Cyber Threats

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.…

How does ransomware removal work? Ransomware removal typically involves the following steps: Disconnect the infected computer from the network or the internet to prevent further spread of the ransomware and damage to other systems. Identify the type and variant of the ransomware. This can help determine the best approach for removal. Use an anti-malware or…

What is a DDoS attack? A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a website, server, or network by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. The attack is executed by using a network of computers or devices (known as a botnet) to flood the target…

What is a logic bomb? In the broad arena of cyber threats, a logic bomb is akin to a hidden time bomb, ticking quietly, unbeknownst to its victims. It is a piece of malicious code inserted into a network or computer system. Its activation  hinges on specific predefined conditions. Much like a stealthy intruder, they…

What is spyware? Spyware is a type of malicious software designed to covertly gather information from a computer or device without the user’s knowledge or consent. It is often installed on a system without the user’s awareness, typically bundled with other software or disguised as legitimate programs. Once installed, spyware can monitor a user’s activities,…