What are the different types of cybersecurity threats?

1. Malware

• Definition: Malware, short for malicious software, includes any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network.


• Types of Malware:


• Viruses: Attach themselves to legitimate programs or files and spread throughout a system, infecting other programs and files.


• Worms: Standalone malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers, often exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems.


• Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software but, once activated, can execute harmful actions, such as stealing data or installing additional malware.


• Ransomware: Encrypts a victim's files and demands payment to restore access.


• Spyware: Secretly monitors and collects user information without their knowledge.


• Adware: Automatically displays or downloads advertisements when a user is online, often bundled with free software.

2. Phishing

• Definition: A social engineering attack in which an attacker disguises themselves as a trustworthy entity in an attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.


• Common Tactics:


• Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails that appear to be from reputable sources.


• Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations.


• Whaling: Phishing attacks targeted at high-profile individuals like executives or senior officials.

3. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

• Definition: An attack where the attacker secretly intercepts and relays messages between two parties who believe they are communicating directly with each other.


• Common Methods:


• Session Hijacking: Taking control of a user's session with a website.


• SSL Stripping: Downgrading an HTTPS connection to HTTP to intercept communications.

4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

• Definition: Attacks aimed at shutting down a machine or network, making it inaccessible to its intended users by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic.


• Types:


• DoS Attack: Originates from a single source.


• DDoS Attack: Originates from multiple sources, making it harder to mitigate.

5. SQL Injection

• Definition: A code injection technique that exploits vulnerabilities in an application's software by inserting malicious SQL code into a query.


• Impact: Can allow attackers to view, modify, or delete data within a database.

6. Zero-Day Exploit

• Definition: An attack that occurs on the same day a vulnerability is discovered, giving the vendor no time to issue a patch or fix.


• Impact: Can lead to significant damage before the vulnerability is known and addressed.

7. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

• Definition: Prolonged and targeted cyberattacks in which an intruder gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period.


• Goals: Often aimed at stealing data rather than causing damage, focusing on long-term espionage and data exfiltration.

8. Insider Threats

• Definition: Threats posed by individuals within an organization, such as employees, former employees, contractors, or business associates who have inside information.


• Types:


• Malicious Insiders: Individuals with malicious intent, such as stealing data or sabotaging systems.


• Accidental Insiders: Individuals who unintentionally cause harm through negligence or carelessness.

9. Botnets

• Definition: Networks of infected computers (bots) controlled by an attacker (botmaster) to perform coordinated malicious activities.


• Uses: Often used to launch DDoS attacks, send spam, or conduct other cybercrimes.

10. Credential Stuffing

• Definition: A type of cyberattack where attackers use lists of compromised usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.


• Impact: Exploits users' tendency to reuse passwords across multiple sites.

11. Social Engineering

• Definition: Techniques used to trick individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.


• Methods:


• Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to steal a victim's information.


• Baiting: Enticing a victim with a promise (e.g., free software) to download malware.


• Quid Pro Quo: Offering a service in exchange for information or access.

12. Drive-By Download Attacks

• Definition: Attacks that occur when a user visits a compromised website that automatically downloads malicious software onto their device without their knowledge.


• Impact: Often used to distribute malware, spyware, or adware.