English 
Español
Français
عربيimprisonment
The holding of a staff member in a known official or unknown location, such as a prison, often following formal charges.
Show translations
Glossary English
The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) developed this Glossary to facilitate a common understanding of terms frequently used in security risk management.
The terms and definitions have been drawn from a range of trusted resources, including GISF’s own publications. They have also been informed by a working group of GISF members.
The GISF Glossary is available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The site has been designed to enable easy navigation between terms in each language, supporting more consistent and accurate communication across language barriers.
The GISF Glossary is reviewed and updated regularly, to reflect new terms and changing definitions within the security risk management sector. If you have a term you would like to add to the Glossary or a suggested amendment, please contact us through our feedback form.
I
improvised explosive device (IED)
A device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. It may incorporate military stores but is normally devised from non-military components.
Show translations
incident
An adverse security event which results in, or could result in, harm to staff, disruption to programmes and activities, or loss or damage to the organisation’s assets or its reputation. A security incident is one that arises as a result of intentional harm.
Show translations
incident analysis
The systematic examination of incidents (such as security breaches, safety accidents, or other disruptive events) to understand their causes, impacts, and implications. The goal of incident analysis is to identify weaknesses in security measures, improve response strategies, and prevent future incidents.
Related terms: security incident information management
Show translations
incident management team (IMT)
A group formed specifically to manage a critical incident, usually located in the country, or close to where the incident occurred, or is occurring.
Show translations
incident mapping
An activity to understand where security incidents occur by visualising, usually on a map, and comparing locations with other factors to determine patterns and identify high-risk areas and high-risk times.
Related terms: incident , incident analysis
Show translations
incident report
An account of events sent after a security incident that provides details on the situation that has occurred, and the actions taken. There are typically three types of incident reports: Immediate incident report (sent immediately or as soon as possible after the incident occurs and often verbal); Incident updates (sent as often as necessary, to provide more information on the incident or situation as it evolves); Post-incident report (completed and sent after the situation is stabilised or the incident is over, providing a written account of the incident and actions taken).
Related terms: incident
Source: NGO Security Toolbox, GISF
Show translations
incident response
Actions taken by an organisation following a suspected or actual security incident to manage the consequences of the incident and prevent its future recurrence.
Show translations
inclusion
The process of creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics, feel valued, respected, and have equal access to opportunities and resources.
Related terms: diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) , exclusion
Show translations
inclusive security
An approach to security that recognises the impact of an individual’s specific profile on the risks they face, and actively provides them with the guidance and support they need to enable them to fully participate and feel secure.
Related terms: inclusion
Show translations
information security
Refers to the practice of protecting information from unauthorised access, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This involves implementing policies, procedures, and technical measures to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Related terms: cyber security , digital security
Show translations
informed consent
The process by which staff give their agreement or permission based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the risks, implications, and future consequences of an action or decision. Informed consent is central to duty of care; it is vital that staff can discuss concerns and say ‘no’ to a role, trip, or situation that they feel compromises their safety or security.
Show translations
insecure context
An environment where the ability to operate is impacted by a lack of security. Different organisations will create their own classifications of levels of insecure contexts based on their individual risk management processes (e.g., low, medium, high, extreme).
Show translations
intersectionality
An analytical framework used to understand and explore how the different parts of one individual’s identity (‘race’, gender, wealth, sexual orientation, religion etc.) influence their experience of the world. An individual’s intersectional identity impacts how they are perceived, the vulnerabilities they have, and the risks they may face. Adopting an intersectional lens is, therefore, an essential part of SRM and forms the foundation of a person-centred approach.
Related terms: inclusive security
Show translations
intrusion
Wrongful or unauthorised entry, usually with force, into a premise or vehicle. Intrusion differs from burglary or break-ins in that perpetrators are often more overt or less concerned about being discovered.
Related terms: burglary
Show translations
investigation
The process of gathering information and examining facts to determine whether an allegation of wrongdoing by staff or the organisation occurred, and if so, the persons or entities accountable.
Related terms: confidentiality , disclosure
Show translations