Definition and overview of cybersecurity threats
Cybersecurity threats are a broad category of attack vectors used to compromise digital systems for malicious intent. There is a subcategory of cyber threats that is unintentional, but most references refer to those spawned and deployed by those with nefarious objectives.
Cyber threats are used by individuals and groups (e.g., crime syndicates, nation-state actors, and unscrupulous competitors). The end goal of cyber threats ranges from disruption and destruction to stealing money and sensitive information.
The target of cyber threats is as wide and varied as organizations’ attack surfaces. Cyber threats target every digital access point. Common targets are networks, devices, applications, cloud services, databases, and people.
Importance of recognizing cybersecurity threats
The ability to recognize cybersecurity threats is of paramount importance, reducing cyber risk and potential damage. Successful cybersecurity breaches can lead to sensitive information being compromised, theft of valuable resources, and operational disruptions, resulting in financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
Awareness of potential cybersecurity threats enables proactive defense measures. Additionally, recognizing cybersecurity threats early enables rapid response and mitigation, which reduces the impact of security breaches.
Sources of cybersecurity threats
Mounting an effective defense against cybersecurity threats requires understanding who attackers are and their motivations.
In general, cybersecurity threat actors are groups or individuals who exploit security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to data, devices, systems, and networks. Motivations include siphoning processing power, exfiltrating or manipulating information, degrading network performance to disrupt services, and extorting ransom payments. These attacks target individuals and organizations and range from highly targeted to spray-and-pray attacks on large, disparate groups.
Types of cyber attackers include the following.
Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals are usually driven by financial motivations. The degree of sophistication in the types of cybersecurity threats they pose varies greatly—from rudimentary to advanced persistent threats. In some cases, cybercrime syndicates produce and sell cyber attack kits or offer cyber attacks as a service, such as ransomware as a service.
Hacktivists
Motivated by ideology, hacktivists pose a trick cybersecurity threat. Although generally not highly sophisticated, hacktivists often take random approaches and catch organizations off guard. Their objectives are usually to embarrass or shame an organization rather than seek financial gain or inflict physical or long-term damage beyond reputational scars.
Insider sources
Malicious insiders’ motivations are mostly related to financial gain and revenge. Sometimes, their crimes are the result of extortion. The cybersecurity threats posed by malicious insiders can be devastating since these threat actors come at the attack with specific knowledge of an organization’s operations and sometimes their security systems.
State-sponsored threats
These cybersecurity threats are very serious as they are usually well-funded and highly targeted. In general, nation-state attacks have geopolitical motivations. The motivations include espionage against governments, organizations, and individuals, disrupting critical infrastructure and systems, influencing and shaping public discourse, or developing botnets to support additional attacks.
State-sponsored cybersecurity threats are usually perpetrated by the most sophisticated threat actors backed by extensive and dedicated resources. State-sponsored cyber threat actors may also pursue financially motivated threat activity.
Common types of cybersecurity threats
Cybersecurity threats continually evolve. Below are examples of the most common types of cybersecurity threats facing organizations across the world.
- Malware and ransomware
Malware (malicious software) includes viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Between these various vectors, malware ranks as the most common cybersecurity threat.
The usual points of entry for malware are through malicious links or email messages. Users click, the malware is activated, and the cybersecurity threat turns into an attack. - Adware
Adware can be benign, albeit annoying, or malicious. Malware presents unwanted pop-up ads when users are browsing websites from computers or mobile devices. - Ransomware
Ransomware is one of the most feared cybersecurity threats. Once activated, ransomware encrypts files on users’ systems, rendering the information completely inaccessible and the systems useless. Attackers make demands, usually monetary, in exchange for decrypting the data. - Spyware
Spyware is a form of malware that embeds itself in devices. It monitors and transmits information about users’ activities. It is also used to steal sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and access credentials. - Trojans
Trojans are types of malicious code that pose as legitimate programs, such as applications or games. Trojans can also be embedded in email attachments. Once downloaded, the trojan is managed by an attacker and is used to control infected devices. - Viruses
A computer virus is a malicious code that spreads across devices through infected files. Viruses can be programmed to perform a variety of harmful functions. - Worms
Like computer viruses, worms can be programmed to perform various malicious functions. Unlike a virus, which requires a host to replicate, worms are self-replicating and can spread across systems without human intervention. - Advanced persistent threats (APTs)
Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are sophisticated cyber attacks executed over a long period of time. APTs are conducted by highly skilled threat actors, often linked to nation-states or organized crime.
Characteristics of APTs are stealth execution, persistence, and extensive customization of malware. Attackers typically exploit vulnerabilities in networks, establish backdoors, and move laterally across systems to gather information and extend their reach. Unlike typical cyber attacks, APTs focus on maintaining a continuous, invisible presence over extended periods.
Common targets of APTs include government agencies, critical infrastructure, and large corporations. Common objectives of APTs are espionage, data theft, or sabotage. - Cloud vulnerabilities
Human error accounts for many cybersecurity threats related to cloud deployments. These include cloud misconfigurations, incomplete data deletion, and vulnerabilities in cloud applications. - Corporate account takeover (CATO)
CATO is a type of cybersecurity threat that targets businesses. Attackers impersonate a legitimate user at an organization to gain access to business accounts. Once access has been gained, funds are transferred to the criminal’s account using unauthorized wire transfers or automated clearing house (ACH) transactions. - Drive-by download attacks
A drive-by download attack occurs when an individual visits a malicious website. Unbeknownst to them, a piece of code (e.g., a Trojan or malware) is installed without their permission. - Injection attacks
Injection attacks exploit different vulnerabilities to enable malicious code to be inserted into a web application’s code. The cybersecurity threats that come from an injection attack vary according to the type of malware used.
Types of injection attacks include:
1. Code injections insert code into an application.
2. Cross-site scripting (XSS) injects malicious JavaScript into a web application. When the browser executes the code, the attacker redirects users to a malicious website or steals cookies to hijack the session.
3. LDAP injections alter Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries.
4. OS command injections exploit a command injection vulnerability to input commands for the operating system to execute.
5. Structured Query Language (SQL) injections target SQL databases.
6. XML eXternal Entities (XXE) injections exploit inherent vulnerabilities in legacy XML parsers, allowing XML documents to execute code remotely and server-side request forgery (SSRF). - Insider threats
Insider threats are a particularly challenging type of cybersecurity threat because people use their knowledge of an organization’s inner workings to compromise systems or grant access to malicious outsiders. An insider threat can also be a person who, without malicious intent, exposes an organization to an attack (e.g., clicking infected files or links and falling for a phishing scam). - Network attacks
Network-based attacks target network infrastructure. This category of cybersecurity threat includes Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks, which seek to disrupt, intercept, or manipulate network traffic. - Distributed denial-of-service attacks
A DDoS attack targets websites, overwhelming their servers with large volumes of traffic from different internet protocol (IP) addresses (sometimes hundreds of thousands in the form of a botnet) over a sustained period. The result is that websites are shut down, causing disruption and damage to an organization. - IoT (internet of things) attacks
IoT devices are a major cybersecurity threat. These connected devices have notorious security vulnerabilities and are pervasive, making them a prime target for attackers.
Cybercriminals compromise IoT devices and use them to gain access to networks and move laterally to expand their footprints and gain access to sensitive information and systems. - Man-in-the-middle attacks
With man-in-the-middle attacks, cybercriminals insert themselves in the middle of two-way communications and intercept incoming messages. The intent is to filter and steal information. Man-in-the-middle cybersecurity threats take various forms, including the following.
1. Email hijacking
The attacker spoofs a legitimate email address and uses it to trick people into giving up sensitive information or transferring money to the attacker. Since the email appears legitimate, the user follows instructions.
2. DNS spoofing
When a domain name server (DNS) is spoofed, traffic is directed to a malicious website that is posing as a legitimate site. Credentials and other sensitive information can also be collected from the compromised site.
3. HTTPS spoofing
HTTPS spoofing takes advantage of users’ implicit trust in HTTPS domains (vs. HTTP). Also called an IDN (internationalized domain name) homograph attack, HTTPS spoofing entails tricking users into going to the attacker’s malicious site by modifying the name to look legitimate to users, such goog1e.com instead of google.com.
4. Internet protocol (IP) spoofing
Another form of impersonation, IP spoofing attacks, alters IP headers to make the address appear to be that of a trusted source. Instead, it is a malicious packet that is used to infiltrate systems.
5. Wi-Fi eavesdropping
Attackers set up a Wi-Fi connection, leaving it open for unsuspecting users. Connections are then monitored, and sensitive data is recorded. - Phishing and other social engineering attacks
Phishing persists as one of the most effective types of cybersecurity threats. It exploits naïve, careless, or busy people, tricking them into compromising actions. Phishing attacks are usually launched through email but are also perpetrated using voice calls (vishing) or text messages (smishing).
Another form of phishing that is often used is spear phishing. With spear phishing, the attackers research specific targets in an organization (e.g., administrators and executives) and launch highly customized attacks. Other variations of phishing are clone phishing, evil twin phishing, URL phishing, and watering hole phishing.
In addition to phishing, other types of social engineering cybersecurity threats follow the same tactics.
• Baiting
People are lured into a social engineering trap with the promise of something interesting or valuable, such as a free item.
• Pretexting
Attackers trick people into giving up information under false pretenses, such as impersonating someone the person would respond to, such as a police officer, hospital staffer, IRS agent, bank, or credit card company.
• Piggybacking or tailgating
An unauthorized person gains access to physical facilities by using an authorized person’s access mechanisms, such as following someone through a gated door under false pretenses (e.g., lost keycard or having their hands full). - Supply chain attacks and third-party exposure
In a supply chain attack, attackers access their target’s systems through third-party tools or services. This type of cybersecurity threat is challenging to detect because the attackers infect legitimate applications with malware that is then distributed as part of the solution.
Vectors for supply chain attacks include:
1. Building tools
2. Developers’ accounts
3. Development pipelines
4. Installation on physical devices
5. Software update mechanisms
6. Source code
Cybercriminals target third-party organizations that provide services and have connections to larger companies. This cybersecurity threat is difficult because the attackers compromise a third party and are able to gain legitimate access through authorized channels.
Best practices for addressing cybersecurity threats
Take advantage of proven approaches to fight cybersecurity threats. Many can be stopped with defensive strategies, but the potential damage of those that slip through can be mitigated by taking proactive measures to ensure a timely response to a security breach. The following are widely adopted best practices to keep organizations safe from cybersecurity threats.
Backups and recovery plans
Taking time to develop a plan for recovering from a security breach reduces downtime and potential damage. At the heart of disaster recovery plans should be a backup program. This should include all critical data necessary for operations, such as databases, customer records, financial information, and system configurations. Application data for essential software, user files, and virtual machine snapshots should also be included in backups, along with system state and configuration files for restoring environments. Regularly update backups to capture recent changes and store them offsite or in secure cloud environments for added protection. It is also important to test backups periodically to ensure data can be restored effectively.
Employee training and awareness
Employee training and awareness are crucial for stopping cybersecurity threats, as human error is considered to be one of the most widely exploited vulnerabilities. Regular training helps employees recognize and respond to phishing, social engineering, and other attack methods. This should include simulated exercises, such as phishing tests, to keep staff alert and reinforce best practices. Additionally, clear guidelines and ongoing awareness campaigns ensure that employees stay informed about evolving threats and understand how to identify cybersecurity threats.
Incident response plan
Having a robust and well-tested incident response plan ensures that security breaches or threats are identified and addressed quickly and effectively to minimize damage. An incident response plan should detail specific steps for detecting, analyzing, containing, and eradicating threats. Incident response plans should be updated and tested regularly using simulated exercises to ensure readiness and address potential gaps. Additionally, roles and responsibilities should be assigned to key personnel, and communication protocols should be in place to inform stakeholders and meet legal and compliance requirements.
Network segmentation
Networks should be partitioned into isolated segments to reduce the potential attack surface by limiting lateral movement. This segmentation also protects sensitive data and systems by limiting access to only authorized users (i.e., people and machines). Segmentation policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they align with changing environments.
Penetration testing and security audits
Penetration testing should be conducted in conjunction with security audits. Using these two in concert helps organizations maintain a holistic understanding of the security environment, especially identifying hidden cybersecurity threats and any security gaps.
Penetration testing, also referred to as pen testing and ethical hacking, uses software and people to probe applications and systems for vulnerabilities using manual and automated scans as well as simulated attacks. Security audits systematically review policies, configurations, and compliance with standards to ensure that defenses are optimized.
Tools to fight cybersecurity threats
The following are examples of the many tools that can be used to fight cybersecurity threats.
Antivirus software
Antivirus software can be installed on systems to provide proactive protection from malware cybersecurity threats. It scans, detects, and removes malware, such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and worms.
Databases and knowledge bases
Various groups collect data about cybersecurity threats, which can be accessed and used to shore up defenses and refine existing cybersecurity systems. Examples of these include:
- ATT&CK
MITRE ATT&CK® is a global knowledge base of attackers’ tactics and techniques. It is based on real-world observations and used by governments, the private sector, and cybersecurity threat solution providers to develop threat models and methodologies. - National Vulnerability Database (NVD) by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
This is a centralized database of vulnerabilities in well-known, widely deployed systems and software. It helps organizations address commonly exploited, relatively easy-to-fix issues.
Encryption software
Encryption software uses encryption algorithms (e.g., AES, DES, and RSA) to scramble data, rendering it unreadable without the decryption key. Data is usually encrypted when it is stored or transmitted to protect it from unauthorized access.
Firewalls
Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and filter malicious or suspicious items according to set security policies.
Patch management software
Available as an installed solution or as a service, patch management software can be used to automate the installation of updates and patches.
Web vulnerability scanning tools
Web vulnerability scanning tools or vulnerability scanners continuously scan all types of web pages to detect security vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), adware, and spyware.
Zero trust security architecture
A zero-trust security architecture approach assumes that no user should be trusted. All users (i.e., people and machines) are required to validate their identities continuously.
In addition, zero trust enforces the principle of least privilege access, limiting users to the minimum access necessary to perform their duties.
Zero trust architecture also uses microsegmentation to keep sensitive information isolated. With a zero-trust architecture, attack surfaces and potential points of unauthorized entry are reduced.
Continuous monitoring and threat detection tools
These tools provide real-time visibility into network activities to detect unusual patterns that could indicate security threats. By continuously scanning for vulnerabilities and monitoring system logs, these tools enable security teams to identify and respond to threats immediately before they escalate.
Advanced threat detection tools, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions, use machine learning and behavioral analysis to recognize anomalies. Continuous monitoring not only strengthens defenses but also supports compliance, providing an ongoing assessment of security measures and reducing the likelihood of breaches.
Endpoint security solutions
Endpoint security solutions provide proactive cybersecurity threat prevention to protect devices, such as computers, smartphones, and servers, from attacks. These tools include antivirus, anti-malware, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, which monitor and analyze activity on endpoints to detect suspicious behavior. Most of these solutions use advanced techniques, like behavioral analysis and machine learning, to identify anomalies and respond to threats in real time, often containing malware before it spreads.
Evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and defenses
Cybersecurity threats continuously evolve. Just like the cybersecurity solutions aimed at combatting them, cybersecurity threats leverage lessons learned and technological advancements. Evolving strains of malware increasingly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to create dynamic threats.
AI remains a powerful tool in combatting cybersecurity threats. AI-powered tools and machine learning (ML) models enable highly effective threat detection by analyzing massive amounts of data to identify suspicious patterns and anomalies faster than traditional methods. Categories of cybersecurity solutions that leverage AI include endpoint protection, network security, threat intelligence, and user and entity behavior analytics.
Cybersecurity threats should never be underestimated
Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to every organization, no matter the size or industry. Even a small organization can be valuable for cybercriminals as it can have sensitive data to steal or provide a point of entry to a larger target.
The scale, sophistication, and impact of cybersecurity threats continue to grow. Organizations that enable effective defenses against cybersecurity threats are those that invest in detecting, assessing, and managing risks. These organizations continually evaluate their security posture and keep a keen eye out for ways to optimize their security systems and controls to address evolving cybersecurity threats.
