What is compromise?
A compromise is when something that should be secure or private gets broken into or altered by an unwanted party. In tech, it usually means a hacker has gained access to a system, network, or data that they shouldn’t have.
Let's break it down
- Secure system: a computer, server, or network that is protected by passwords, encryption, firewalls, etc.
- Unwanted party: a hacker, malware, or any malicious code trying to get in.
- Access: the ability to read, change, or control the system’s resources. When the unwanted party succeeds, the system is said to be “compromised.”
Why does it matter?
If a system is compromised, attackers can steal sensitive information, damage data, disrupt services, or use the system to attack others. This can lead to financial loss, loss of trust, legal penalties, and damage to a company’s reputation.
Where is it used?
Compromise is a term used in many tech areas:
- Network security: when a hacker breaks into a corporate network.
- Web applications: when a site is vulnerable to SQL injection or cross‑site scripting.
- Operating systems: when malware gains admin rights.
- Cloud services: when unauthorized users access stored data.
- IoT devices: when smart gadgets are hijacked for botnets.
Good things about it
- Learning opportunity: Discovering a compromise helps teams understand weaknesses and improve defenses.
- Security testing: Ethical hackers (pen testers) intentionally cause compromises to find gaps before real attackers do.
- Awareness: Publicized compromises raise industry awareness, leading to better standards and tools.
Not-so-good things
- Data loss or theft: Sensitive personal or business information can be exposed.
- Service downtime: Systems may need to be shut down for investigation and repair.
- Financial cost: Fixing a breach, legal fees, and possible fines can be expensive.
- Reputation damage: Customers may lose trust and move to competitors.
- Further attacks: A compromised system can become a launchpad for additional attacks on other targets.