Which of the following is a countermeasure used to guard against suspicious network activity?

Conducting frequent audits is an effective countermeasure to guard against suspicious network activity because audits allow organizations to review and analyze their network traffic, user activities, and access logs. This proactive approach helps identify anomalous behavior, unauthorized access, or potential security breaches, enabling the organization to take corrective action before any significant damage occurs. Regular audits also ensure compliance with security policies and regulations, facilitating a better understanding of the threat landscape and improving overall security posture.

In contrast, relying solely on firewalls for protection lacks depth, as firewalls may not detect all forms of malicious activity, especially those that exploit known vulnerabilities or occur through encrypted channels. Avoiding reporting intrusion attempts undermines the ability to respond effectively to threats, as unreported incidents can lead to a more significant security compromise over time. Lastly, responding to unknown requests without proper verification can expose the network to risks, as it may result in allowing malicious actors access to sensitive information or resources.