What is an example of a common indicator of compromise (IoC)?

Unusual outbound network traffic serves as a significant indicator of compromise (IoC) because it can suggest that a network has been infiltrated by a threat actor or that there is malicious activity occurring. This kind of traffic can be characterized by unexpected data flows leaving the network, which may indicate data exfiltration, command and control communication, or the presence of malware that is operating outside of the organization's usual parameters. Monitoring network traffic is a critical practice in cybersecurity, as it allows for the detection of anomalies that may not align with standard operational behavior.

In contrast, high employee turnover, while it could point to potential security risks, is more of an operational issue than a direct IoC of a security breach. Regular software updates are essential for maintaining security, but they do not tell you about ongoing threats or system integrity when applied correctly. Similarly, consistent user access patterns indicate normal behavior, which does not help in identifying any potential compromises. Recognizing unusual outbound traffic is crucial for incident detection and response, making it a clear and relevant IoC in threat management practices.