What is meant by a 'threat event'?

A 'threat event' refers to a specific occurrence in which a threat actor actively engages in actions aimed at compromising or gaining unauthorized access to an asset, system, or network. This can encompass a variety of malicious activities, such as cyberattacks, data breaches, or other attempts to exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.

Understanding this concept is crucial in the field of cybersecurity because identifying and responding to these events is a core part of protecting information systems. Monitoring for threat events allows organizations to preemptively act to reduce potential damages or respond effectively if an event occurs.

The other choices do not align with the definition of a threat event. While data loss can be a consequence of software malfunctions or human errors, it does not specify an active threat actor's involvement. Scheduled system maintenance and regular security audits are proactive measures taken by organizations to secure their systems and are not events driven by malicious intent.