🦠 1️⃣ Malware (Malicious Software)

Malware refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a network, system, or device.

• Types of Malware:
  • Viruses: Attach to files and spread when executed.
  • Worms: Self-replicate and spread without user interaction.
  • Trojans: Disguise as legitimate software to trick users.
  • Spyware: Secretly monitors user activity and steals information.
  • Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands payment for decryption.
  • Adware: Displays unwanted ads, sometimes with hidden malware.
• How It Spreads:
  • Infected email attachments, downloads, malicious websites, USB drives.
• Prevention:
  • Use antivirus software, keep systems updated, avoid clicking suspicious links.

🌊 2️⃣ Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

These attacks flood a network or server with excessive traffic, making services unavailable to legitimate users.

• Types of DoS/DDoS Attacks:
  • Volumetric Attacks: Overwhelm bandwidth (e.g., UDP floods).
  • Protocol Attacks: Exploit weaknesses in network protocols (e.g., SYN floods).
  • Application Layer Attacks: Target web apps (e.g., HTTP floods).
• Prevention:
  • Use firewalls, rate limiting, and DDoS protection services like Cloudflare or AWS Shield.

🕵️ 3️⃣ Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Attackers secretly intercept and potentially alter communications between two parties.

• Common MitM Techniques:
  • Session Hijacking: Stealing session tokens to gain unauthorized access.
  • Eavesdropping: Listening to unencrypted data transmission.
  • SSL Stripping: Downgrading secure HTTPS connections to HTTP.
• Prevention:
  • Use end-to-end encryption (SSL/TLS), secure Wi-Fi, and VPNs.

💉 4️⃣ SQL Injection (SQLi)

Attackers insert malicious SQL queries into input fields to manipulate databases.

• Impact:
  • Unauthorized data access, data modification, or deletion.
• Example:sql' OR '1'='1';
• Prevention:
  • Use prepared statements, parameterized queries, and input validation.

🕳️ 5️⃣ Zero-Day Exploits

Attacks that target vulnerabilities in software before developers release a fix.

• Why Dangerous:
  • No known defense exists at the time of the attack.
• Prevention:
  • Apply security patches promptly, monitor for unusual activity, and use threat intelligence tools.

📧 6️⃣ Phishing & Social Engineering

Tricks users into revealing sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.

• Types of Phishing:
  • Email Phishing: Fake emails with malicious links or attachments.
  • Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks aimed at specific individuals.
  • Whaling: Targets high-level executives.
  • Smishing/Vishing: Phishing via SMS (smishing) or voice calls (vishing).
• Prevention:
  • Educate users, verify suspicious requests, and implement email filters.