What are indicators of compromise (IOCs)?

Indicators of compromise (IOCs) refer to pieces of forensic data that suggest a breach has occurred or that a threat is present within a system or network. These can include items like unusual file hashes, specific IP addresses known for hosting malware, or the presence of certain types of malware on a device.

The correct choice identifies IOCs as potential breaches or threats that are identifiable through various artifacts. Artifacts might include logs, event details, or files that indicate malicious behavior or compromise. IOCs serve as critical tools for cybersecurity professionals to detect and respond to incidents, allowing for quicker identification of threats and the implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies.

In contrast, network speed metrics, system performance benchmarks, and software application updates do not provide direct evidence of malicious activity or system compromise, as they focus on measuring operational efficiency or compliance rather than indicating security threats. Thus, identifying IOCs is essential for proactive security measures and incident response in cybersecurity practices.