How does the PTA identify suspected credential theft?

The correct choice is to identify suspected credential theft by comparing login times with the last password retrieval from the vault. This method is particularly effective because it allows for a direct correlation between when a user is accessing a service and when they last retrieved their credentials.

If there is a sudden login that occurs at an unusual time or shortly after a password retrieval that doesn't align with normal user behavior or access patterns, it may indicate that credentials have been compromised and used maliciously. This comparison helps in pinpointing anomalies that deviate from expected usage, making it easier to identify suspicious activities that could suggest credential theft.

The other methods mentioned are useful but serve different purposes. Monitoring network traffic can help identify unusual patterns but might not directly pinpoint credential theft. Analyzing user behavior patterns is also essential in detecting anomalies but takes a broader approach and could miss direct signs linked to credential misuse. Reviewing access logs and alerts provides valuable historical data and immediate notifications but may not give the real-time insight necessary to link specific login instances directly to credential theft events. Therefore, the comparison of login times with password retrieval is a focused and proactive means of detecting potential credential theft.