Description: Malicious activity refers to any action intended to cause harm to a computer system or network. This concept encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from installing malware to denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and data theft. Malicious activity can be carried out by individuals, organized groups, or even nation-states, and can have various motivations, such as financial gain, revenge, or espionage. The main characteristics of malicious activity include secrecy, sophistication, and the ability to evade defense mechanisms. In the context of cybersecurity, detecting and mitigating these activities is crucial to protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information. Tools used by security professionals to conduct penetration testing and simulate attacks include various penetration testing frameworks, while security solutions aim to prevent and respond to these threats across different environments. Additionally, in cloud security posture management, identifying and mitigating malicious activity is essential to safeguard data and services hosted on cloud platforms.