Common types of IT security incidents
Not all security incidents are the same. And not all require the same response. The most common types of incidents include:
- Malware and ransomware attacks, in which systems are encrypted or sabotaged
- Phishing and social engineering, often with the aim of stealing access data or committing payment fraud
- Data leaks and data breaches, for example due to misconfigurations or insiders
- Denial-of-service attacks (DDoS), which paralyze the availability of services
- Supply chain incidents, triggered by compromised service providers or software
An effective incident response concept begins with understanding different threat scenarios.
Preparation is crucial: Incident response as a process
In an emergency, there is no time for improvisation. Companies should therefore view incident response as a clearly defined, practiced process – not as an ad hoc measure.
Important components include:
- An incident response plan with clear roles and decision-making processes
- Technical detection and monitoring systems
- Regular emergency drills and simulations
- Defined communication plans, both internal and external
Well-prepared organizations respond more quickly, limit damage and maintain control of the situation.
Risks of inadequate incident response
Inadequate or delayed responses to security incidents can have serious consequences. The first thing that comes to mind is production downtime or business interruptions. This usually results in financial losses – for example, through ransom demands, restoration costs, or contractual penalties. The loss of reputation among customers, partners and the public can also be significant. Legal consequences, e.g., due to breaches of legal obligations, can also cause considerable problems downstream. Particularly critical: Much of the damage is not caused by the attack itself, but by a lack of transparency, poor communication, or delayed decisions during the incident.
Legal requirements: NIS-2, GDPR and more
With new regulations, incident response is also gaining legal significance. Particularly noteworthy is the NIS 2 directive, which imposes significantly stricter requirements on companies that are classified as critical or important. Specifically, NIS 2 requires, among other things, established incident response processes that ensure structured detection, assessment, containment and remediation of security incidents. In addition, binding reporting deadlines apply: an early warning within 24 hours, a qualified report within 72 hours and a final report within one month. In addition, NIS-2 requires clear responsibilities at the management level, regular risk analyses and complete documentation and verifiability of the measures taken.
NIS-2 is supplemented by other requirements such as the GDPR, industry-specific regulations and national IT security laws. Incident response is therefore not only best practice, but a mandatory compliance discipline, with severe penalties for non-compliance.
Incident response as a strategic component of IT security
In the event of a specific security incident, one thing is crucial above all else: structured and controlled action. Companies should immediately activate their incident response plan, technically contain the incident, secure affected systems and preserve evidence. At the same time, clear communication channels are essential – internally, with service providers and, if necessary, with authorities or customers. Hasty measures, finger-pointing, or uncoordinated communication usually exacerbate the situation.
Furthermore, incident response does not end with the restoration of operations. Systematic follow-up and lessons learned provide valuable insights for improving security architectures, employee awareness, supplier and risk management and business continuity strategies. Companies that strategically embed incident response increase their resilience and gain long-term capacity to act – even in crisis situations.
Conclusion
Incident response is now a key component of responsible corporate management. In light of growing threats and stricter legal requirements, a structured, practiced and documented approach to security incidents is crucial when it comes to damage, liability and trust. Those who are prepared not only respond faster, but also more confidently, transparently and in compliance with legal requirements.
Our tip: DTS Incident Response Service
Given the increasing number and complexity of security incidents, it can be crucial to not only be prepared in theory, but also to have practical support from a single source – and this is exactly where the DTS Incident Response Service comes in. DTS offers a holistic incident response approach that ranges from rapid detection and technical response to containment and recovery to strategic hardening after the incident. With 24/7 availability, scalable resources, deep IT security expertise and experienced specialists, the service helps you act quickly, in a controlled manner and in compliance with legal requirements in an emergency with THE response team. This enables companies not only to limit damage, but also to learn from each incident and improve their security situation in the long term.