What is meant by privilege escalation?

Privilege escalation refers to the process where a user gains higher access levels than they are authorized to have, often without proper permissions. This typically occurs in two forms: vertical and horizontal escalation. Vertical escalation involves a user obtaining a higher level of permissions than intended, such as a regular user gaining administrative rights. Horizontal escalation, on the other hand, permits users to access the same level of privileges in a different account or system that should also be restricted.

Understanding privilege escalation is crucial for security analysts because it underscores potential vulnerabilities in an organization's security protocols. Attackers often exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, which can lead to data breaches, the installation of malware, or other malicious activities.

The other options, while related to security, do not define privilege escalation. Deleting log files to hide activity pertains to cover-up actions taken post-incident, securing access points involves protecting entry into systems or networks from unauthorized users, and using stronger passwords focuses on enhancing user account security rather than the act of escalating privileges. Thus, the primary essence of privilege escalation is captured accurately in the correct choice.