How can false negatives affect an organization's security?

False negatives can have a significant detrimental impact on an organization's security posture. When a security system fails to detect an actual intrusion or malicious activity, it results in a false negative. This means that potential threats go undetected, allowing attackers to exploit vulnerabilities without being identified. Consequently, sensitive data could be compromised, systems might be damaged, and overall security integrity is undermined.

In contrast to the other responses, which either misrepresent the effect of false negatives or do not relate directly to security outcomes, the implication of a false negative is clear: it creates a false sense of security. Organizations relying on their detection systems may believe they are safe while real threats persist unnoticed. This can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to the organization's reputation. Therefore, recognizing and addressing false negatives is critical for maintaining a robust security framework.