When responding to an alert about possible credential theft, which action is typically the most effective for initial assessment?

Investigating the user's recent login activities is typically the most effective action for an initial assessment when responding to an alert about possible credential theft. This step allows you to gather important information regarding the context and extent of a potential security incident. By examining the timestamps, locations, and devices used for login, you can determine whether there are any anomalies or unauthorized access attempts.

This investigation can reveal whether the alert is associated with legitimate activity or if there are signs of compromised credentials being used. Understanding the user’s behavior patterns can help in assessing the risk level and deciding on the appropriate follow-up actions, such as contacting the user or escalating the situation for further analysis. This careful approach is crucial in mitigating potential harm and efficiently responding to security incidents.

In contrast, changing all user passwords immediately may disrupt legitimate access without confirming a breach, and alerting users prematurely can lead to confusion and unnecessary panic. Logging a support ticket is useful for escalating the issue but does not provide the immediate insights necessary for an effective initial response.