What action is defined as obtaining unauthorized access to a host?

The action defined as obtaining unauthorized access to a host is hacking. This term encompasses various techniques used by individuals or groups to gain access to computers or networks without permission. Hacking can involve exploiting vulnerabilities in software, using stolen credentials, or employing social engineering tactics to deceive users into giving up sensitive information.

In the context of cybersecurity, hacking is a significant concern because it can lead to data breaches, theft of intellectual property, and various forms of cybercrime. Understanding hacking is essential in the field of information technology, as it helps professionals develop strategies for safeguarding systems against such unauthorized access.

The other terms listed, while relevant to the overall conversation about cybersecurity, do not specifically refer to the act of gaining unauthorized access. Data management focuses on the effective and efficient handling of data, phishing is a method of social engineering to deceive individuals into providing personal information, and intrusion detection refers to the process or systems established to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, not the act of accessing a host unauthorized.