What are Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)?

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) are critical pieces of data that point to potential intrusions or malicious activities within a system or network. These can include various types of information such as IP addresses, URLs, hash values of files, and other artifacts that are correlated with known threats or attacks. By analyzing IoCs, cybersecurity professionals can identify breaches or attempts at infiltration, enabling them to respond effectively to threats and enhance their security posture.

IoCs serve as vital evidence in the threat detection process and guide analysts in investigating and mitigating incidents. Their importance lies in providing actionable insights, which help organizations recognize and understand patterns of malicious behavior. Recognizing IoCs allows security teams to respond quickly and formulate strategies to protect against future incidents, making them essential for maintaining cybersecurity integrity.

Other options, while related to data and security, do not define what IoCs are. Metrics of user engagement focus on user interactions and behaviors rather than security threats. Summaries of security policy compliance assess adherence to established guidelines without indicating specific threats. Statistical analysis of network performance emphasizes network efficiency and availability, rather than identifying security incidents. Thus, the definition of IoCs strongly aligns with their function in the cybersecurity landscape.