What does the term 'data exfiltration' mean?

The term 'data exfiltration' refers specifically to the unauthorized transfer of data from a computer or network. This process often signifies a security breach, where sensitive information is taken by malicious actors without permission. Data exfiltration can occur through various methods, such as exploiting vulnerabilities, using malware, or even through social engineering tactics, and it poses significant risks to organizations by leading to data loss, financial harm, and damage to reputation.

Understanding data exfiltration is crucial in the field of cybersecurity, as it allows analysts to identify signs of compromised systems and implement appropriate countermeasures to protect sensitive information. The other options describe different practices but do not accurately capture the concept of data exfiltration. For example, backing up data is a standard practice for data protection, while data encryption is a method for securing information, and authorized data sharing involves legitimate exchanges that do not represent the risks associated with exfiltration.