Attack Vectors

An attack vector is a pathway or method that cyber attackers use to gain unauthorized access to a system, network, or device in order to carry out malicious activities. It’s essentially the route through which an attack is launched.

Attack vectors can vary widely and can include: –

1. Malware
2. Social engineering
3. Brute force attack
4. Phishing
5. Supply Chain Attacks
6. Physical access
7. Insider Threats

Some common examples of attack vectors include the following. Let’s understand them –

1. Malware:-

Malicious software designed to cause damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. Malware can take many forms and can be delivered through various means, including email attachments, infected websites, removable media, and network vulnerabilities.

2. Social engineering:–

The manipulation of people into performing actions or revealing sensitive information that compromises security. Instead of using fancy hacking tools or writing complex code, cyber attackers use psychological manipulation to deceive people into giving away sensitive information or performing actions that could compromise security.

3. Brute force attack:-

A method of trying multiple combinations of passwords or other inputs to gain unauthorized access to a system. Brute force attacks can be effective against weak or poorly protected systems.

4. Phishing:-

In Phishing attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal or financial data.

5. Supply Chain Attacks:-

Targeting the software supply chain to compromise trusted vendors, software libraries, or third-party services and distribute malicious software or introduce vulnerabilities. Attacking a company directly, cybercriminals focus on compromising the systems, software, or services of third-party vendors, partners, or suppliers that the company relies on. Once these intermediary targets are compromised, attackers can infiltrate the main target’s network or systems.

6. Physical access:-

Gaining physical access to a system or device to directly interact with it and compromise security. Unlike remote attacks, which are carried out over the internet or other networks, physical access attacks require the attacker to be physically present at the location of the target device or system.

7. Insider Threats:-

Authorized insiders (employees, contractors, etc.) who misuse their access to systems and data for personal gain or to cause harm. This could include stealing sensitive information, sabotage, or facilitating external attacks.

Attack vectors are the different pathways and methods that cybercriminals can use to infiltrate and compromise an organization’s systems, data, and networks. Rather than directly attacking the main target company, cybercriminals often focus on compromising the third-party vendors, partners, or suppliers that the company relies on. Once these intermediary targets are breached, the attackers can then leverage that access to infiltrate the primary target’s own systems.