Security Event vs Incident: A Detailed Comparison

In the cybersecurity world, organisations often have confusion about the difference between Security Events vs Security Incidents. Many organisations might say they haven't had any security incidents recently, but they lack the necessary procedures to properly monitor and analyse Security Events. Without these procedures, it's hard to even know if an incident has occurred.  

In this blog, we'll explore the differences between Security Events vs Security Incidents, highlight their importance, and discuss what steps organisations can take to strengthen their security measures. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is a Security Event?  

2) Cybersecurity Event examples  

3) What is a Security Incident?  

4) Cybersecurity Incident examples  

5) Difference between Security Events and Incident  

6) Responding to Incidents and Events  

7) Managing Security Events and Incidents  

8) Conclusion  

What is a Security Event?  

A Security Events is any observable happenings that could negatively impact an information system or network. These events vary widely, including failed login attempts, system errors, unusual network traffic, or malware detections.  

Such events are typically logged and monitored by specialised security tools, like Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, which help identify and address potential security threats. 

Cybersecurity event examples 

As mentioned above, a Security Events is essentially any change in the usual behaviour of systems, processes, environments, or workflows. An average organisation might experience thousands of these events every day. These Cyber Security Events can range from the receipt of an email to major changes like firewall updates. Here are a few examples of cybersecurity Events:  

1) An employee notices a suspicious email. 

2) Someone installs software, whether it's approved or not, on a company device. 

3) There's a security breakdown due to a server outage. 

What is a Security Incident? 

A Security Incident is essentially a confirmed Security Events that has caused actual harm to an information system, network, or the data it holds. Unlike general Security Events, Incidents require a detailed investigation, response, and resolution. 

Security Incidents include unauthorised intrusions, unauthorised access to sensitive data, data disclosures, data breaches, system compromises, denial-of-service attacks, and other malicious activities. When a security incident occurs, it triggers a specific response plan aimed at minimising damage, mitigating the threat, and restoring normal operations as swiftly and safely as possible.
 

Cybersecurity incident examples  

An incident might take place when a cyber-attack occurs. Here are a few examples of a cybersecurity Incident:  

1) An employee replies to a phishing email, exposing confidential information. 

2) Equipment that was stored with sensitive data is stolen. 

3) A password is revealed through a brute force attack on your system.  

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Difference between Security Event and Incident
 

There are many differences between Security Event vs Incident. Some of them are mentioned below. 

1) Variances in context 

One primary difference between Security Event vs Incident is the context in which they occur. Incidents usually happen unexpectedly, disrupting normal operations, while events can be either planned or unplanned. 

2) Effects and ramifications 

Incidents generally have negative effects on an organisation, potentially harming operations, reputation, and stability. They can lead to financial losses, legal problems, or damage to a brand's image. In contrast, events can have positive or negative outcomes. For planned events, security teams can proactively develop risk mitigation strategies.  

3) Duration and time frame 

The duration and timing also set Incidents apart from events. Incidents are sudden and typically require immediate resolution, often short-lived. Events, however, can last from a few hours to several days, influencing how they are managed and addressed. This distinction in time frames affects the strategies for dealing with Incidents versus Events.  

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Responding to Incidents and Events  

Cybersecurity Events and Incidents each require a different approach. Addressing an incident is usually more urgent than responding to an event. For events, common steps include running malware scans, checking files and folders for suspicious activities, monitoring accounts for unauthorised changes, and analysing network traffic.  

It's crucial to have the right tools for managing cybersecurity Events, as manually handling the volume of events each day isn't feasible. Automated systems help by filtering out less critical events, allowing them to compare what's left with normal business activities. This helps focus attention on more significant events and incidents.  

However, these systems don't operate independently. They require regular configuration and maintenance to function properly. While some organisations manage these tasks with their own staff and resources, others find it more efficient to outsource this responsibility to managed service providers who specialise in running these systems.  

Have a Security Incident response plan  

Having a Security Incident Response Plan is crucial. When an incident happens, this plan outlines the necessary steps to address it. This involves identifying roles, understanding the response actions needed to prevent future Incidents, and dealing with the current situation.  

The process begins by identifying any threats, containing them, and then removing these threats to recover any affected systems. It's also important to review the incident to learn from it and improve future responses.  

If an incident is identified, the goal is to handle it as swiftly as possible. Sometimes, a quick fix is needed before a more permanent solution can be applied. The primary aim is to minimise damage and prevent the situation from worsening.  

Outsourcing incident management is an option, but it's vital to remember that incidents can impact an organisation in various ways. Everyone should understand their role in resolving issues. For example, customer service might need to inform customers about operational impacts due to the incident.  

When working with a security expert, ensure they understand your specific needs and business environment. A skilled cybersecurity expert will keep an eye on your systems, alert you to potential issues, and resolve incidents quickly to prevent damage to your organisation.  

Managing Security Events and Incidents  

Handling security Events and Incidents requires different approaches. For events, you might run malware scans, review files for unusual activity, monitor accounts for unauthorised changes, and analyse traffic. However, managing incidents is more urgent and involves a structured response plan.  

Having the right systems in place is crucial for managing the volume of events and Incidents effectively. Automated systems help by filtering out less significant events, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. However, these systems need regular updates and maintenance to function properly.  

Some organisations handle security in-house with their own teams, while others might outsource it to specialists who manage their security operations. When an incident occurs, it's vital to have a detailed incident response plan. This plan outlines the steps to identify threats, contain infections, recover systems, and learn from the incident to prevent future occurrences.  

Quick resolution is essential to limit damage and prevent the issue from worsening. It’s also beneficial for everyone in the organisation to understand their role in incident response, such as customer service needing to communicate with customers about disruptions.  

If you work with a cybersecurity expert, make sure they understand your business environment and needs. A good cybersecurity expert will monitor system events, alert you to potential issues, and resolve Incidents before they cause significant harm.  

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Conclusion  

Understanding about the key differences between Security Events vs Incidents is essential for maintaining a secure environment. By promptly addressing incidents and learning from events, organisations can enhance their overall cybersecurity posture. We hope this blog helped you understand the concept better.