In cybersecurity, what is considered worse: a false positive or a false negative?

In cybersecurity, a false negative is concerning because it signifies that an attack has occurred, but the security system failed to detect it, allowing the threat to go unnoticed. This can lead to severe consequences, as attackers can exploit vulnerabilities without triggering any alerts, potentially resulting in data breaches, system compromises, and significant damage before the issue is recognized.

On the other hand, a false positive, while it can cause unnecessary alarm and potentially waste resources as security teams investigate non-threatening situations, does not allow a real attack to proceed undetected. Therefore, the risk and potential harm associated with a false negative are generally considered greater than those associated with a false positive, making the accurate detection of threats critical in maintaining an effective cybersecurity posture.