In the Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis, what is defined as the 'victim'?

In the Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis, the 'victim' is defined as the target that has been exploited or the environment of the attack. This encompasses the entity affected by the adversary's actions, which could include individuals, organizations, or systems that were compromised. Understanding the victim's role is crucial because it helps analysts recognize the extent of the breach and the potential impact on the organization. By clearly identifying the victim, security professionals can better analyze vulnerabilities and develop strategies to enhance defenses, mitigate damages, and prevent future incidents.

The other options—such as the system receiving data, the tools used by attackers, or the outcome of the hacking event—do not accurately define the victim within this framework. The focus is on the entity impacted by the attack rather than the tools or techniques used to conduct the intrusion or the effects of the intrusion itself. This clear delineation helps in analyzing attack patterns and devising effective responses to cyber threats.