A security event is an observable occurrence, such as a login, process start, configuration change, network connection, or failed backup.
An event is not automatically a security problem. It becomes more important when it is unusual, violates a policy, affects a sensitive asset, or connects with other activity.
The distinction is useful:
- Event: Something happened.
- Alert: A tool or person highlights an event for review.
- Incident: The organization decides that coordinated response is required.
Good incident management keeps the original event details available so responders can explain how a signal became an alert or incident. This supports better triage and more reliable timelines.
Read the difference between an incident, an event, and an alert for examples.