Attack Vector
Back To GlossaryAttack vectors represent the diverse tactics and techniques employed by threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise the security of IT systems and networks. These vectors encompass a wide range of attack methods, including technical exploits, social engineering tactics, and malicious activities aimed at infiltrating, manipulating, or disrupting targeted systems and data.
Common attack vectors include exploiting weaknesses in encryption algorithms or implementation, exploiting misconfigured or unprotected assets such as servers or databases, leveraging weak or default passwords to gain unauthorized access, deploying malware to infect systems and steal sensitive information, orchestrating distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to disrupt services or networks, and conducting phishing campaigns to trick users into divulging credentials or sensitive data.
Additionally, attack vectors may also include supply chain attacks, insider threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), among others. Understanding and mitigating attack vectors are essential components of effective cybersecurity defense strategies, as organizations must proactively identify and address vulnerabilities and weaknesses across their IT infrastructure and applications to minimize the risk of successful cyber attacks.
By implementing robust security controls, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and providing comprehensive security awareness training to employees, organizations can enhance their resilience against evolving attack vectors and protect critical assets and data from unauthorized access or exploitation.