attack vector
Hacker's access point
An attack vector is the path or method an attacker uses to gain unauthorized access to a system.
In cybersecurity, common attack vectors include phishing emails, malware, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and compromised credentials.
The term borrows from epidemiology, where vectors are organisms that transmit disease: Email remains the primary attack vector for ransomware.
- hackingInfiltrating protected digital systems
- cyberattackMalicious digital intrusion
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- pretextingDeceptive identity manipulation
- malwareHarmful computer programs
backdoor · phishing · spear phishing · watering hole · tailgating · insider threat · virus · botnet · rootkit · credential stuffing · baiting · privilege escalation · keylogger · spyware · brute force · worm · zero-day exploit · buffer overflow
attack vectordefense mechanism
Unconscious self-protective mental process
countermeasure · safeguard · protective barrier · protective measure · security barrier
attack vectorfirewall
Network access control system
security perimeter · access control · defense in depth · network defense · security checkpoint
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