Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which cybersecurity threat involves unauthorized access to computer systems?

1. Malware

2. Hacking

3. Phishing

4. Spam

The correct answer is: Hacking

The selection of hacking as the correct answer is appropriate because hacking specifically refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. This often involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software, applications, or user behavior to bypass security controls and gain access to sensitive information or resources. In the context of cybersecurity, hacking can manifest in various forms, such as gaining unauthorized entry into networks, stealing data, or deploying other malicious activity to disrupt systems. Because it directly relates to accessing systems without permission, hacking is a fundamental threat that cybersecurity professionals seek to defend against. Other options, while they do involve security concerns, focus on different aspects. For instance, malware refers to malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, including computers. Phishing is a tactic used to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information by impersonating trustworthy entities, often carried out through email or other communication methods. Spam primarily deals with unsolicited messages, typically in emails, which can be a nuisance but does not inherently involve unauthorized access to systems.