Cyber Threats

What is a web shell?  A web shell is a malicious script or program that attackers upload to a web server to gain remote control over the server and its underlying systems. Web shells are commonly used in cyberattacks to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications or misconfigured servers. Once installed, they allow attackers to execute…

What is bluesnarfing, and how does it work? Bluesnarfing is a type of cyberattack that exploits Bluetooth technology to access sensitive information stored on a device without the owner’s knowledge or consent. It’s similar to Bluetooth hacking but focuses on data theft rather than control or manipulation. Bluesnarfing typically occurs when an attacker uses software…

What is bluejacking, and how does it work? Bluejacking is the act of sending unsolicited messages to nearby devices using Bluetooth technology. It’s often considered a prank rather than a malicious attack, as it doesn’t involve hacking or unauthorized access to data. To understand how it works, you need to know that Bluetooth enables short-range…

What is data exfiltration and how does it happen? Data exfiltration, also known as data theft or unauthorized data transfer, occurs when sensitive or critical information is transferred out of an organization without permission. It is a common tactic in cyberattacks, often involving the theft of intellectual property, financial data, personal information, or trade secrets.…

What is Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and how does it work? Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a web security vulnerability that tricks an authenticated user into performing unwanted actions on a web application. By exploiting the trust a site has in the user’s browser, an attacker can send unauthorized requests on behalf of the victim…

What is a whaling attack in cybersecurity, and how does it differ from phishing? A whaling attack is a specialized form of phishing that targets high-ranking individuals within an organization, such as CEOs, CFOs, or other senior executives. While standard phishing campaigns cast a wide net, aiming to trick any recipient into revealing sensitive information…

What is the “ping of death” attack and how does it work? The “ping of death” is a type of Denial of Service (DoS) attack that exploits a vulnerability in older operating systems and devices by sending malformed or oversized Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets, typically used in network “ping” operations. Normally, an ICMP…

What is session hijacking and how does it work? Session hijacking is a type of cyberattack where an attacker takes over a user’s active session on a network, often to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems. The attack typically occurs after a user has authenticated successfully, allowing the attacker to exploit their session…

What is packet sniffing, and how does it work? Packet sniffing is a method of capturing, analyzing, and interpreting network traffic. This involves intercepting data packets—the small units of data transmitted over a network—as they move between devices. Packet sniffing tools, also known as network analyzers or protocol analyzers, enable users to see the content…

What is an advanced persistent threat? An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a sophisticated and targeted cyberattack where an attacker gains unauthorized access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. APTs are typically orchestrated by skilled adversaries, often funded or backed by nation-states, cybercriminal organizations, or hacktivist groups. Key Characteristics of an…

What is a rainbow table attack? A rainbow table attack is a method used in cryptography to crack passwords by using a precomputed table of hash values to reverse cryptographic hash functions, often for the purpose of retrieving the original plain text passwords from hash values. This is an efficient technique to perform reverse lookups…

What is a credential stuffing attack? A credential stuffing attack is a type of cyber attack where attackers use stolen account credentials (usernames and passwords) to gain unauthorized access to user accounts through large-scale automated login requests. This method relies on the fact that many people reuse the same usernames and passwords across multiple services.…