Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which classification of alert should be escalated to security investigators?

1. False positive

2. True negative

3. True positive

4. False negative

The correct answer is: True positive

The classification of alert that should be escalated to security investigators is the true positive. A true positive indicates that an actual security incident has been detected, meaning the alert is valid and corresponds to a real threat or breach within the system. This type of alert is critical for maintaining the integrity and security of the organization, as it prompts immediate attention and investigation by security professionals to mitigate any potential damage. In the context of cybersecurity, true positives provide actionable intelligence for security teams to respond to actual threats, analyze how the breach occurred, and implement corrective measures to prevent future incidents. Escalating true positive alerts helps ensure that genuine threats are prioritized and handled appropriately, safeguarding the organization's assets and data. The other classifications, while important in their own rights, do not necessitate escalation to security investigators. False positives can lead to alert fatigue and wasted resources, as they trigger alerts for incidents that aren't real threats. True negatives indicate that there was no malicious activity, and while they provide reassurance, they do not require any action. False negatives are concerning since they indicate an actual threat that went undetected, but they are not alert classifications that would normally be escalated since they do not generate an alert to respond to.