cyberattacker
Online system invader
A cyberattacker is someone who attempts to breach computer systems, networks, or digital infrastructure.
The term covers a range of actors—from individual hackers to state-sponsored operatives—who exploit vulnerabilities for theft, espionage, disruption, or ransom: Cyberattackers gained access to millions of customer records.
Also spelled cyber-attacker or cyber attacker.
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- brute forcePower over technique
social engineering · spear phishing · credential stuffing · man-in-the-middle · spoofing · zero-day exploit · drive-by download · watering hole
Unauthorized system accessor
- blackhatMalicious computer intruder
- crackerCrisp baked wafer
- phisherOnline credential thief
- script kiddieUnskilled person using premade exploits
intruder · infiltrator · saboteur · extortionist · fraudster · scammer · troll · insider threat
Harmful computer programs
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
- spywareHidden surveillance program
RAT · backdoor · worm · password cracker · VPN · Tor · burner accounts · obfuscator
Unauthorized access to protected information
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- intellectual propertyLegal rights over inventions
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
- personal dataIndividual identifying details
critical infrastructure · healthcare systems · banking systems · government agencies · supply chain · cloud services · cryptocurrency wallets · trade secrets
Income exceeding expenses
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- hacktivismPolitical protest via intrusion
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
notoriety · extortion · data harvesting · competitive advantage · ideological · thrill-seeking · blackmail
phishing
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- exploitNotable act or abuse
brute force · social engineering · spear phishing · credential stuffing · man-in-the-middle · spoofing · zero-day exploit · drive-by download · watering hole · privilege escalation
hacker
Unauthorized system accessor
script kiddie · intruder · infiltrator · saboteur · extortionist · fraudster · scammer · troll · insider threat · lone wolf
malware
Harmful computer programs
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
spyware · RAT · backdoor · worm · password cracker · VPN · Tor · burner accounts · obfuscator · dropper
data breach
Unauthorized access to protected information
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- intellectual propertyLegal rights over inventions
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
personal data · critical infrastructure · healthcare systems · banking systems · government agencies · supply chain · cloud services · cryptocurrency wallets · trade secrets · classified information
financial gain
Income exceeding expenses
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- hacktivismPolitical protest via intrusion
revenge · notoriety · extortion · data harvesting · competitive advantage · ideological · thrill-seeking · blackmail
cyberattackersecurity analyst
Expert evaluating protective measures
defender · security engineer · blue team · security researcher