What is defined as an intrusion in a security context?

In a security context, an intrusion is characterized as any activity that contradicts established security policies. When organizations develop security policies, they set clear guidelines on acceptable behaviors, access controls, and usage of resources. An intrusion signifies a breach of these protocols, indicating that unauthorized actions have taken place which compromise the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of the system or data.

This could include attempts to exfiltrate sensitive data, unauthorized network access, or executing malicious code within the environment. The presence of such activities not only highlights weaknesses in the security framework but also triggers responses to mitigate potential risks and enhance the overall security posture of the entity. Understanding that an intrusion is fundamentally about deviation from designated policies is crucial for effective threat detection and response in cybersecurity practices.