During a routine audit, a security analyst notices a consistent and unexpected increase in resource usage on a typically low activity file server. This elevation does not align with any authorized system updates or user operations. What is the MOST probable explanation for this observation?
Routine software updates are pending, causing a temporary rise in system resource demand.
The server’s cooling system is malfunctioning, resulting in performance inconsistencies.
A recent application misconfiguration is causing known processes to utilize more resources than usual.
The system may be compromised by unauthorized software performing resource-intensive operations.