Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

If an employee clicks on a suspicious email link, how is this incident categorized?

1. External

2. Internal

3. Transient

4. Unauthorized

The correct answer is: Internal

When categorizing an incident where an employee clicks on a suspicious email link, it is viewed as an internal incident. This classification arises from the fact that the initial action—the click on the email link—was conducted by an employee within the organization, thereby originating from within the internal network or user base. The implications of the incident being classified as internal involve the potential exposure to internal resources and data. It suggests that the threat originates not from an external actor exploiting vulnerabilities in the organization's systems, but rather from user behavior or awareness at the employee level. This categorization emphasizes the need for internal security measures such as training, awareness programs, and perhaps even technological safeguards to mitigate similar risks in the future, focusing on the human element of cybersecurity. The classification also highlights the importance of addressing issues that stem from internal users, which can often be overlooked. Employees are a critical component of an organization's security posture, and understanding the dynamics of internal incidents can help in strengthening overall cybersecurity defenses.