attack vectors
Ways hackers enter
Attack vectors are the paths or methods by which hackers gain unauthorized access to a system.
The term comes from epidemiology, where vectors are organisms that transmit disease—mosquitoes carry malaria, email attachments carry malware.
Common attack vectors include phishing emails, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and compromised credentials.
Security professionals map potential attack vectors to identify weaknesses: We need to assess all possible attack vectors before launch.
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- malwareHarmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- man-in-the-middleCovert communication interception scheme
- brute-forcePower without finesse
DDoS · social engineering · credential stuffing · drive-by download · watering hole · supply chain · clickjacking · typosquatting
Encirclement forcing surrender
- assaultViolent offensive act
- flankingAt the sides of
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- incursionHostile territorial penetration
raid · offensive · blitz · infiltration · pincer movement · aerial bombardment · naval blockade · guerrilla
Unlawful entry to premises
- penetrationEntry into something
- forced entryIllegal building intrusion
- trespassUnauthorized entry onto property
- unauthorized accessEntry without permission
perimeter breach · tailgating · lock picking · insider threat · dumpster diving · shoulder surfing · impersonation
Openness to harm
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- backdoorHidden bypass mechanism
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- buffer overflowExceeding allocated memory bounds
security hole · flaw · bug · payload · race condition · logic flaw · misconfiguration · default password
phishing
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- malwareHarmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- man-in-the-middleCovert communication interception scheme
brute-force · DDoS · social engineering · credential stuffing · drive-by download · watering hole · supply chain · clickjacking · typosquatting · vishing
siege
Encirclement forcing surrender
incursion · raid · offensive · blitz · infiltration · pincer movement · aerial bombardment · naval blockade · guerrilla · sabotage
break-in
Unlawful entry to premises
- penetrationEntry into something
- forced entryIllegal building intrusion
- trespassUnauthorized entry onto property
unauthorized access · perimeter breach · tailgating · lock picking · insider threat · dumpster diving · shoulder surfing · impersonation
vulnerability
Openness to harm
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- backdoorHidden bypass mechanism
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
buffer overflow · security hole · flaw · bug · payload · race condition · logic flaw · misconfiguration · default password
attack vectorsdefense mechanisms
Unconscious strategies avoiding distress
defensive measures · countermeasures · protective measures · safeguards · security protocols
attack vectorsfirewalls
Security barriers blocking intrusions
security barriers · access controls · encryption · whitelists · sandboxes
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