cyberattackers
Online system invaders
Cyberattackers are people who attempt to breach computer systems, networks, or digital infrastructure—whether to steal data, disrupt operations, or cause damage.
The term covers a range from lone hackers to state-sponsored groups: Cyberattackers targeted the company's customer database.
Also spelled as two words.
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
botnet · rootkit · keylogger · backdoor · malware · spyware · zero-day · brute-force
Enter secretly to observe
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- exfiltrateRemove covertly from hostile territory
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
penetration · exploitation · persistence · reconnaissance · foothold · pivot
Backed by national authorities
- APTProlonged targeted network breach
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- covertIntentionally concealed
infiltration · exfiltration · tradecraft · counterintelligence · disinformation · Lazarus · attribution · campaign
Network access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- patchingRepairing by covering
forensics · monitoring · honeypot · sandboxing · attribution · mitigation
Unauthorized system accessor
- black-hatMalicious computer intruder
- crackerCrisp baked wafer
- cybercriminalOnline law-breaker
- hacktivistIdeological computer infiltrator
Anonymous · carder · fraudster · syndicate · underground · mercenary · extortionist
phishing
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- exploitNotable act or abuse
worm · botnet · rootkit · keylogger · backdoor · malware · spyware · zero-day · brute-force · man-in-the-middle
infiltrate
Enter secretly to observe
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- exfiltrateRemove covertly from hostile territory
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
vulnerability · penetration · exploitation · persistence · reconnaissance · foothold · pivot
state-sponsored
Backed by national authorities
- APTProlonged targeted network breach
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
covert · infiltration · exfiltration · tradecraft · counterintelligence · disinformation · Lazarus · attribution · campaign · sabotage
firewall
Network access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
patching · forensics · monitoring · honeypot · sandboxing · attribution · mitigation
hacker
Unauthorized system accessor
- black-hatMalicious computer intruder
- crackerCrisp baked wafer
- cybercriminalOnline law-breaker
hacktivist · Anonymous · carder · fraudster · syndicate · underground · mercenary · extortionist