What constitutes an external threat to an IT system?

An external threat to an IT system primarily refers to risks that come from outside the organization, particularly those initiated by individuals or groups who do not have authorized access to the system. This definition includes actions taken by hackers, cybercriminals, or any malicious entities that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the system from an external standpoint.

External threats can involve various methods, including intrusion attempts, phishing scams, or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, all aimed at compromising the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of the IT system. Understanding these threats is crucial for organizations to implement appropriate security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to safeguard their IT infrastructure against these external risks.