iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

Which event is categorized as a cybersecurity incident?

1. A scheduled software update

2. An unauthorized access attempt

3. A power outage affecting servers

4. A routine data backup

The correct answer is: An unauthorized access attempt

An unauthorized access attempt is categorized as a cybersecurity incident because it directly involves an attempt to breach or compromise the security of a system or network. This type of event can indicate potential malicious activity, such as efforts by an attacker to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt the integrity of systems. It signifies a deviation from normal operations and poses a risk to the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data, which are key concerns in cybersecurity. In contrast, scheduled software updates, power outages, and routine data backups are typically part of standard operational processes and maintenance tasks. While a power outage could lead to a cybersecurity incident if it results in data loss or corruption, on its own, it does not represent an immediate threat or compromise. Similarly, software updates and data backups are proactive measures intended to strengthen security and ensure system reliability, rather than events that reflect security breaches or incidents.