1. Confirm the signal
Read the alert name, data source, time range, severity, affected entity, and rule logic before starting wider searches.
2. Pull context
Search around the user, host, IP address, account action, process, and related activity so the alert has a timeline.
3. Decide the next step
Separate benign activity from suspicious activity, record what is missing, and decide whether to close, monitor, or escalate.
4. Write the case note
Summarise the evidence, business impact, confidence level, and follow-up action in language a lead analyst can trust.