Define the term 'credential theft' in relation to Cybersecurity.

Define the term 'credential theft' in relation to Cybersecurity.

• A. Obtaining software licenses illegally
• B. The unauthorized acquisition of user credentials for malicious purposes
• C. Gaining physical access to user's devices
• D. Removing malware from infected systems

Answer: (B)

Credential theft refers specifically to the unauthorized acquisition of user credentials, such as usernames, passwords, or token codes, for malicious purposes. In the context of cybersecurity, this theft allows attackers to impersonate users, gain unauthorized access to systems or data, and carry out a variety of malicious activities, such as data breaches or identity theft. This involves techniques like phishing, keylogging, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software or networks to capture sensitive information. The impact of credential theft can be significant, as it compromises user accounts and the security of networks and applications. Other options do not accurately describe the concept of credential theft. For instance, obtaining software licenses illegally relates to software piracy, which is a different issue in the realm of cybersecurity. Gaining physical access to a user's device, while potentially harmful, pertains to physical security rather than credentials. Similarly, removing malware from infected systems is focused on response actions following an attack rather than the theft of credentials itself.

Credential theft refers specifically to the unauthorized acquisition of user credentials, such as usernames, passwords, or token codes, for malicious purposes. In the context of cybersecurity, this theft allows attackers to impersonate users, gain unauthorized access to systems or data, and carry out a variety of malicious activities, such as data breaches or identity theft.

This involves techniques like phishing, keylogging, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software or networks to capture sensitive information. The impact of credential theft can be significant, as it compromises user accounts and the security of networks and applications.

Other options do not accurately describe the concept of credential theft. For instance, obtaining software licenses illegally relates to software piracy, which is a different issue in the realm of cybersecurity. Gaining physical access to a user's device, while potentially harmful, pertains to physical security rather than credentials. Similarly, removing malware from infected systems is focused on response actions following an attack rather than the theft of credentials itself.