1st Reporting
Security incident reporting software is a relatively new type of application that is streamlining security and law enforcement.
Because these security incident reporting applications are somewhat new in organizational society, it’s no wonder many agencies still use paper forms to report security incidents. However, it’s best to understand some of the software’s finer points before deciding to implement one in your organization.
The Scoop on Security Incident Reporting Software
By industry, we find that security incidents differ pretty dramatically. For instance, in IT, a security incident typically involves a hack or exposed vulnerability in software or even hardware. However, in law enforcement and security, a security incident usually involves either unlawful or unruly behavior.
What is incident reporting in software?
Information security incident reporting is the process of documenting incidents that jeopardize the security of information. Software that has proven to show vulnerabilities might have an exposure event that triggers the need to classify the event as a security incident and thus proceed to document and mitigate the event.
The Berkely Information Security Office offers us some examples of security incidents that include:
- Loss or theft of equipment that stores data
- Computer system breach
- Unauthorized access to, or use of, systems, software, or data
- Denial of service attack
According to the University of Michigan, the goals of implementing an effective security management system include:
- Mitigation of impact to critical sectors.
- Identifying causes of security breaches to prevent recurrences better.
- Protecting and preserving information following the documentation of the incident for future analysis.
- Ensuring all relevant parties are kept abreast of their responsibilities in the event of security breaches.
- Protecting the reputation of the organization.
These core principles utilized typically in the IT industry regarding security incident reporting and management are not that dissimilar to the principles applied in all sectors. However, let’s contrast these principles with what we would expect within the security industry.
What is incident reporting in security?
Incident reporting in security is obviously going to take a different meaning when it comes to the reality of the event. However, typically we will see that although very different, there are a lot of similarities between the two incident types.
Incident reporting in security is observing and documenting events that transpired to create an unwanted situation. The undesirable situation can take many forms, from an assault to the destruction of property or even merely a disturbance.
How about law enforcement?
If we are to imagine a software platform that might help report these events, it is understood that one would consider an industry-specific solution for reporting. However, there are commonalities between all organizations that still require a business owner’s (or manager’s) attention.
For example, even a police department or security firm has an office. And in that office, there is the potential for incidents from a slip and fall to a piece of equipment malfunction.
Likewise, a cyber security firm also operates with the use of offices and sometimes some very sophisticated pieces of equipment. All of these situations have the potential for an internal incident to occur.
So in the case of internal incident reporting, one size might very well fit all. That is if it is robust enough to get the job done.
What To Look For In Security Incident Reporting Software
All industries share the same internal office incident potential. Nearly all industries have a swath of other potential incident creation scenarios. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a software platform that an organization might utilize for all of their security, vehicle, equipment, software, or other reporting needs?
Luckily, one app can cater to just about any potential incident – 1st Reporting Incident Reporting Solutions. But don’t take our word for it. In fact, you should consider several things about it and other applications before you decide. Let’s take a look at a few of the features that you should concern yourself with.
- Flexibility
- Ease of Use
- Mobility
- Integrations
- Scalability
Flexibility.
Does the security incident platform offer the flexibility to work for other scenarios? For example, a daily vehicle inspection, team member injury report, or even a use of force report? Likely you won’t want to have to pay for, and learn how to use, two or more platforms to manage your incident reporting, so finding a flexible platform like 1st Reporting is essential.
Ease of Use.
A reporting platform is only effective if your organization can adopt it quickly and effectively. The more difficult a platform is to navigate, the less cost-effective it becomes by virtue of extending training costs. Similarly, a complicated platform invites a more significant potential for user error. Therefore, the platform must be easy to use and navigate.
Mobility.
Security incident reporting might focus on a specific location like your office, but it might also be relevant in the field at client sites or even in public places. Therefore, you need to consider the mobility of a reporting platform. When a security reporting platform like 1st Reporting is implemented, you can rest assured in the knowledge that your team can utilize the application from anywhere. With a powerful offline reporting mode, your team can even document an incident out of internet connectivity on an Android or iOS device. The application uploads the information later when a connection is established. It ensures that your team can complete their incident reports on the go, no matter where they are.
Integrations.
Many businesses and organizations utilize software already within their organization. Therefore, a reporting platform that can integrate with existing solutions, like Microsoft Teams, is invaluable.
Scalability.
If it’s one thing you don’t need, it’s to work with a security reporting platform for a while and then hit a platform limitations wall. Integration can take time, and time is money. Furthermore, having to shift gears and reintegrate a more appropriate solution when you’ve already established another is something that we’d like you to avoid. A preferred reporting software solution will allow for scalability so that when your organization grows, it grows with you.
Application Fees, Paid Plans, and Pricing Transparency
Apps are a dime a dozen these days. However, beneficial apps developed by teams that genuinely care about their client experience are somewhat rare. You’ll see some of this reflected in the pricing structure of many so-called reporting applications.
When it’s time to move out of the filing cabinet and into a digital reporting environment, the cost is inevitably a factor. However, when considering the cost of the application, we have also to consider the features and needs.
Many applications boast various features, but they have incoherent pricing, or pricing is not readily available. A company’s price transparency is a direct reflection of its business philosophy. That’s why you’ll find easy-to-understand, clear, and concise pricing for our security incident reporting software.
Utilizing an in-depth solution like 1st, you can expect to pay $10 per user per month. However, we’ve got a free tier for up to 5 users, so you can try the app yourself and see what difference a professional application can make.
Security Incident Reporting Software Platform Availability
It’s worth noting that not every application will work well for your organization based on the equipment currently in use. That’s why at 1st Reporting, we wanted to ensure we have all the bases covered.
1st Reporting works on Android and iOS devices. Similarly, you can run the management dashboard on laptops and desktops, so no matter the equipment you’re using in the office or the field, 1st has your back.
During your analysis of platforms, consider if they have the flexibility and usefulness of 1st. And when in doubt, reach out to us, and you’ll find there’s a human on the other end. We’re dedicated to providing you and your organization with the best possible solution – and we’ll prove it!
