SSH key-based authentication is ideal for automated system-to-system communication. It allows secure, passwordless authentication using cryptographic key pairs.

Biometrics and smart cards require human interaction, and hard-coded passwords are insecure and difficult to rotate. SSH keys provide strong authentication, automation support, and secure key management.

This approach is widely recommended for scripts, automation, and DevOps pipelines.

A breach occurs when unauthorized access results in the disclosure, theft, or loss of sensitive data. An intrusion may not always result in data loss, but a breach does.

Anadverse eventis a harmful occurrence that may or may not constitute a security incident or breach.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)systems monitor, detect, and block unauthorized data exfiltration across endpoints, networks, and cloud services.

Backups are recovery controls because they restore data and systems after failures, attacks, or disasters.

Asecurity breachrefers to an incident where an unauthorized individual successfully gains access to a system, application, network, or data resource. Unlike a general security event, a breach confirms that confidentiality, integrity, or availability has been compromised. According to NIST SP 800-61, a breach occurs when security controls fail and protected information is accessed, disclosed, altered, or destroyed without authorization.

Not every event or intrusion results in a breach. For example, a blocked attack detected by an IDS is an event, not a breach. A breach has legal, regulatory, and business implications, often triggering notification requirements, forensic investigations, and remediation actions.

Segregation of duties reduces fraud and insider threats by requiring multiple individuals to complete critical tasks.