What best describes a victim machine?

A victim machine is typically characterized as a disposable machine used for running insecure services. This term is often used in the context of cybersecurity practices, particularly in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. The concept is that the victim machine is intentionally set up with known vulnerabilities or insecure configurations, making it a suitable environment for attackers to exploit.

Using a disposable machine allows security professionals to safely analyze attacks and behaviors without risking critical assets or sensitive data. The victims of these simulated attacks are configured in such a way that their compromise can be studied, allowing for the identification of weaknesses in security protocols or measures.

This understanding of a victim machine is crucial for developing better defenses, as it provides real-world scenarios in which security measures can be tested and improved. In contrast, secure machines or highly protected servers would not fit the definition since their configurations aim to protect against attacks rather than being intentionally vulnerable.