The FREE Cybersecurity Glossary by Thor Pedersen!

In-band: A communication channel or method that uses the same path or channel for both data and control signals. In the context of information security, in-band refers to a communication method that uses the same network or system for both data and control signals. For example, a network administrator may use in-band communication to remotely access and control a network device.

Incident: A security incident is any event that negatively affects the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data or disrupts IT operations. Incidents can range from data breaches, malware infections, unauthorized access, to service outages, requiring immediate attention and response to mitigate potential damage and restore normal functions. It's important to note that an incident can also include non-cybersecurity events that impact IT operations. While there may not be a breach occurring, NIST states there can be technical or even financial issues that set back a project and would meet the criteria for an incident.

Incident management: The process of identifying, responding to, and resolving security incidents in an organization. Incident management includes identifying the cause and extent of an incident, implementing appropriate response measures, and restoring normal operations. Examples include responding to a data breach or implementing contingency plans for a network outage.

Incident response - Analysis: Analysis involves evaluating the impact and scope of the incident to determine the appropriate response. This may include gathering and analyzing data from various sources, such as logs, network traffic, or affected systems. For example, a company may use forensic tools to analyze data from a compromised server to determine the extent of the attack and the data that has been accessed.

Incident response - Detection: Detection refers to the process of identifying that an incident has occurred. This can be done through various methods, such as monitoring systems, using security software, or receiving alerts from employees or external sources. For example, a company may use a security information and event management (SIEM) system to monitor network activity and identify potential threats or set up alerts to notify IT staff of unusual activity.

Incident Response (or Incident Response Procedure or Incident Management): Incident Response (IR), synonymous with Incident Response Procedures and Incident Management, refers to structured efforts to manage the aftermath of cybersecurity incidents. It encompasses detecting the incident, containing damage, eradicating threats, and recovering systems to operational status, with a focus on lessons learned to bolster future defense.