The Different Forms of Cybersecurity Threats
Cybersecurity threats come in many forms, each exploiting different vulnerabilities and targeting various aspects of systems, networks, or users. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
1. Malware
Definition : Malicious software designed to harm or infiltrate systems.
Examples :
* Viruses : Attach to legitimate programs and spread when executed.
* Worms : Self-replicating programs that spread across networks without user interaction.
* Trojans : Disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into installing them.
* Ransomware : Locks or encrypts data, demanding payment for access (e.g., WannaCry).
* Spyware : Secretly monitors and collects user information.
Impact : Data theft, system damage, or financial extortion.
2. Phishing
Definition : Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information (e.g., passwords, credit card details) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, often via email or fake websites.
Variants :
* Spear Phishing : Targeted attacks on specific individuals or organizations.
* Whaling : Targets high-profile individuals like executives.
* Smishing : Phishing via SMS/text messages.
Impact : Identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized account access.
3. Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
Definition : Overwhelms a system, server, or network with traffic to disrupt availability.
How It Works : In a DDoS attack, multiple compromised devices (e.g., a botnet) flood the target.
Impact : Service outages, website downtime, or operational disruption.
4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
Definition : An attacker intercepts communication between two parties to eavesdrop or alter data.
Examples : Exploiting unsecured Wi-Fi networks or injecting malicious code.
Impact : Stolen credentials, altered transactions, or compromised privacy.
