(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

In cybersecurity, what is referred to as any individual, process, or device that causes information to flow or change in the system?

1. Object

2. Subject

3. Entity

4. Actor

The correct answer is: Subject

The term that refers to any individual, process, or device that causes information to flow or change in a system is "subject." In the context of cybersecurity, a subject can be a user, application, or system component that interacts with data and influences its state or existence within the network or system. In cybersecurity frameworks, subjects are essential as they are responsible for executing actions that may change or access the data—this could include activities like creating, reading, updating, or deleting information. By defining subjects clearly, organizations can establish controls and permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals or systems can perform specific actions, thus maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data. The other terms, while related to cybersecurity, have different meanings. An object typically refers to the data or resource that is being acted upon by a subject. Entities may signify anything present in a system, such as users or devices, but do not necessarily imply active involvement in causing information flow. An actor usually refers to a broader category of individuals or entities involved in a process but is less specific than a subject concerning the direct interaction with data. Understanding these distinctions helps in designing security policies and access controls effectively.