What should be protected to ensure cybersecurity for external connections?

To ensure cybersecurity for external connections, the protection of tampering or damage is crucial. This involves safeguarding the integrity of data and systems when they interact with external networks or third-party services. Tampering refers to unauthorized modification of data or systems, which can compromise the integrity and availability of those systems.

When external connections are established, they become potential points of attack. Cyber adversaries may attempt to interfere with the communication between networks or manipulate the data being transmitted. By focusing on preventing tampering or damage, organizations can maintain the trustworthiness and reliability of their systems, ensuring that the data remains unchanged and secure from unauthorized alterations. This protection is vital in preserving confidentiality, integrity, and availability, which are foundational principles of cybersecurity.

While the other options related to data breaches, vendor relationships, and loss of connectivity are important aspects of cybersecurity, they do not directly address the immediate risks associated with external connections in the same way that protecting against tampering or damage does. Understanding the potential for external threats allows organizations to implement appropriate controls and defenses, thereby bolstering their cybersecurity posture.