What is meant by "credential theft" in cybersecurity?

Credential theft refers to the unauthorized acquisition of sensitive login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, that can be used to gain access to accounts, systems, or networks. This type of attack is a significant concern in cybersecurity because it can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and exploitation of compromised accounts. Cybercriminals often employ various tactics such as phishing, keylogging, or malware to steal these credentials.

In the context of the other options, accidental deletion of passwords is a mishap that doesn’t involve malicious intent or unauthorized access, therefore, it doesn’t represent credential theft. The loss of user access to accounts may occur due to legitimate reasons like forgotten passwords or account inactivity, rather than theft. Sharing passwords with colleagues, while potentially risky, is a form of improper credential management but does not fall under the definition of theft, as the credentials are still shared rather than acquired through unauthorized means.