What is 'exfiltration' in cybersecurity?

Exfiltration in cybersecurity refers specifically to the unauthorized transfer of data from a system or network. This can involve various methods through which attackers obtain sensitive information without permission, often for malicious purposes. Data exfiltration typically targets confidential information, such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, or proprietary corporate data.

The focus on unauthorized data transfer highlights the security risks associated with vulnerabilities in a system that attackers can exploit. Organizations often implement various countermeasures, such as data loss prevention (DLP) technologies and strict access controls, to detect and prevent such unauthorized activities. Recognizing exfiltration is crucial for incident response strategies to mitigate potential data breaches and their repercussions on organizations and individuals alike.

Other options mentioned, such as updating security protocols, enhancing data encryption, or improving user access controls, do not accurately describe exfiltration itself, as they pertain to proactive security measures rather than the act of unauthorized data removal.