cyberthreat
Online security risk
A cyberthreat is any potential danger to computer systems, networks, or digital infrastructure—malware, hacking attempts, data breaches, ransomware attacks.
The term covers both the actors (hackers, hostile governments) and their methods.
The company hired consultants to assess cyberthreats to their payment systems.
Often written as two words: cyber threat.
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- adwarePromotional software nuisance
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
keylogger · rootkit · backdoor · ransomware · payload · RAT · scareware · dropper
Hostage-taking code
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- whalingHunting large sea mammals
- brute-forcePower without finesse
man-in-the-middle · cryptojacking · typosquatting · smishing · vishing
Breaking of agreement
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
- downtimePeriod of non-operation
- ransomPayment for captive's release
espionage · sabotage · disruption · extortion
Unauthorized system accessor
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- APTProlonged targeted network breach
- cybercriminalOnline law-breaker
- hacktivistIdeological computer infiltrator
black-hat · insider · Anonymous · syndicate · state-sponsored · mercenary · mole
Network access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
VPN · sandboxing · honeypot · backup
Evidence of qualification or identity
- PIIIdentity-revealing information
- healthcareOrganized provision of treatment
- governmentAuthority over a state
- telecomRemote signal transmission field
Unpatched security vulnerability
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- misconfigurationIncorrect system setup
- unpatchedMissing corrective updates
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
botnet · keylogger · rootkit · backdoor · ransomware · payload · RAT · scareware · dropper · wiper
ransomware
Hostage-taking code
brute-force · man-in-the-middle · cryptojacking · typosquatting · smishing · vishing
breach
Breaking of agreement
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
- downtimePeriod of non-operation
ransom · espionage · sabotage · disruption · extortion
hacker
Unauthorized system accessor
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- APTProlonged targeted network breach
- cybercriminalOnline law-breaker
hacktivist · black-hat · insider · Anonymous · syndicate · state-sponsored · mercenary · mole
firewall
Network access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
two-factor · VPN · sandboxing · honeypot · backup
credentials
Evidence of qualification or identity
- PIIIdentity-revealing information
- healthcareOrganized provision of treatment
- governmentAuthority over a state
zero-day
Unpatched security vulnerability
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- misconfigurationIncorrect system setup
- unpatchedMissing corrective updates
cyberthreatcyberdefense
Protecting networks from attacks
cybersecurity · cyber defense · digital security · network security · information security
cyberthreatphysical threat
Danger of bodily harm
physical attack · bodily harm · conventional warfare · street crime · physical violence