What is defined as a pattern that corresponds to a known threat?

A signature is defined as a specific pattern or characteristic that corresponds to a known threat. In the context of cybersecurity, signatures are used by various detection systems, such as antivirus software and intrusion detection systems, to identify and respond to malicious activities. Each signature represents a unique fingerprint of a threat, whether it's a virus, exploit, or any other type of attack, allowing the system to recognize and mitigate the threat effectively.

Signatures are essential for maintaining the security posture of an organization, as they help to quickly identify specific threats based on predefined rules. The use of signatures in security measures allows for faster and more accurate detection, as they rely on established knowledge of existing threats.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture this concept. A protocol refers to a set of rules governing data transmission, an event is an occurrence of a significant event within a network, and a broker would typically refer to an intermediary that facilitates transactions or communications between different parties. None of these terms conveys the idea of a recognizable threat pattern the way a signature does.