Cyber Threats

What is a drive by download attack? A drive-by download attack is a type of cyberattack in which malicious software is downloaded and installed on a user’s device without their informed consent-often without any direct action from the user at all. These attacks are particularly dangerous because they can happen silently and quickly, simply from…

What is DNS Poisoning and How Does It Work? DNS poisoning, also called DNS cache poisoning or DNS spoofing, is a type of cyberattack where attackers manipulate DNS records to redirect users to fraudulent or malicious websites without their knowledge. To understand it, remember that the Domain Name System (DNS) acts like the internet’s phonebook…

What is SSL stripping and how does it work? SSL stripping is a type of cyberattack where an attacker downgrades a secure HTTPS connection to an insecure HTTP connection without the user realizing it. This attack typically occurs during a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) situation, where the attacker positions themselves between a user and a legitimate server…

What is data poisoning? Data poisoning is a type of attack in machine learning or data-driven systems where malicious or incorrect data is intentionally inserted into a dataset to corrupt the training process or skew results. The goal is to manipulate the behavior of the system — either by degrading its overall performance or making…

What is the difference between phishing and spear phishing? Phishing and spear phishing are both forms of cyberattacks designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, but they differ significantly in sophistication, targeting, and intent. Phishing is the broader category—a numbers game. These attacks are typically mass emails sent to thousands (or millions) of people…

What is process hollowing? Process Hollowing is a stealthy malware injection technique where an attacker creates a legitimate process in a suspended state, removes its original code, and replaces it with malicious code before resuming execution. This allows the malware to run under the guise of a legitimate process, evading detection by security tools. Why…

What is RCE (remote code execution?) Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a critical security vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a remote system or server. This can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and complete system takeovers. How RCE Works Exploiting a Vulnerability – Attackers find flaws in software (e.g., unpatched applications,…

What is a C2 server? A C2 server (short for Command and Control server) is a central system used by attackers to communicate with and control compromised devices (often called “bots” or “zombies”) in a network. How a C2 Server Works Initial Compromise: An attacker breaches a device through phishing, malware, or an exploit. Beaconing:…

What is security orchestration automation, and response (SOAR)? Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) is a cybersecurity approach that integrates and automates security processes, enabling organizations to detect, analyze, and respond to threats more efficiently. Key Components of SOAR: Security Orchestration – Connects various security tools and systems to streamline workflows and improve threat intelligence…

What is the Cyber Kill Chain? The Cyber Kill Chain is a framework developed by Lockheed Martin that outlines the stages of a cyberattack, providing a structured approach for organizations to detect, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats. The concept originates from military doctrine, where a “kill chain” represents the steps an adversary takes to…

What is Malicious Code? Malicious code, also known as malware, refers to any software or script intentionally designed to cause harm to computers, networks, or users. Unlike benign software, which serves useful purposes, malicious code operates with deceitful intent, often infiltrating systems without the user’s knowledge. It can steal, corrupt, or destroy data, compromise security,…

What are Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)? Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) are forensic artifacts or pieces of evidence that suggest a system or network has been compromised by cybercriminals. These indicators help cybersecurity professionals detect, investigate, and respond to potential security incidents before they escalate into full-blown breaches. IoCs can come in various forms, including unusual…