In network security, what does false negative entail?

In network security, a false negative occurs when a security system fails to identify a real attack or threat, leading to a situation where an actual attack goes undetected. This is critical because it allows malicious activity to occur without any alert or response from the monitoring system. The implication is that security measures are not functioning as intended, which could lead to severe vulnerabilities and breaches.

Choosing the correct answer highlights the importance of accurate detection systems in network security. A false negative represents a significant gap in a security framework, emphasizing the need for constant monitoring and refining of detection algorithms to ensure that genuine threats are recognized and addressed promptly. Effective cybersecurity measures require a balance where legitimate threats are flagged without overwhelming false positives, but false negatives present a particularly dangerous risk as they can lead to undetected breaches and subsequent damage to systems and data.