Classification of incidents is defined based on what criteria?

The classification of incidents primarily relies on severity and potential targets because these criteria help organizations assess the impact and urgency of incidents effectively. Understanding severity allows incident handlers to prioritize responses according to how critical the incident is to business operations or security posture. For example, a high-severity incident may necessitate immediate resource deployment and escalation, while a lower-severity incident might be managed with a more measured response.

Additionally, identifying potential targets is crucial in classification, as different incidents may target various assets, from sensitive data to critical infrastructure. This information aids in tailoring the incident response plan to address specific risks associated with the targets involved. By classifying incidents based on these factors, organizations can streamline their response processes, allocate appropriate resources, and mitigate risks more effectively.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects that, while relevant to the overall incident context, do not encompass the foundational criteria for classifying incidents.