#Introduction to Cyber Threats: Part 1
Cyber threats are the possibility of a malicious attempt to damage or disrupt a computer network or system. Cyber threats can come from both internal and external sources and can target data, devices, networks, or people. Cyber threats can have serious consequences for individuals, organizations, and nations, such as identity theft, financial losses, reputational damage, or national security breaches.
In this blog series, we will explore different types of cyber threats, how they work, how they can be prevented or mitigated, and what are the best practices for cyber threat management. We will also look at some examples of real-world cyber attacks and their impacts.
In this first part, we will define some key terms and concepts related to cyber threats, such as vulnerability, exploit, attack vector, threat actor, and threat intelligence. We will also discuss the main motivations and goals of cyber attackers and the common methods they use to launch cyber attacks.
## Key Terms and Concepts
- **Vulnerability**:
A weakness or flaw in a system or network that can be exploited by a cyber attacker. Vulnerabilities can be caused by software bugs, misconfigurations, human errors, or outdated systems.
- **Exploit**:
A piece of code or technique that takes advantage of a vulnerability to compromise a system or network. Exploits can be used to gain unauthorized access, steal data, install malware, or cause damage.
- **Attack vector**:
The path or method that a cyber attacker uses to reach the target system or network. Attack vectors can include phishing emails, malicious websites, removable media, wireless networks, or social engineering.
- **Threat actor**:
The person or group behind a cyber attack. Threat actors can have different levels of skills, resources, and motivations. Some common types of threat actors are hackers, cybercriminals, hacktivists, state-sponsored actors, or insiders.
- **Threat intelligence**:
The process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing information about current or emerging cyber threats. Threat intelligence can help organizations identify and understand the threats they face, and take appropriate actions to protect themselves.
## Motivations and Goals of Cyber Attackers
Cyber attackers can have various motivations and goals for launching cyber attacks. Some of the most common ones are:
- **Financial gain**:
Cyber attackers may seek to steal money or valuable data that can be sold or used for fraud. For example, ransomware attacks encrypt the victim's data and demand a ransom for decryption. Data breaches expose sensitive information such as credit card numbers, bank accounts, or personal identities that can be used for identity theft or other scams.
- **Espionage**:
Cyber attackers may seek to spy on or steal confidential information from rival organizations or nations. For example, advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks are stealthy and long-term campaigns that target specific entities for strategic purposes. Industrial espionage attacks target trade secrets, intellectual property, or business plans of competitors.
- **Sabotage**:
Cyber attackers may seek to disrupt or damage the operations or infrastructure of an organization or nation. For example, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks overwhelm the target's network with traffic and prevent legitimate users from accessing it. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, or transportation networks can cause physical harm or chaos.
- **Activism**:
Cyber attackers may seek to promote a political or social cause or protest against an organization or nation. For example, hacktivism attacks use hacking techniques to spread a message, expose wrongdoing, or deface websites. Cyberterrorism attacks aim to intimidate or coerce governments or populations by causing fear or violence.
#Methods of Cyber Attackers
Cyber attackers use various methods to launch cyber attacks. Some of the most common ones are:
- **Malware**:
Malicious software that infects a system or network and performs harmful actions. Malware can include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, keyloggers, etc.
- **Phishing**:
A fraudulent email that tricks the recipient into clicking on a malicious link or attachment, or providing personal or financial information. Phishing can be used to deliver malware, steal credentials, or perform identity theft.
- **Social engineering**:
A psychological manipulation that exploits human weaknesses such as curiosity
to persuade the victim
to perform an action
or reveal information
that benefits the attacker.
Social engineering
can involve impersonation,
deception,
or coercion.
A psychological manipulation that exploits human weaknesses such as curiosity, greed, fear,
