The distinction between a routine security event and a serious security incident is crucial for organizations to manage their cybersecurity effectively. The terms “security incident” and “breach” come with legal obligations such as notifying parties affected by the breach or regulatory bodies. If your team does not understand what is considered a “security incident” they may use the term pre-maturely which could have legal consequences if you were to be sued or investigated.
What is a Security Incident?
A security incident is an event that jeopardizes the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information systems or the data within those systems. It can include unauthorized access to systems, data breaches, or disruptions to normal operations. Common examples of security incidents are insider threats, external attacks, and even system outages, depending on how they impact an organization’s operations.
It’s important to recognize that not all security events qualify as security incidents. For instance:
- A minor login failure caused by a forgotten password is simply a security event.
- An employee clicking on a phishing link that is blocked by security measures is another example of a security event.
In contrast, multiple unauthorized access attempts, even if unsuccessful, can be classified as a security incident because they may signal an attack attempt or potential vulnerability.
Security Events vs. Security Incidents
Security events occur frequently and are a normal part of operating an information system. These include routine activities such as:
- Logins
- File access
- System updates
While some of these events may seem irregular—such as a system glitch after an update—they are not considered incidents unless they involve a genuine threat or significantly impact organizational operations.
On the other hand, security incidents require immediate attention due to the potential risk they pose. Indicators of potential security incidents include
- Repeated failed login attempts
- Unexpected system behavior
- Detection of malware.
These indicators require investigation to determine whether they signal an attack or threat.
The Importance of Monitoring
Proactive monitoring is key to identifying unusual security indicators before they escalate into full-blown incidents. By continuously monitoring for unusual activity, security teams can respond early, preventing minor issues from becoming major disruptions.
Involving Executives in Security Investigations
A key factor in effectively managing security incidents is the involvement of executive stakeholders. Security teams do not operate in isolation—executive leadership, including general counsel, communications heads, and HR leaders, must be part of the investigation process. This collaboration ensures that the response is not only technically sound but also aligned with broader business operations.
Executives provide critical perspectives on the business impact of security decisions. For instance, while IT teams might focus on stopping an attack by taking systems offline, this could lead to significant disruptions in communication or business continuity if there are no alternative plans in place. A decision to take down an email system like Microsoft 365 could have unintended consequences if stakeholders can no longer communicate with clients or partners.
Additionally, involving executives helps determine the severity of an event and whether it should be classified as a security incident or even a data breach. The distinction is critical because a breach has legal and regulatory implications that must be managed carefully. Mislabeling an event as a breach can lead to unnecessary legal exposure.
The difference between a security event and a security incident may seem subtle, but it has significant implications for how organizations respond to potential threats. By understanding the distinction, involving executive stakeholders, and maintaining proactive monitoring, organizations can ensure a comprehensive and effective response to security incidents.
Create Your First Real Security Incident Response Plan
Watch the full webinar to learn how to make a real security incident response plan in just 1 hour. No, we’re not talking about a pretend plan that only serves as a CYA for insurance – we’re talking about a step-by-step plan that you can rely on in a crisis.