What are indicators of compromise (IoCs)?

Indicators of compromise (IoCs) are critical pieces of forensic evidence that can suggest a breach or potential security incident within a network. When observed, these artifacts indicate that malicious activities may have taken place, such as unauthorized access to systems or data, malware infections, or suspicious network traffic patterns.

IoCs can include various types of data, such as unusual file changes, specific IP addresses associated with known threats, or anomalies in user behavior. By identifying and analyzing these indicators, security professionals can respond to incidents, mitigate damage, and strengthen defenses against future attacks. This aspect of IoCs is fundamental in threat detection and incident response, making them essential in the field of cybersecurity.

The other options do not accurately define IoCs. Artifacts indicating a software update relate to system maintenance, while reports on user satisfaction focus on the effectiveness of security measures from a qualitative perspective. Lastly, statistics about active users provide insights into user engagement rather than any indications of security breaches or risks.