During an incident response, which step involves recognizing initial signs of a security breach?

The step that involves recognizing initial signs of a security breach is identification. This phase is crucial because it is where the incident response team starts to detect anomalies or indicators of compromise within the organization's systems. By effectively identifying these signs, the team can determine the nature and extent of the potential security incident.

During the identification phase, various methods and tools are employed to analyze system logs, alerts, and other data to confirm whether an actual breach has occurred. This step is essential for setting the stage for subsequent actions in the incident response process, which aim to minimize damage and protect the organization's assets.

Preparation focuses on creating plans and equipping the incident response team with the necessary tools and resources. Containment involves taking immediate steps to limit the spread of the breach, while lessons learned is about reviewing the incident post-resolution to improve future response efforts. The identification phase, therefore, stands out as the critical point where the response to a possible security incident begins.