How does a security incident differ from a security event?

A security event refers to any observable occurrence within a network or system that is relevant to security, such as a user logging in, an access request, or a failed login attempt. Not every security event poses a threat; many are benign activities that are part of normal operations.

In contrast, a security incident is a confirmed occurrence that significantly impacts or has the potential to impact the security of systems and data. This includes situations where a security event escalates into a breach, such as unauthorized access or malware infection. Therefore, a security incident not only identifies a problem but also indicates that there are actionable threats and potential vulnerabilities that may require a response.

The notion that a security event has potential implications is accurate, as it might indicate a threat that could lead to an incident but does not confirm any malicious activity on its own. Thus, understanding that security events are part of the wider landscape of security monitoring helps differentiate them from incidents, which require immediate attention and response due to their confirmed nature. The distinction is crucial for effective cybersecurity operations and incident response planning, as not all security events will evolve into incidents, yet incidents will stem from specific security events.