What does the term "detect" refer to in a security context?

In the context of information security, the term "detect" specifically refers to the process of recognizing or discovering that a negative incident has already occurred. This involves employing various monitoring tools and techniques to identify signs of security breaches, anomalies, or incidents that may negatively impact an organization’s data integrity, confidentiality, or availability.

Detection is a critical phase in incident response, as it leads to timely awareness of security events, enabling organizations to respond appropriately to mitigate damages. The focus here is on the acknowledgment of an event or incident after it has happened, rather than any preemptive measures or strategic planning related to potential future threats. Thus, this distinction is crucial in understanding the role of detection within the broader framework of security management.