Unauthorized use of a legitimate account is known as what?

The term "Account Masquerading" specifically refers to the unauthorized use of a legitimate account. In this context, it involves an individual gaining access to another person's account, either by stealing their credentials or by exploiting vulnerabilities within the system. This practice is often used by malicious actors to carry out activities without raising suspicion, as the actions appear to originate from a legitimate source. Recognizing this behavior is critical for counterintelligence efforts, as it can lead to significant security breaches and the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.

The other options pertain to different concepts. For instance, "DOD Credentials Misuse" involves the improper use of Department of Defense credentials, which could overlap with account masquerading but is not as specific. "Non-approved Applications" refer to the use of software that hasn't been authorized for use within an organization, which does not inherently imply the use of a legitimate account without permission. "Data Tampering" involves altering data without authorization but does not specifically deal with the unauthorized access of accounts. Understanding the nuances of these terms is essential for effective counterintelligence training and reporting.