Categories of Threat

Threats in cybersecurity can be categorized in various ways based on their nature, origin, and intent. Here are some common categories of threats:

1. Malicious Software (Malware)

• Viruses: Infect files and spread to other systems.
• Worms: Replicate and spread independently over networks.
• Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users.
• Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
• Adware/Spyware: Gathers user information or displays unwanted ads.

2. Network Threats

• Denial of Service (DoS): Attacks that overwhelm a service to make it unavailable.
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): Uses multiple compromised systems to launch a coordinated attack.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Intercepts and alters communication between two parties.

3. Social Engineering

• Phishing: Deceptive attempts to obtain sensitive information via email or fake websites.
• Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing attacks directed at specific individuals or organizations.
• Vishing: Voice phishing, where attackers use phone calls to trick victims.
• Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to obtain personal information.

4. Insider Threats

• Malicious Insiders: Employees who intentionally cause harm or steal data.
• Negligent Insiders: Employees who inadvertently expose the organization to risk through careless actions.

5. Advanced Threats

• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Long-term, targeted attacks aimed at stealing sensitive information.
• Zero-Day Exploits: Attacks that target undisclosed vulnerabilities in software or hardware.

6. Physical Threats

• Natural Disasters: Events like floods, earthquakes, or fires that can damage physical infrastructure.
• Theft or Vandalism: Physical attacks on hardware or data centers.

7. Data Breaches

• Unauthorized access to confidential information, often resulting from external or internal threats.

8. Supply Chain Threats

• Attacks targeting third-party vendors or suppliers to gain access to a primary organization.

9. Credential-Based Threats

• Credential Stuffing: Using stolen login credentials from one service to access accounts on others.
• Brute Force Attacks: Attempting numerous combinations to guess passwords.