Which can be the more costly reaction to security incident or preventing a security incident?

Preventing a security incident is generally more cost-effective than responding to one. The costs associated with responding to a security breach can include legal fees, regulatory fines, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust, which can far exceed the investment in preventive measures. Additionally, proactive security measures can help avoid disruptions to business operations and protect sensitive data, ultimately saving money in the long run. Thus, investing in prevention is usually the wiser choice.