What does a "security incident" refer to?

A "security incident" typically refers to an event that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information. This definition encompasses a wide range of possible incidents that could affect an organization's security posture, including data breaches, unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, and other events that pose a risk to sensitive data. The primary focus is on the impact of the event on organizational information systems and data, highlighting the importance of understanding how various occurrences can affect cybersecurity.

While options like an update in security protocols or a scheduled security drill are related to proactive security measures, they do not fit the definition of a security incident since they do not involve a compromise or risk to information. A successful phishing attempt could be considered a specific instance of a security incident, but it does not encapsulate the full scope of what constitutes a security incident, which can include a range of events beyond just phishing. Therefore, recognizing that a security incident broadly refers to any event that threatens the overall security and integrity of information systems is key to understanding effective cyber risk management.