Data transfer activity is network traffic moving information between systems, such as uploads from an organization’s devices to an external server. In cyber security, reviewing this activity can help identify possible data exfiltration, though traffic alone does not prove that files were stolen.
Defenders examine network and cloud logs for unusual destinations, unexpected upload volumes, or transfers at abnormal times, then correlate those signals with endpoint and authentication records. Attackers may move stolen data out before or during extortion, while legitimate backups and business applications can produce similar patterns. Verification and context are essential before concluding that an incident involved data theft.