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.