What is often the first step in responding to a security incident?

The first step in responding to a security incident is identifying and assessing the incident. This is crucial because understanding the nature and scope of the incident is essential for determining the appropriate response and mitigation strategies. By identifying the incident, security professionals can categorize the threat, assess its impact on the organization, and decide on the right procedures to address it. This involves gathering relevant data, determining affected systems, and evaluating potential damages, which all inform the next steps in the incident response process. Proper identification and assessment set the foundation for a structured and effective response to the incident, minimizing damage and guiding a plan for recovery.