What is the most likely cause of a sudden increase in failed connection attempts to a database?

What is the most likely cause of a sudden increase in failed connection attempts to a database?

• A. User error
• B. Malicious intrusion
• C. Data corruption
• D. Server maintenance

Answer: (B)

A sudden increase in failed connection attempts to a database often indicates an abnormal situation, and in this context, the most likely cause would be a malicious intrusion. When unauthorized individuals attempt to access a database, they typically use automated tools and scripts that run multiple connection attempts rapidly. These attempts can lead to a spike in failed connection attempts as the intruder is likely entering incorrect credentials or attempting various methods to exploit vulnerabilities in the database.

While user error can account for some failed connections, it is usually not characterized by a sudden and sharp increase, as it tends to occur more sporadically. Data corruption, on the other hand, may lead to connection issues but would not manifest specifically as an increase in connection attempts; it would more likely result in errors during established connections. Server maintenance could also affect connection attempts, but generally, scheduled maintenance is planned and communicated, leading to fewer connection attempts rather than an unexpected surge. Thus, the pattern of failed connections driven by consistent, unauthorized attempts is a hallmark of malicious intrusion, making it the most plausible explanation for this scenario.