Attribution in cybersecurity refers to the process of identifying the individual, group, or nation-state responsible for a cyberattack or malicious online activity. This often involves analyzing technical evidence such as malware code, attack methods, language used, and infrastructure like IP addresses. Attribution is challenging because attackers frequently use deception techniques to hide their identity or mislead investigators. Accurate attribution is crucial for responding to threats, holding perpetrators accountable, and informing policy decisions, but it often relies on piecing together indirect clues rather than definitive proof.