What Constitutes a Security Incident

A security incident is broader than just a confirmed breach — suspicious activity, a lost device, or a reported phishing click should all trigger some level of genuine incident response process, not just confirmed compromises.

Basic Incident Response Steps

Identifying and containing the issue, investigating its scope, eradicating the cause, and recovering normal operation form a genuinely structured incident response process, distinct from ad-hoc, panicked reaction.

Documentation During an Incident

Recording what happened, when, and what actions were taken during an incident, consistent with the documentation discipline covered elsewhere in this academy, supports both the immediate response and any later review.

Communicating During an Incident

Clear, honest, timely communication with affected customers or users during a security incident, rather than delayed or vague disclosure, genuinely protects trust even when the news itself is unwelcome.