Malware & Vuruses
| Name | Characteristics |
| Macro virus | A macro virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to infect a computer system by exploiting vulnerabilities in software that uses macros, such as Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A macro is a series of commands and instructions that can be recorded and executed within a program. Macro viruses exploit this functionality by embedding malicious code into macros within documents. When the infected document is opened, the macro virus can execute its code and infect the system. Macro viruses can be delivered through a variety of methods, including email attachments, malicious downloads, and social engineering tactics. Once installed on a computer, a macro virus can perform a variety of malicious activities, including stealing sensitive information, modifying or deleting files, and installing other malware on the infected system. To protect against macro viruses, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software, keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches, and avoid opening email attachments or downloading software from unknown sources. Additionally, it’s important to configure security settings within software that uses macros, such as disabling macros by default and only enabling them for trusted documents from trusted sources. Regularly scanning your computer for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
| Worm | A worm is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to self-replicate and spread across networks without user intervention. Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host program or file to infect a computer or network. Worms can be delivered through a variety of methods, including email attachments, malicious downloads, and vulnerabilities in network software. Once a worm infects a computer or network, it can scan for other vulnerable systems and attempt to spread to them. Worms can cause a variety of problems for infected systems, including slowing down network traffic, overloading servers, and causing system crashes. Some worms are also designed to carry out specific malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive data or installing other malware on the infected system. To protect against worm infections, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software, keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from unknown sources. Additionally, it’s important to configure firewalls and other security measures to block worm traffic and limit the spread of infections. Regularly scanning your computer for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
| Spyware | Spyware is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to collect sensitive information from a computer or network without the user’s knowledge or consent. The term “spyware” is used because the software spies on the user’s activity and can capture sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and browsing history. Spyware can be delivered through a variety of methods, including phishing emails, malicious downloads, and social engineering tactics. Once installed on a computer or network, spyware can monitor user activity, capture keystrokes, and even activate the computer’s microphone or camera to record audio and video. Spyware can be difficult to detect, as it often runs in the background without the user’s knowledge. However, some signs of a spyware infection may include slow performance, unusual pop-up windows, and changes to browser settings. To protect against spyware, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software, keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from unknown sources. Additionally, it’s important to be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted source. Regularly scanning your computer for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
| Trojans | A Trojan virus is a type of malware that is designed to look like legitimate software, but is actually malicious in nature. The name “Trojan” comes from the Trojan Horse of Greek mythology, which was a wooden horse used by the Greeks to gain access to the city of Troy. Like the Trojan Horse, a Trojan virus can gain access to a computer system by appearing to be harmless or even beneficial software. Once installed, the Trojan virus can perform a variety of malicious activities, including stealing sensitive information, modifying or deleting files, and installing other malware on the infected system. Trojan viruses can be delivered through a variety of methods, including phishing emails, malicious downloads, and social engineering tactics. They can be difficult to detect, as they often appear to be legitimate software and may not trigger antivirus software. To protect against Trojan viruses, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software, keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from unknown sources. Additionally, it’s important to be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted source. Regularly scanning your computer for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
| Ransomware | Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to block access to a computer system or encrypt a user’s files until a ransom is paid to the attacker. Ransomware attacks typically begin with the infection of a computer or network, usually through a phishing email or a malicious download. Once the ransomware virus infects the system, it begins to encrypt files, rendering them inaccessible to the user. The attacker then demands a ransom, usually payable in cryptocurrency, in exchange for a decryption key that can unlock the files. Ransomware attacks can be devastating for individuals and organizations, as they can result in the loss of critical data, financial losses, and reputational damage. Some high-profile ransomware attacks in recent years have caused widespread disruption, including the WannaCry attack in 2017 and the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021. To protect against ransomware attacks, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software, keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from unknown sources. It’s also important to regularly back up important files to an external storage device or cloud-based service to minimize the impact of an attack. Additionally, organizations should have a plan in place for responding to a ransomware attack, including regular training for employees and regular testing of backup and recovery systems. |
| Keylogger | A keylogger virus is a type of malware that is designed to record and log every keystroke made on a computer keyboard. This includes usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information entered by the user. Keylogger viruses can be installed on a computer through a variety of methods, including phishing emails, malicious downloads, and social engineering tactics. Once installed, the virus runs silently in the background, recording every keystroke made on the infected computer. The information is then sent to the attacker’s server, where it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities. Keylogger viruses can be difficult to detect, as they typically run silently in the background without the user’s knowledge. However, there are some signs that a computer may be infected, including slow performance, unusual pop-up windows, and changes to browser settings. To protect against keylogger viruses, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software and keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches. It’s also important to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from unknown sources. Additionally, using a virtual keyboard or two-factor authentication can help protect against keylogger attacks. |
| Boot sector virus | A boot sector virus is a type of computer virus that infects the boot sector of a hard disk or other storage device, such as a USB drive. The boot sector is a small section of the storage device that contains important information about the device, including the code needed to boot up the computer or access the contents of the storage device. Boot sector viruses work by infecting the boot sector and modifying the boot code to include the virus code. When the infected device is booted up, the virus code is executed and the virus can spread to other devices connected to the infected computer. Boot sector viruses can cause a variety of problems, including slowing down the computer, causing it to crash or freeze, and deleting or corrupting files. They can also spread quickly and infect other devices, making them a serious threat to computer and network security. Boot sector viruses were more common in the early days of personal computing when floppy disks were the primary means of storing and transferring data. However, modern operating systems and security software have built-in protections against boot sector viruses, making them less common today. To protect against boot sector viruses, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software, keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches, and avoid using untrusted storage devices. Regularly scanning storage devices for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
| Cryptominers | A cryptominer virus, also known as a cryptocurrency mining malware, is a type of malware that hijacks a computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. Cryptominer viruses work by infecting a computer and then using the computer’s resources, such as CPU and GPU power, to perform the complex mathematical calculations necessary to mine cryptocurrencies. The profits from the mining are then sent to the attacker’s cryptocurrency wallet. The process of mining requires a lot of computational power and can slow down the infected computer, causing it to freeze or crash. Cryptominer viruses can infect computers through a variety of methods, such as phishing emails, malicious websites, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant on the computer, waiting for an opportune time to start mining and generating profits for the attacker. Cryptominer viruses can cause significant harm to individuals and organizations, as they can slow down or crash computer systems, increase energy usage and electricity bills, and potentially compromise sensitive information stored on the infected computer. To protect against cryptominer viruses, it’s important to keep software and operating systems up to date, use antivirus software and firewalls, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from unknown sources. Regularly scanning systems for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
| Rootkit | A rootkit is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to hide its presence on a computer or network by modifying or replacing core system files and processes. Rootkits can be delivered through a variety of methods, including email attachments, malicious downloads, and vulnerabilities in network software. Once installed on a system, a rootkit can give an attacker complete control over the system and allow them to perform a variety of malicious activities, including stealing sensitive information, modifying or deleting files, and installing other malware on the infected system. Rootkits are often difficult to detect, as they can hide their presence from antivirus software and other security measures. Some common signs of a rootkit infection may include slow performance, unusual system crashes, and changes to system files or settings. To protect against rootkit infections, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software and keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches. Additionally, it’s important to configure firewalls and other security measures to block unauthorized access to critical system files and processes. Regularly scanning your computer for malware can also help detect and remove any infections. |
Social Engineering Attacks
| Name | Characteristics |
| Phishing | Phishing is a type of cyber attack that involves the use of social engineering tactics to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal information. The goal of a phishing attack is to steal sensitive information for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud. Phishing attacks can take many forms, including email, text messages, social media messages, and fake websites. Attackers may create realistic-looking messages or websites that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or an online retailer, in order to trick the victim into providing their sensitive information. Some common signs of a phishing attack may include urgent or threatening language in the message, a request for sensitive information, a suspicious sender or website address, or a message that prompts the user to take immediate action. To protect against phishing attacks, it’s important to be vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or clicking on links from unknown sources. It’s also important to use strong, unique passwords for each online account and to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. Additionally, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software and keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches to help prevent against vulnerabilities that may be exploited in a phishing attack. |
| Vishing | Vishing (voice phishing) is a type of phishing attack that uses voice communication, typically over the phone, to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal information. In a vishing attack, the attacker may impersonate a trusted individual or organization, such as a bank or government agency, in order to gain the victim’s trust and convince them to provide their sensitive information. The attacker may use automated voice messages or interactive voice response (IVR) systems to make the attack appear more legitimate. Some common signs of a vishing attack may include urgent or threatening language in the message, a request for sensitive information, a suspicious caller ID or phone number, or a message that prompts the user to take immediate action. To protect against vishing attacks, it’s important to be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls or messages, and to avoid providing sensitive information over the phone unless you are sure of the caller’s identity. It’s also important to use strong, unique passwords for each online account and to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. Additionally, it’s important to use reputable antivirus software and keep operating systems and software up to date with security patches to help prevent against vulnerabilities that may be exploited in a vishing attack. |
| Shoulder surfing | Shoulder surfing is a type of social engineering attack in which an attacker observes a victim as they enter sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, into a device, such as a computer or smartphone. The attacker may stand close to the victim or use a device, such as binoculars or a camera, to get a closer look at the victim’s screen. Shoulder surfing can occur in a variety of settings, such as public places, offices, or even in private homes. Attackers may use the information they gather through shoulder surfing to steal the victim’s identity or engage in other forms of financial fraud. To protect against shoulder surfing attacks, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid entering sensitive information into a device in public places where others can see your screen. If possible, position your device so that it is difficult for others to see your screen. Additionally, it’s important to use strong, unique passwords for each online account and to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. |
| Whaling | Whaling, also known as CEO fraud or business email compromise (BEC), is a type of cyber attack that targets high-level executives or individuals in positions of authority within an organization. In a whaling attack, the attacker impersonates a trusted individual, such as a CEO or other high-ranking executive, in order to trick employees or other individuals within the organization into disclosing sensitive information or transferring funds. Whaling attacks often involve social engineering techniques, such as spear-phishing or pretexting, to gain the trust of the victim and convince them to take action. For example, the attacker may send a convincing email or message that appears to be from a trusted executive, instructing the victim to wire money to a fraudulent account or provide sensitive information. To protect against whaling attacks, it’s important to be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or requests, particularly those that involve financial transactions or sensitive information. It’s also important to use strong, unique passwords for each online account, to enable multi-factor authentication where possible, and to train employees on how to identify and report suspicious messages or requests. Additionally, it’s important to establish clear procedures for verifying requests for financial transactions or other sensitive actions, such as requiring approval from multiple individuals or verifying requests through a separate communication channel. |
| Tailgating | Tailgating is a physical security breach that occurs when an unauthorized individual follows a legitimate user into a secure area without authorization. In cybersecurity, tailgating is a type of social engineering attack that exploits people’s natural inclination to be helpful or polite. In a tailgating attack, the attacker approaches a secure area, such as a data center or office building, and waits for an authorized user to enter. The attacker then follows the authorized user into the secure area without presenting identification or authorization. Once inside, the attacker may attempt to steal sensitive information or carry out other malicious activities. To protect against tailgating attacks, it’s important to establish clear access control policies and procedures, such as requiring identification or authentication for entry into secure areas. It’s also important to train employees on how to identify and report suspicious behavior, and to monitor access logs and surveillance cameras for unauthorized access. Additionally, it’s important to establish a culture of security awareness and to emphasize the importance of following security policies and procedures to prevent unauthorized access. |
| Impersonation | In cybersecurity, impersonation is a type of social engineering attack that involves an attacker posing as a trusted individual or entity, such as a coworker, supplier, or financial institution, in order to gain access to sensitive information or carry out other malicious activities. Impersonation attacks can take many forms, including email or text messages, phone calls, or in-person interactions. The attacker may use a variety of tactics to deceive the victim, such as using a spoofed email address or phone number, providing fake credentials or references, or using personal information obtained through other means to establish trust. Once the attacker has gained the victim’s trust, they may attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial data, or confidential business information. They may also use the impersonation as a pretext for other types of attacks, such as installing malware or ransomware on the victim’s system. To protect against impersonation attacks, it’s important to be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or requests, particularly those that involve sensitive information or financial transactions. It’s also important to use strong, unique passwords for each online account, to enable multi-factor authentication where possible, and to train employees on how to identify and report suspicious messages or requests. Additionally, it’s important to establish clear procedures for verifying the identity of individuals or entities requesting sensitive information or access to secure systems. |
| Dumpster Diving | In cybersecurity, dumpster diving is a type of physical security attack that involves an attacker searching through an organization’s trash or recycling bins for sensitive information, such as financial documents, customer records, or intellectual property. Dumpster diving attacks can be carried out in a variety of ways, such as by posing as a cleaning or maintenance worker, or by simply rummaging through trash bins outside of a building. Once the attacker has obtained the sensitive information, they may use it for a variety of malicious purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or corporate espionage. To protect against dumpster diving attacks, it’s important to establish clear policies and procedures for handling sensitive information, including secure disposal methods such as shredding or incineration. It’s also important to train employees on how to identify and report suspicious behavior, and to monitor trash and recycling bins for signs of tampering or unauthorized access. Additionally, it’s important to establish a culture of security awareness and to emphasize the importance of safeguarding sensitive information at all times, both inside and outside of the workplace. |
| Evil twin | In cybersecurity, an evil twin is a type of wireless network attack that involves an attacker creating a fraudulent wireless access point that mimics a legitimate network. The goal of an evil twin attack is to trick unsuspecting users into connecting to the attacker’s network, allowing the attacker to intercept and manipulate their traffic. Evil twin attacks can be carried out in a variety of ways, such as by creating a fake Wi-Fi hotspot in a public location, or by spoofing the SSID (Service Set Identifier) of a legitimate network. Once a victim connects to the evil twin network, the attacker can use a variety of techniques to intercept their traffic, such as packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle attacks, or phishing attacks. To protect against evil twin attacks, it’s important to be cautious when connecting to wireless networks, particularly those in public locations. It’s also important to verify the authenticity of a network before connecting, such as by checking the SSID against a list of known networks, or by contacting the network administrator to verify the network’s legitimacy. Additionally, it’s important to use secure wireless protocols, such as WPA2, and to avoid transmitting sensitive information over unsecured networks. |
Threats
| Name | Characteristics |
| Distributed Denial of service DDoS | A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a type of cyber attack that aims to disrupt the normal functioning of a targeted system or network by overwhelming it with a flood of traffic from multiple sources. In a DDoS attack, the attacker typically uses a botnet – a network of compromised computers or devices – to send large volumes of traffic to the target, with the goal of consuming its bandwidth, processing power, or other resources, and rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. DDoS attacks can take many forms, including volumetric attacks that flood the target with a high volume of traffic, protocol attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols or services, and application layer attacks that target specific applications or web services. The impact of a DDoS attack can range from mild inconvenience to serious disruption, depending on the size and duration of the attack, and the resilience of the target system. To protect against DDoS attacks, it’s important to implement robust network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and content distribution networks (CDNs). It’s also important to conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability scans, and to develop and test incident response plans in advance of an attack. Additionally, it’s important to maintain strong communication with Internet service providers (ISPs) and other stakeholders, and to be prepared to quickly scale up resources and bandwidth to mitigate the effects of an attack. |
| Zero Day Attack | A zero-day attack is a type of cyber attack that exploits a previously unknown vulnerability in a software application or system. Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws that have not yet been discovered or patched by the vendor or developer, and as such are not known to the public or security community. Attackers use zero-day vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a system, steal data, or cause other forms of damage. Zero-day attacks can be particularly dangerous because they can take advantage of vulnerabilities that are not yet known or protected against by security software or other defenses. This means that the attack can go undetected for some time, and may cause significant damage before it is discovered and mitigated. Zero-day attacks can also be difficult to defend against, as traditional security measures may not be effective against unknown threats. To protect against zero-day attacks, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest software patches and security updates, and to monitor security news and alerts for reports of new vulnerabilities. It is also important to implement strong access controls, network segmentation, and other security measures to minimize the impact of an attack if one occurs. Additionally, it is important to maintain a robust incident response plan, and to conduct regular security testing and vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in systems and applications. |
| Spoofing | A spoofing attack is a type of cyber attack in which an attacker impersonates a legitimate entity or source in order to gain access to sensitive data, steal money or compromise a system. The goal of a spoofing attack is to deceive the victim into thinking that the attacker is a trusted source and thereby trick them into providing sensitive information or performing actions that are not in their best interests. There are several types of spoofing attacks, including: IP Spoofing: This involves an attacker sending network traffic with a forged source IP address in order to conceal their identity and make it appear that the traffic is coming from a trusted source. Email Spoofing: This involves an attacker sending an email that appears to come from a trusted sender in order to trick the recipient into revealing sensitive information or performing an action that benefits the attacker. Caller ID Spoofing: This involves an attacker changing the caller ID information that is displayed on the recipient’s phone in order to trick them into answering a call or providing sensitive information. DNS Spoofing: This involves an attacker modifying the DNS server to redirect a legitimate domain name to a fake website in order to steal sensitive information. To protect against spoofing attacks, it is important to implement strong authentication measures, such as multi-factor authentication, and to use encryption to protect sensitive data in transit. It is also important to use anti-spoofing technologies, such as SPF and DKIM, to help prevent email spoofing, and to use secure protocols, such as HTTPS, to protect against DNS spoofing and other types of network attacks. |
| On-Path Attack | An on-path attack is a type of network attack where an attacker intercepts and alters data packets as they are transmitted over a network. The attacker is typically located somewhere along the path that the packets take between the sender and receiver, such as on a router or switch. In an on-path attack, the attacker can intercept and modify the packets to achieve different goals, such as stealing sensitive information or injecting malicious code. For example, the attacker may modify a legitimate message in transit to change its content, redirect the message to a different recipient, or even drop the message altogether. On-path attacks can be difficult to detect and prevent, as the attacker is often located within the network infrastructure itself. Mitigating on-path attacks typically requires a combination of security measures, such as using encryption, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity. |
| Brute-Force Attack | A brute force attack is a type of cyber attack where an attacker tries all possible combinations of passwords or keys until the correct one is found. This method involves using automated tools to rapidly try out different combinations of characters until the correct password or key is discovered. Brute force attacks are commonly used to crack passwords for unauthorized access to systems, applications, or data. They can also be used to crack encryption keys, such as those used to secure wireless networks or data stored on a device. The success of a brute force attack depends on several factors, including the length and complexity of the password or key, the processing power of the attacker’s computer, and the amount of time available for the attack. To mitigate brute force attacks, strong passwords and keys should be used, and password policies should be enforced that require users to use complex passwords that are difficult to guess. Additionally, security controls such as account lockouts and rate limiting can be implemented to prevent attackers from making too many login attempts. |
| Dictionary Attack | A dictionary attack is a type of cyber attack where an attacker uses a list of known words, phrases, or common passwords to attempt to guess the password for an account or system. The attacker typically uses automated tools to rapidly try out different combinations of words from the dictionary until the correct password is found. Unlike a brute force attack, which tries all possible combinations of characters, a dictionary attack is more targeted and relies on the likelihood that a user has chosen a common password or one that can be easily guessed. The dictionary used by the attacker may include common words, phrases, names, and even technical terms related to the system or application being targeted. Dictionary attacks can be effective against weak passwords and can also be used to crack password hashes obtained from data breaches or other sources. However, they are less effective against complex and unique passwords that do not appear in a dictionary. To protect against dictionary attacks, it is important to use strong and unique passwords that are not easily guessable. Additionally, password policies can be enforced that require the use of complex passwords and prevent the use of common words or phrases. Multi-factor authentication can also provide an additional layer of protection against dictionary attacks. |
| insider Threat | An insider threat is a security risk that originates from within an organization, such as an employee, contractor, or other trusted individual with access to sensitive information or systems. Insider threats can include both intentional and unintentional actions that result in harm to the organization, such as theft of confidential data, sabotage, or accidental disclosure of sensitive information. Intentional insider threats may be motivated by factors such as financial gain, revenge, or ideology. They may involve actions such as stealing company secrets, modifying or deleting data, or spreading malware or other malicious code. Unintentional insider threats, on the other hand, may result from carelessness, negligence, or lack of training. Examples include accidentally sending sensitive information to the wrong person, falling victim to phishing scams or social engineering, or failing to properly secure data or systems. Insider threats can be difficult to detect and prevent, as the individuals involved may have legitimate access to systems and information. Mitigating insider threats requires a combination of technical controls, such as access controls and monitoring systems, as well as policies and procedures that promote security awareness and reduce the risk of accidental or intentional insider incidents. Additionally, regular training and awareness programs for employees can help identify and mitigate potential insider threats. |
| SQL Injection | SQL injection is a type of cyber attack where an attacker exploits vulnerabilities in an application or website to inject malicious SQL statements into the application’s database. This type of attack can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information or even the complete takeover of the application or website. SQL injection attacks typically involve manipulating input fields, such as search bars or login forms, to inject malicious code that is executed by the database. The attacker may use various techniques to inject SQL code, such as adding additional SQL statements to a legitimate query, or using special characters to bypass input validation checks. Once the attacker is able to inject malicious SQL code, they can perform a range of actions, such as retrieving sensitive information from the database, modifying or deleting data, or even taking control of the entire application or website. To protect against SQL injection attacks, it is important to use secure coding practices and implement input validation checks that prevent the injection of malicious code. This includes using parameterized queries, validating user input, and limiting database permissions to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, regular security testing and vulnerability assessments can help identify and mitigate potential SQL injection vulnerabilities. |
| Cross Site Scripting XSS | Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of cyber attack where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a web page viewed by other users. These scripts can be used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, or to perform other malicious actions, such as redirecting the user to a phishing site or installing malware on their computer. XSS attacks typically exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that allow user input to be included in web pages without proper sanitization. This can include input fields such as search bars or comment sections, as well as URLs that contain parameters that are displayed on the web page. There are two types of XSS attacks: reflected and stored. Reflected XSS attacks involve injecting a script that is reflected back to the user through the web application’s response. This type of attack can be used to trick users into clicking on a malicious link or submitting sensitive information. Stored XSS attacks, on the other hand, involve injecting a script that is permanently stored on the server and executed every time the affected web page is accessed. This type of attack can be much more dangerous, as it can affect a larger number of users and may be more difficult to detect and remove. To protect against XSS attacks, it is important to use secure coding practices that properly validate and sanitize user input. This includes using input validation and output encoding to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. Additionally, regular security testing and vulnerability assessments can help identify and mitigate potential XSS vulnerabilities. |
| Smurf Attack | A Smurf attack is a type of network attack that exploits Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) and Internet Protocol (IP) to flood a target system or network with traffic, causing it to become overwhelmed and unavailable. In a Smurf attack, the attacker sends a large number of ICMP echo request packets (also known as “ping” packets) to a network’s broadcast address, with the source address spoofed to appear as though the packets are coming from the target system. The broadcast address causes the packets to be broadcast to all devices on the network, and each device responds with an ICMP echo reply packet, which is sent to the target system. This creates a flood of traffic that can overwhelm the target system and cause it to become unavailable. Smurf attacks can be particularly effective against systems with high-speed internet connections, such as servers or routers, as they are able to generate a large amount of traffic very quickly. To prevent Smurf attacks, network administrators can implement various security measures, such as disabling IP directed broadcasts, enabling anti-spoofing filters on routers, and configuring firewalls to block ICMP echo request packets from the internet. |
| Eavesdropping Attack | An eavesdropping attack, also known as a sniffing attack, is a type of cyber attack where an attacker intercepts and monitors data communication between two parties without their knowledge or consent. The attacker can then potentially capture sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data. Eavesdropping attacks can be carried out using various methods, including network sniffing, wiretapping, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Network sniffing involves intercepting and analyzing network traffic using specialized software or hardware, while wiretapping involves physically tapping into network cables or phone lines to capture data. Man-in-the-middle attacks involve intercepting and modifying data packets as they pass between two parties, allowing the attacker to read or manipulate the contents of the communication. To prevent eavesdropping attacks, network administrators can implement security measures such as using encryption to protect sensitive data, deploying firewalls to monitor and block suspicious network traffic, and using virtual private networks (VPNs) to create secure communication channels between remote users and the network. Additionally, users can protect themselves from eavesdropping by avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and using secure, encrypted communication channels when transmitting sensitive information. |