In cybersecurity, what are “indicators of compromise” (IoCs)?

Indicators of compromise (IoCs) are critical artifacts observed on a network that signal a potential intrusion or compromise. These artifacts can include various types of data such as file hashes, IP addresses, URLs, or even behavioral trends that suggest malicious activity. The identification of these indicators allows cybersecurity professionals to detect and respond to threats effectively, helping to bolster the security posture of an organization.

By analyzing IoCs, security teams can identify patterns and signatures associated with known threats, thus facilitating the proactive detection of vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This process of monitoring and analyzing IoCs plays a vital role in incident response and threat hunting, making it essential for anyone working in cybersecurity to understand the significance of these indicators in mitigating risks and potential damages caused by cyber incidents.