Unauthorized access occurs when?

Unauthorized access occurs when a user accesses resources without permission. This definition encompasses any situation where an individual gains access to data, systems, or networks that they are not authorized to use. It violates established access controls and policies, leading to potential security breaches.

This concept is critical in industrial cyber security because unauthorized access can result in data theft, system compromise, or operational disruption within critical infrastructures. Understanding unauthorized access helps organizations implement stringent access controls, monitor user activity, and enforce data protection measures.

In contrast, while the other options involve security-related events, they do not accurately define unauthorized access. Legitimate users accessing their own accounts do not constitute unauthorized access since they have permission. An unauthorized individual's attempt to hack a system refers more to the act of attempting unauthorized access rather than the access itself. A network breach for data theft indicates a successful unauthorized access event but does not describe the broader definition of accessing resources without permission.