tool and infrastructure status: any outages, maintenance windows, or degraded capabilities
- Escalation summary: incidents escalated during the shift and their resolution status
- Items for follow-up: anything the incoming analyst needs to prioritize
Handover Information Template
| Field | Content to include |
|---|---|
| Incident ID | Ticket number and brief description |
| Severity | Current classification (P1-P4) |
| Status | Open, investigating, contained, pending closure |
| Current owner | Analyst or team assigned |
| Last action taken | Most recent investigation or response step |
| Next step | What needs to happen next and by when |
| Blockers | Anything preventing progress (awaiting approval, vendor response, etc.) |
Conducting an Effective Handover
The handover should be a live conversation, not just a document dump. Spend 10 to 15 minutes in a face-to-face or video briefing where the outgoing analyst walks through each open item. The incoming analyst should ask clarifying questions and confirm they understand priorities. Review the alert queue together to identify anything that might have been deprioritized. If a critical incident is ongoing, the outgoing analyst may need to overlap with the incoming shift until the incident reaches a stable point.
Shift Log Best Practices
Keep a running shift log throughout the shift, not just at handover time. Log significant events as they happen: alert dispositions, escalation decisions, communications sent, and actions taken. Use a shared platform (wiki, ticketing system, or dedicated handover tool) where all analysts can read current and past shift logs. Include timestamps for all entries. A well-maintained shift log becomes invaluable during post-incident reviews and for identifying recurring patterns across shifts.
Common Handover Failures
- Outgoing analyst leaves without a verbal briefing because they assume the document speaks for itself
- Open incidents described vaguely without specific next actions
- Tool outages or SIEM gaps not communicated, leading the incoming analyst to miss coverage blind spots
- Pending vendor or management responses not tracked, causing them to fall through the cracks
- No mention of environmental changes like new system deployments or network maintenance windows
- Assumption that the incoming analyst is already caught up via chat messages they may not have read
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a shift handover take?
A standard handover takes 10 to 15 minutes. During active P1 or P2 incidents, expect 20 to 30 minutes to ensure full context transfer. If the handover consistently runs longer, consider whether the team needs better documentation practices during the shift.
Should handover reports be stored for later reference?
Yes. Store all handover reports in a searchable repository. They are valuable for post-incident analysis, identifying recurring issues, and understanding what happened during a specific time window. Retain them for at least 90 days.
How do we handle handovers in a remote SOC?
Use a video call for the verbal briefing, share the handover document via a collaborative platform, and have the incoming analyst confirm receipt and understanding. Remote handovers work well when the process is formalized and the tools support real-time collaboration.
What if there is nothing significant to hand over?
A quiet shift still deserves a handover. Document the shift as quiet, confirm there are no open incidents, and note any planned events for the upcoming shift. This confirms the outgoing analyst reviewed the environment and found it stable.
Who is responsible if an incident is missed during a handover gap?
Responsibility falls on the handover process, not an individual. If incidents are being missed, improve the handover template, enforce verbal briefings, and consider a brief overlap period between shifts to prevent gaps.
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