cyberthreats
Online security risks
Cyberthreats are dangers to computer systems, networks, or digital information—malware, hacking attempts, phishing schemes, ransomware attacks, and similar risks.
The term bundles diverse digital dangers into a single category: The company hired specialists to assess cyberthreats.
Government and corporate security discussions treat cyberthreats as a permanent concern requiring constant vigilance.
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
keylogger · spyware · adware · wiper · scareware · payload · malvertising · backdoor
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- antivirusMalware detection program
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- VPNEncrypted network connection
SSL · TLS · monitoring · forensics · sandboxing · honeypot
Notable act or abuse
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- penetrationEntry into something
- brute-forcePower without finesse
defacement · cracking · sniffer · DDoS · man-in-the-middle · APT
Openness to harm
- exposureState of being unprotected
- mitigationReduction of severity
- likelihoodChance something will occur
- severityIntensity of sternness
Personalized fraudulent solicitation
- whalingHunting large sea mammals
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- impersonationPretending to be another
- baitingDeliberately trying to provoke
pretexting · vishing · smishing · lure · deception · pharming · typosquatting
Covert withdrawal of people/data
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- exposureState of being unprotected
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
botnet · keylogger · spyware · adware · wiper · scareware · payload · malvertising · backdoor
firewall
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- antivirusMalware detection program
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
VPN · SSL · TLS · monitoring · forensics · sandboxing · honeypot
exploit
Notable act or abuse
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- penetrationEntry into something
brute-force · defacement · cracking · sniffer · DDoS · man-in-the-middle · APT
vulnerability
Openness to harm
- exposureState of being unprotected
- mitigationReduction of severity
- likelihoodChance something will occur
severity · compliance · remediation · countermeasure · resilience
spearphishing
Personalized fraudulent solicitation
- whalingHunting large sea mammals
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- impersonationPretending to be another
baiting · pretexting · vishing · smishing · lure · deception · pharming · typosquatting
exfiltration
Covert withdrawal of people/data
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- exposureState of being unprotected
- workplace hazardsstress, burnout, fire hazard, overwork, back pain
cyberthreatsphysical threats
Communicated intent to injure
burglary · armed robbery · physical violence · bodily harm · conventional warfare
cyberthreatscyberdefenses
Systems protecting digital infrastructure
cybersecurity · firewalls · security protocols · network security · information security