A DFIR retainer ensures immediate access to a team of experts, providing faster response times and cost predictability when a cyberattack strikes.
No organization likes to contemplate being successfully hit with a cyberattack, but turning a blind eye to the possibility is the exact wrong thing to do. Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) planning and retainers, like car, home, and health insurance, are a necessity in case the unthinkable happens.
In the 2025 Gartner Market Guide for Digital Forensics and Incident Response Retainer Services, in which Trustwave, A LevelBlue Company, was named a Representative Vendor, the analyst firm details every aspect of DFIR to help organizations understand the service and plan accordingly.
Gartner noted that the DFIR market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a surge in cybercrimes, data breaches, and the expansion of digital infrastructure, which is expanding organizations' threat surface.
The report noted that the DFIR market is projected to grow to more than $12 billion by 2031 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10%. This growth is not surprising, as organizations now understand that they must operate under the assumption that a security breach is inevitable.
Understanding DFIR is very important as it's a specialized field that, as its name implies, combines two distinct disciplines:
Even though the IR in DFIR comes at the end of the acronym, it is the first action that is taken when disaster strikes.
A well-defined incident response process is crucial for a successful outcome in this phase of recovery. While specific frameworks may vary, such as the six-phase SANS framework, the core steps remain consistent.
A DFIR retainer is the auto insurance of the cybersecurity world. In the same manner, your insurance policy sits unused until needed, a DFIR retainer is a service agreement with a cybersecurity vendor that provides an organization with guaranteed access to a team of experts if and when an incident occurs.
A DFIR retainer offers several key benefits:
There are typically two main types of retainers. These are Prepaid Retainers in which an organization pays an upfront fee for a set number of hours or services to be used over a defined period. The other is No-Cost (or Zero-Dollar) Retainers, where the buyer establishes a predetermined hourly rate and service scope without prepurchasing hours. This provides access to the team with no upfront financial commitment for incident services.
Trustwave positions our Digital Forensics and Incident Response as a multi-faceted offering providing reactive and proactive services. Trustwave SpiderLabs experts are on hand to provide immediate response to an advanced threat breach and swiftly pinpoint the cause and scope of a breach, empowering organizations to prepare for the inevitable.
Trustwave is also well-prepared to help an organization proactively prepare by improving its IR readiness posture.
Trustwave also offers a DFIR consulting retainer. The retainer offers a client immediate access to Trustwave SpiderLabs' elite team, acting as the first line of defense. With a global presence, expert responders are on call 24/7 to initiate forensic investigations instantly.
A Trustwave DFIR retainer offers:
Investing in DFIR services and retainers is essential for organizations to effectively manage cyber threats. By understanding the importance of preparedness, response, and expert collaboration, businesses can minimize damage, ensure faster recovery, and safeguard their reputation in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Prioritizing DFIR is no longer optional.