What does a security incident entail?

A security incident encompasses any event that may compromise data confidentiality, integrity, or availability. This definition is broad and includes a variety of scenarios that could harm an organization's information systems or data. It recognizes that security incidents are not limited to one type of threat or characteristic; rather, they can originate from multiple sources—internal or external—and can involve different forms of compromise.

For instance, incidents could range from unauthorized access to sensitive data, accidental data breaches, to disruptions in service that impact the availability of information systems. The focus on confidentiality, integrity, and availability aligns with the core principles of information security, often referred to as the CIA triad. This recognition of a wide-ranging scope is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of security incidents and effective incident response.