Methods of attack Flashcards
Malware
A software designed to harm devices or networks
Virus
A malware program that modifies other computer programs by inserting its own code to damage and/or destroy data
Worm
Malware that self-replicates, spreading across the network and infecting computers
Ransomware
A malicious attack during which threat actors encrypt an organization’s data and demand payment to restore access
Spyware
Malicious software installed on a user’s computer without their permission, which is used to spy on and steal user data
Phishing
The use of digital communications to trick people into revealing sensitive data or deploying malicious software
Spear phishing
A malicious email attack targeting a specific user or group of users that appears to originate from a trusted source
Whaling
A form of spear phishing during which threat actors target executives in order to gain access to sensitive data
Business email compromise (BEC)
An attack in which a threat actor impersonates a known source to obtain a financial advantage
Vishing
The exploitation of electronic voice communication to obtain sensitive information or to impersonate a known source
Social engineering
A manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain unauthorized access to sensitive, private, and/or valuable data
Social media phishing
An attack in which a threat actor collects detailed information about their target on social media sites before initiating an attack
Watering hole attack
An attack in which a threat actor compromises a website frequently visited by a specific group of users
Physical social engineering
An attack in which a threat actor impersonates an employee, customer, or vendor to obtain unauthorized access to a physical location
USB baiting
An attack in which a threat actor strategically leaves a malware USB stick for an employee to find and unknowingly infect a network
