Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What term describes a pathway used to illegally access a computer system?

1. Access key

2. Attack vector

3. Malware payload

4. Security vulnerability

The correct answer is: Attack vector

The term that accurately describes a pathway used to illegally access a computer system is known as an attack vector. An attack vector encompasses the various methods or routes that a hacker might exploit to breach a system's security. This could include social engineering tactics, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or using network access points. In the realm of cybersecurity, understanding attack vectors is crucial for developing effective defense mechanisms and response strategies. By identifying potential attack vectors, organizations can implement security measures to mitigate risks—such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular software updates. The other terms, while connected to cybersecurity, describe different concepts. An access key generally refers to a credential or a specific key that grants authorized users entry to a system, while malware payload pertains to the harmful component of malware that carries out the intended malicious action once executed on a target system. A security vulnerability is a flaw or weakness in the software or hardware that can be exploited by cyber attackers but does not inherently describe the method of attack itself, which is what an attack vector provides.