cyberattack
Malicious network intrusion
A cyberattack is a malicious attempt to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data.
Cyberattacks range from individual hackers stealing personal information to state-sponsored operations targeting critical infrastructure: The cyberattack knocked out the power grid for three days.
Common forms include ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks.
Notable act or abuse
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- brute forcePower over technique
- penetration testingAuthorized security vulnerability assessment
social engineering · spoofing · rootkit · backdoor · cracking · script kiddie · buffer overflow · privilege escalation
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- adwarePromotional software nuisance
keylogger · botnet · rootkit · backdoor · payload · infection · drive-by download · malvertising
Unauthorized access to protected information
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- skimmingPassing lightly over
fraud · unauthorized access · leakage · compromise · scamming · credential stuffing · corporate espionage · intellectual property
Computer-based intelligence gathering
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
nation-state · APT · spycraft · counterintelligence · clandestine · covert · eavesdropping · interception
Traffic flood attack
- outageLoss of electrical service
- downtimePeriod of non-operation
- shutdownCessation of operations
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
overload · paralysis · blackout · infrastructure · availability
Act of completely ruining
- tamperingImproper interference with something
- disablingCausing loss of function
- cripplingCausing severe impairment
- insider threatDanger from within organization
destabilization · critical infrastructure · power grid · vandalism
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- antivirusMalware detection program
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
- intrusion detectionSpotting unauthorized access attempts
patch · forensics · mitigation · recovery · backup · two-factor authentication
exploit
Notable act or abuse
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- brute forcePower over technique
penetration testing · social engineering · spoofing · rootkit · backdoor · cracking · script kiddie · buffer overflow · privilege escalation · man-in-the-middle
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
adware · keylogger · botnet · rootkit · backdoor · payload · infection · drive-by download · malvertising · scareware
data breach
Unauthorized access to protected information
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
skimming · fraud · unauthorized access · leakage · compromise · scamming · credential stuffing · corporate espionage · intellectual property · financial fraud
cyberespionage
Computer-based intelligence gathering
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
infiltration · nation-state · APT · spycraft · counterintelligence · clandestine · covert · eavesdropping · interception · wiretap
DDoS
Traffic flood attack
botnet · overload · paralysis · blackout · infrastructure · availability
destruction
Act of completely ruining
- tamperingImproper interference with something
- disablingCausing loss of function
- cripplingCausing severe impairment
insider threat · destabilization · critical infrastructure · power grid · vandalism
firewall
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- antivirusMalware detection program
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
intrusion detection · patch · forensics · mitigation · recovery · backup · two-factor authentication
- operational riskssystem failure, human error, equipment failure, data breach, software bug
- crimesarson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, vandalism
- securitysecurity guard, security cameras, alarm system, security system, lock
- global issuesclimate change, water scarcity, inequality, pandemics, poverty
- privacyprivacy, private, seclusion, confidentiality, solitude
- cybersecurityantivirus, malware, firewall, firewalls, encryption
cyberattackcyberdefense
Protecting networks from attacks
cybersecurity · firewall · network defense · security patch · encryption
cyberattackphysical attack
Harmful bodily contact
conventional warfare · ground assault · bombing · armed assault · arson