What is an example of misconfiguration in cybersecurity?

Using default passwords is a clear example of misconfiguration in cybersecurity. When devices and software are set up using their factory defaults, including default passwords, they remain vulnerable to exploitation. These default credentials are publicly available information and can easily be found by attackers, making it simple for them to gain unauthorized access to systems.

In contrast, unpublished software updates represent a delay in security practice rather than misconfiguration. Regularly updated firewalls and utilizing a VPN connection are both proactive measures which enhance security rather than indicating a misconfiguration. Thus, the choice of default passwords being used highlights a significant vulnerability that stems from improper configuration during the setup of systems. This serves as a critical reminder of the importance of changing default credentials as part of the fundamental practices in cybersecurity.