What is a “formal report” in security terms?

A “formal report” in security terms refers to a detailed account of an incident that includes all relevant facts. Such reports are essential for documenting events accurately and comprehensively, which can be critical for legal processes or internal reviews. They typically outline the who, what, when, where, and why of an incident, ensuring that any investigation or follow-up is based on clear and factual information. Formal reports foster accountability and transparency within security organizations and can be critical in evaluating the response to incidents and planning for future events.

In contrast, informal discussions about incidents lack the structure and detail necessary for formal reporting and do not provide a reliable record of events. Training documents generally serve to educate personnel rather than record incidents, and daily activity summaries may not provide the depth of information required in a formal report, focusing instead on general activities rather than specific incidents.