Module 2 Flashcards
(29 cards)
Computer virus
Malicious code written to interfere with computer operations and cause damage to data and software
Malware
Software designed to harm devices or networks (aka viruses)
Social engineering
A manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information, access, or valuables
Phishing
The use of digitial communications to trick people into revealing sensitive data or deploying malicious software
Business email compromise (BEC)
A threat actor sends an email message that seems to be from a known source to make a seemingly legitimate request for info in order to obtain a financial advantage
Spear phishing
A malicious email attack that targets a specific user or group of users. The email seems to originate from a trusted source
Whaling
A form of spear phishing. Threat actors target company executives to gain access to sensitive data
Vishing
The exploitation of electronic voice communication to obtain sensitive info or to impersonate a known source
Smishing
The use of text messages to trick users in order to obtain sensitive info or to impersonate a known source
Malware
Is software designed to harm devices or networks
What are the types of malware attacks?
- viruses
- worms
- ransomware
- spyware
Viruses
Malicious code written to interfere with computer operations and cause damage to data and software
Worms
Malware that can duplicate and spread itself across systems on its own. Does not need to be downloaded by a user. It self replicates and spread from an already infected computer to other devices on the same network
Ransomware
A malicious attack where threat actors encrypt an organization’s data and demand payment to restore access
Spyware
Malware that’s used to gather and sell info without consent. Can be used to access devices. This allows threat actors to collect personal data, such as private emails, texts, voice, and image recordings and locations
Social engineering
Is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private info, access, or valuables
What are types of social engineering attacks?
- social media phishing
- watering hole attack
- USB baiting
- physical social engineering
Social media phishing
A threat actor collects detailed info about their target from social media sites then they initiate an attack
Watering hole attack
A threat actor attacks a website frequently visited by a specific group of users
USB baiting
A threat actor strategically leaves a malware USB stick for an employee to find and install to unknowingly infect a network
Physical social engineering
A threat actor impersonates an employee, customer, or vendor to obtain unauthorized access to a physical location
What are the reasons why social engineering attacks are effective?
- authority
- intimidation
- consensus/social proof
- scarcity
- familiarity
- trust
- urgency
Authority
Threat actors impersonate individuals with power
Intimidation
Threat actors use bullying tactics. This includes persuading and intimidating victims into doing what they’re told
