In this article, we have some free security incident report examples available for you. These examples will help you understand what a security incident report actually is. You will also learn the importance of a security incident report and what to include in it when writing one.
Check Security Incident Report Examples PDF
Information Security Incident Report Sample
File Size: 236 KB
Simple Security Incident Report PDF Example
File Size: 213 KB
Short Form Security Incident Report Example
File Size: 16 KB
Official Security Incident Report Example
File Size: 691 KB
Data Security Incident Report PDF Example
File Size: 141 KB
Blank Cyber Security Incident Report Template
File Size: 308 KB
What is a Security Incident Report?
As the name suggests, a security incident report is a document that is used to report an incident or event related to a security breach. This security breach incident could be anything from theft and vandalism to a cyber security breach or a homicide. For every type of security breach, a security incident report can be written. A security incident report can be a form that you may require to fill or it can be written in a narrative style.
A security incident report sample typically includes important information related to the incident like its nature, location, time, date, impacts, actions or steps taken to report the incident and to prevent it from happening in the future. This is a detailed report of the incident that includes every single important and relevant piece of information about the incident. Take a look at the free security incident report examples given here on this page.
FREE Security Incident Report PDF Samples
Sample Security Incident Report Form PDF
File Size: 797 KB
MNC Cyber Security Incident Report Format
File Size: 186 KB
Educational Institute’s Security Incident Report Form PDF
File Size: 528 KB
Test Security Incident Report Sample
File Size: 646 KB
University Information Security Incident Report Sample
File Size: 414 KB
Computer Security Incident Report Form PDF Sample
File Size: 61 KB
Importance of a Security Incident Report
A security incident is important for a number of reasons. Some of them are:
- With the help of such a report, a crystal clear picture of happening of the incident can be presented in a documented form.
- A security incident report also demonstrates compliance with regulatory and legal requirements like data protection and privacy laws.
- A detailed report like this will help the organizations identify and analyze their system’s weaknesses thus encouraging them to take necessary actions to remove security flaws and avoid the happening of such incidents in the future.
- The findings of a security incident report and the actions taken as a result can be set as the basis for future incident response efforts.
- This report also shows the accountability and transparency of the organization by documenting the steps taken by the organization during the incident and the results of any investigations.
- A security incident report provides a roadmap for continuous improvement and risk management.
More Security Incident Report PDF Examples
Government Agency Security Incident Report Example
File Size: 741 KB
Standard Security Incident Report Form Example
File Size: 151 KB
Aviation Security Breach Incident Report Example
File Size: 45 KB
General Security Incident Report Form Example PDF
File Size: 232 KB
Office Security Incident Report Example
File Size: 312 KB
Cyber Security Incident Reporting Form PDF Sample
File Size: 353 KB
Professional Security Incident Report Example
File Size: 25 KB
Basic Elements of a Security Incident Report
If we talk about what to include in a security incident report or how to write a security incident report, you should keep in mind the following basic elements of such a report:
1- Date, Day & Time:
Write down the date, day, and time of the happening of the security incident. The report should clearly include the exact date when the incident incurred and its timeframe.
2- Description of the Incident:
Provide a brief and concise explanation of what actually happened along with other vital details like
- the nature of the incident,
- type of breach,
- systems or assets affected,
- the damage caused,
- names of the individuals affected,
- suspects responsible for the incident,
3- Impact Analysis:
Depending upon the nature of the incident, analyze its impacts on the organization such as
- loss of data or intellectual property,
- damage to goodwill or reputation,
- financial loss.
4- Action Plan:
This includes the action taken or to be taken to report the incident. This also includes details of the steps taken or actions performed to
- contain the breach,
- restore systems,
- and prevent further damage.
5- Analysis of the Root Cause:
In the security incident report sample, identifying and analyzing the factors that were the major cause of the security incident is important. These factors include
- human error,
- technical failure,
- or a malicious attack.
6- Suggestions:
This section should include the writer’s suggestions and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future. The writer should state these suggestions in a direct and concise manner. These suggestions usually include changes in policies, procedures, or technologies.
7- Supporting Material:
Attach any supporting material with the security incident report that is relevant to it. The supporting material makes it easier for the readers to understand the nature of the incident and to learn more about the security flaws. The supporting material usually includes:
- visual material like photos and videos,
- statements,
- log files,
- or system reports.