TechnologyAugust 28, 2026
incidentresponse
IN-suh-duhnt ri-SPONS
Definition
A systematic, organized approach to managing and addressing the aftermath of a security breach or cyberattack.
Etymology
The term combines the word 'incident,' derived from the Latin 'incidere' meaning 'to fall upon or happen,' and 'response,' from the Latin 'respondere' meaning 'to answer' or 'to promise in return'.
In the news
The ATF used this term to describe their immediate actions to mitigate the effects of a cybersecurity breach after the threat was identified. It is significant because it highlights the bureau's protocol for isolating affected systems to prevent further compromise.
ATF announces investigation into 'major' cybersecurity incident
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