What term describes a piece of data that provides context about suspicious cyber activity?

The term “Indicator” accurately describes a piece of data that provides context about suspicious cyber activity. In cybersecurity, indicators are used to signify that a potential threat or malicious behavior has been detected. These indicators can take many forms, such as IP addresses, file hashes, or specific behaviors exhibited by malware. They serve as signs or signals that help analysts identify, track, and respond to security incidents.

By providing context, indicators help cybersecurity professionals correlate suspicious activity with known threats, facilitating prompt and informed decision-making. This capability is crucial for effective threat detection and response as it enhances situational awareness and assists in determining the appropriate course of action. Defining and understanding indicators is fundamental in building a robust cybersecurity posture, allowing organizations to proactively defend against cyber threats.