1 PLANNING Stakeholder analysis There are two popular methods for classification. The first is to establish a scale with the stakeholder’s level of support for the project based on the interviews, for example, by defining three simple levels of support: opposes initiative; is neutral; or supports the initiative. INFLUENCE HIGH INFLUENCE Stakeholder analysis identifies each stakeholder’s attitude towards the implementation of the National CSIRT. A picture will naturally emerge that shows how much each stakeholder is invested in the CSIRT project and how each has the ability to influence the response team’s development. The results of the analysis will yield guidelines that outline the most appropriate way to manage the project and project partners for better results. Another technique is to establish a map of quadrants where the concerned stakeholder will be classified according to their level of interest in the project, and the level of influence it has on it. Keep them satisfied Manage them closely Stakeholders must simply be kept satisfied. As they don’t have much interest in the project, they can become easily overburdened if given too much information or tasks to complete. The CSIRT project team cannot demand too much of this group. Stakeholders with high levels of both interest and influence need to be kept abreast of all developments and must be continuously engaged. Even if this stakeholder has a negative view of the project, it should be managed closely owing to its ability to impede the work of the CSIRT. Only monitor them Keep them informed Stakeholders who have little interest and little influence on the project must only be monitored. There is not a lot to gain or lose from this group, whether positive or negative. Stakeholders who have high interest in the project but low capacity to influence must be kept informed. At the same time, avoid giving them critical responsibilities because they have no power to influence materially. Nevertheless, they are reliable allies. Once the stakeholder-identification and analysis process has ended, you will have a structured list of all stakeholders, their respective roles, levels of interest in the project, their attitude towards it, as well as each of their abilities to influence the CSIRT. Ultimately, this information will be useful to allow the project team to identify sources of assistance, funding, advice, or anything else beneficial to the development of the CSIRT. Simultaneously, it will highlight any potential “unhappy customers” or institutions that could complicate CSIRT activities. LOW INFLUENCE Once stakeholders are located in their respective quadrants, there will be a clear map for how to effectively manage each. At this point there is a map with identified stakeholders, their interest in the project, their attitude toward giving support to the initiative, good or bad, and their level of influence. The stakeholders can then be managed using the following diagram.6 INTEREST 26 A B C D Definition LOW INTEREST HIGH INTEREST 27