How do indicators of compromise assist network security?

Indicators of compromise (IoCs) play a crucial role in network security by helping to identify unusual activities that may indicate a potential security breach. These indicators are specific pieces of forensic data that suggest that an intrusion has occurred on a system or network. They can include file hashes, log file entries, or patterns of network traffic that deviate from the norm.

By monitoring and analyzing IoCs, security teams can detect signs of malicious activity early on, allowing for a swift response to potential threats. This proactive approach enhances an organization's ability to defend against cyberattacks and minimizes the risk of significant damage. Effective use of IoCs leads to improved threat detection, incident response, and overall security posture.

The other options do not align with the primary function of IoCs in network security. Creating strong passwords pertains to password management rather than monitoring for breaches, serving solely as historical records limits the applicability of IoCs to past incidents without informing current security measures, and providing routine maintenance guidelines is unrelated to identifying or responding to cybersecurity threats.