Online Threat Types and Examples
Online Threat Types
An online threat is any malicious activity or potential danger that can harm computer systems, networks, or users. These threats include malware, phishing attacks, hacking, data breaches, and other cybercrimes.
Online Threat Types |
Examples |
Malware & Viruses | Examples of Malwate are Trojan, Spyware, Worm |
Ransomware | Ransomware Examples: WannaCry, Petya |
DDoS Attacks | DDoS attacks use bots to generate high traffic to websites and server overload. |
SQL Injection | Running SQL queries with crafted parameters to gain unauthorized data access, data theft |
Social Engineering | Pretexting, Baiting, Scareware |
Zero-day Exploits | Software bugs, Unpatched software |
Phishing | Fake Email Links, Email scams, Fake website forms |
Countermeasures
To protect against online threats, countermeasures are implemented to safeguard systems and data. Countermeasures are strategies, techniques, and tools for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from malicious activities, such as hacking, malware, phishing, and other cyber threats. These countermeasures include firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, encryption, secure authentication methods, and regular security audits to defend against cyber-attacks proactively.
Some of the online threats examples and their countermeasures are as follows:
Threat Type | Description | Countermeasures |
Malware & Viruses | Malware and Viruses are malicious software designed to damage systems, steal data, or create backdoors. | Malware’s countermeasures are installing antivirus software, keeping systems updated, and verifying or avoiding unknown downloads. |
Ransomware | Malware that encrypts the victim’s files, demanding ransom for decryption keys. | Countermeasures for ransomware are to regularly backup data, use security software, and not pay the ransom. |
DDoS Attacks | Overwhelming a system’s resources to render it inaccessible | Security measures to mitigate traffic and use DDoS protection services. |
Zero-day Exploits | Attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in software before the developer has issued a patch | The countermeasure is to keep software updated and use intrusion detection systems and sandboxing environments. |
SQL Injection | Inserting malicious code into SQL queries to manipulate databases | Use input validation, employ parameterized queries, and regularly update applications. |
Social Engineering | Techniques used to manipulate people into providing confidential information or accessing secure systems. | Social engineering attacks can be mitigated by educating users on common tactics, promoting verification processes, and enforcing strict security policies. |
Phishing | Fraudulent communication appears from reputable sources to steal sensitive information. | To avoid Phishing attacks, verify the email sender’s credibility and avoid clicking suspicious email links or attachments. |
Online threats are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and underlying technologies. They can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or disruption of services.