What is a common indication that an indicator of compromise (IOC) exists?

Unusual network traffic patterns are a common indication that an indicator of compromise (IOC) exists because such changes can signal malicious activity or unauthorized access within a network. IOCs are signs that a security breach may have occurred, and abnormal network behavior is often one of the first detectable signs.

When there are unexpected spikes in traffic, unusual outbound connections, or network communication with known malicious IP addresses, it often warrants further investigation. These anomalies could suggest that an attacker is attempting to exfiltrate data, establish a command and control connection, or spread malware within a network.

In contrast, increased software performance, improved employee training engagement, and better client relations are generally positive indicators and do not typically correlate with detected threats or compromises. Such factors might indicate that the organization is functioning well but do not provide insight into potential security incidents. Thus, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns is critical for early detection and response in cybersecurity.