Types of Cyber Threats - Comprehensive Tutorial

Malicious software designed to infiltrate or damage systems:

• Viruses:
  • Self-replicating programs that attach to clean files
  • Example: ILOVEYOU virus (2000) caused $15 billion in damages
• Worms:
  • Standalone malware that spreads through networks
  • Example: Stuxnet worm targeted industrial control systems
• Trojans:
  • Disguised as legitimate software to trick users
  • Example: Emotet banking Trojan
• Ransomware:
  • Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption
  • Example: WannaCry attack affected 200,000+ systems globally
• Spyware:
  • Secretly monitors user activity
  • Example: Keyloggers capturing sensitive credentials

Psychological manipulation to trick users into revealing sensitive information:

• Phishing:
  • Fraudulent emails mimicking legitimate organizations
  • Example: Fake "password reset" emails from "your bank"
• Spear Phishing:
  • Targeted phishing attacks against specific individuals
  • Example: Customized emails to company executives
• Vishing:
  • Voice phishing via phone calls
  • Example: Callers pretending to be tech support
• Baiting:
  • Offering something enticing to deliver malware
  • Example: Infected USB drives labeled "Employee Salaries"

Exploiting vulnerabilities in network infrastructure:

• DDoS Attacks:
  • Overwhelming systems with traffic from multiple sources
  • Example: 2016 Dyn attack took down major websites
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM):
  • Secretly intercepting communications
  • Example: Hacking public Wi-Fi to capture login credentials
• DNS Spoofing:
  • Redirecting traffic to malicious websites
  • Example: Fake banking websites stealing credentials
• Zero-Day Exploits:
  • Attacks targeting unknown vulnerabilities
  • Example: Stuxnet exploited multiple zero-day vulnerabilities

Targeting vulnerabilities in web applications and services:

• SQL Injection:
  • Injecting malicious SQL queries through input fields
  • Example: Bypassing login screens to access databases
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):
  • Injecting client-side scripts into web pages
  • Example: Stealing session cookies from users
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):
  • Forcing users to execute unwanted actions
  • Example: Unauthorized fund transfers from banking sessions

New and evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape:

• AI-Powered Attacks:
  • Using machine learning to create sophisticated attacks
  • Example: Deepfake audio for social engineering
• IoT Vulnerabilities:
  • Exploiting insecure smart devices
  • Example: Mirai botnet hijacking IoT devices
• Supply Chain Attacks:
  • Compromising software vendors to target their customers
  • Example: SolarWinds hack affecting government agencies

Basic protection strategies against these threats:

• Implement multi-layered security (firewalls, antivirus, encryption)
• Regularly update all software and systems
• Conduct security awareness training
• Use multi-factor authentication
• Maintain regular backups
• Monitor networks for suspicious activity