During a routine audit, a security analyst notices a consistent and unexpected increase in resource usage on a typically low activity file server. This elevation does not align with any authorized system updates or user operations. What is the MOST probable explanation for this observation?
Routine software updates are pending, causing a temporary rise in system resource demand.
The system may be compromised by unauthorized software performing resource-intensive operations.
The server’s cooling system is malfunctioning, resulting in performance inconsistencies.
A recent application misconfiguration is causing known processes to utilize more resources than usual.
A common symptom of a compromised system is the unauthorized use of system resources, like processing power. This can happen when malicious software, such as a Trojan or a crypto-miner, is clandestinely running on the machine. Considering that the increase in resource usage is unexpected and doesn't align with known tasks or user behavior, it suggests the possibility of malicious activity. In contrast, an application misconfiguration would typically be tied to a recent software change. A malfunctioning cooling system would likely lead to overheating, which could consequently throttle processing capabilities, rather than increase resource utilization. Similarly, pending updates might increase resource use temporarily, but this would be anticipated behavior correlated with the update process.
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