Learn about the threats lurking in the digital world.
Phishing is a deceptive technique where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to trick users into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details. Typically delivered via fraudulent emails, text messages, or fake websites, phishing exploits human trust and often leads to identity theft or financial loss.
Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses a broad category of harmful programs designed to infiltrate, damage, or exploit devices. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware, which can steal data, disrupt operations, or grant unauthorized access.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's data, holding it hostage until a ransom is paid. Attackers typically demand payment in cryptocurrency, and failure to comply can result in permanent data loss.
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm a target system, server, or network with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible. Perpetrated using botnets, these attacks disrupt online services and require robust mitigation strategies.
Man-in-the-Middle attacks involve an attacker intercepting communication between two parties to eavesdrop or alter data. Commonly occurring on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, MitM attacks can lead to data theft or session hijacking.
SQL Injection attacks target databases by inserting malicious SQL code into input fields, allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete data. This vulnerability often arises from poor input validation in web applications.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) involves injecting malicious scripts into websites viewed by other users. These scripts can steal cookies, session tokens, or redirect users to harmful sites, exploiting browser vulnerabilities.
Password attacks aim to crack or steal user credentials using methods like brute force, dictionary attacks, or credential stuffing. Weak passwords or reused credentials significantly increase the risk of successful breaches.
Zero-Day Exploits target unknown software vulnerabilities before developers can patch them. Attackers exploit these flaws to gain unauthorized access, making them particularly dangerous due to the lack of defenses.
Insider Threats involve malicious or negligent actions by employees, contractors, or partners with legitimate access. These can include data leaks, sabotage, or unauthorized data access, often harder to detect than external attacks.
Drive-By Downloads automatically install malware on a user's device by visiting a compromised website. These attacks exploit browser vulnerabilities and often occur without user interaction.
Rootkits are stealthy malware that grant attackers persistent access to a system, often hiding their presence. They can monitor activities, steal data, or create backdoors, making detection and removal challenging.
Spoofing involves disguising communication from an unknown source as a trusted one, such as email spoofing or IP spoofing. This tactic deceives users into trusting malicious content or actions.
Advanced Persistent Threats are prolonged, targeted attacks by well-resourced groups, often nation-states or organized crime. They aim to steal data or spy over time, using sophisticated techniques to evade detection.
Brute Force Attacks involve systematically trying all possible combinations to crack passwords or encryption keys. These resource-intensive attacks succeed against weak or short passwords, emphasizing the need for strong security practices.
Keylogging involves using software or hardware to record keystrokes on a victim's device, capturing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Often deployed via malware, it operates discreetly in the background.
Session Hijacking allows attackers to take over a user's active session by stealing session IDs or cookies. Commonly executed via network sniffing or XSS, it grants unauthorized access to accounts or services.
Credential Stuffing uses stolen username-password pairs from one breach to gain unauthorized access to other accounts. This automated attack exploits users' tendency to reuse credentials across multiple platforms.
IoT Attacks target internet-connected devices like smart cameras or thermostats, exploiting weak security to gain control or launch attacks (e.g., DDoS). The proliferation of IoT devices increases this threat's scope.
Social Engineering
Social engineering manipulates individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Techniques include pretexting, baiting, and tailgating, relying on psychological manipulation rather than technical exploits.