What is a critical security risk associated with compromised SSH keys?

A critical security risk associated with compromised SSH keys is that they allow attackers to control remote sessions. SSH (Secure Shell) keys are used to securely connect to servers and other systems without the need for passwords. When an SSH key is compromised, an attacker can impersonate the legitimate user who owns that key, gaining unauthorized access to systems and sensitive data.

This access can lead to a range of malicious activities, including data exfiltration, system manipulation, or the establishment of a foothold in an organization's network for further attacks. Because SSH is often used to manage servers, compromised keys can seriously undermine the integrity and security of the entire system.

The other options do not address the primary risk associated with SSH key compromise. While application failures, simplified user logins, and prevention of system updates might pose issues in different contexts, none of them directly reflect the critical and immediate threat of unauthorized remote access resulting from compromised SSH keys.