Question

A hacker recently accessed our database. We are trying to determine how the hacker got through the firewall and exactly what was accessed. The process used to gather this evidence is called:

a. security.
b. a security event.
c. mitigation.
d. forensics.

Answer 1

The process used to gather evidence after a hacker has accessed a database is called digital forensics, which includes the analysis of how the breach occurred and what information was accessed. It is a legally important field that helps organizations understand and mitigate the impact of data breaches.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of gathering evidence to determine how a hacker accessed a database and what was specifically accessed is known as digital forensics. This discipline involves the collection, analysis, and reporting of data breaches in a manner that is legally admissible. Forensics experts use various techniques and tools to reconstruct the events that led to the unauthorized access. The goal is to understand the methods used by the hacker, which can range from exploiting software vulnerabilities to social engineering tactics, and to determine the extent of data compromise.

For instance, the Personal Data Notification & Protection Act of 2017 provides a legal definition of a security breach, underpinning the importance of digital forensics in the investigative process. Moreover, real-world studies, such as one conducted by Bruno & Abrahão (2012), highlight the role of human factors in identifying and addressing data breaches within organizations, emphasizing the need for cognitive sharpness among security personnel to correctly interpret breach signals. Addressing data breaches also involves considering solutions like increased security measures for individuals and organizations, such as two-factor authentication and stronger website protections.