Common Cyber Threats

Phishing High

Attackers impersonate trusted entities via email, SMS, or fake websites to steal credentials, financial data, or deliver malware payloads. Variants include spear-phishing (targeted), whaling (executives), and smishing (SMS).

Malware Critical

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to systems.

TypeDescription
RansomwareEncrypts files and demands payment for decryption keys.
TrojanDisguised as legitimate software to gain backdoor access.
WormSelf-replicates across networks without user interaction.
SpywareCovertly monitors and exfiltrates user activity/data.

Social Engineering Medium

Psychological manipulation techniques (pretexting, baiting, tailgating) that exploit human trust rather than technical vulnerabilities.

Zero-Day Exploits Critical

Exploits targeting vulnerabilities unknown to the vendor, leaving no time ("zero days") to patch before attackers strike. Mitigated through defense-in-depth, not just patching.

Example: Suspicious Log Entry

203.0.113.42 - - [25/Aug/2026:04:20:11] "POST /wp-login.php HTTP/1.1" 200 512
203.0.113.42 - - [25/Aug/2026:04:20:12] "POST /wp-login.php HTTP/1.1" 200 512
203.0.113.42 - - [25/Aug/2026:04:20:13] "POST /wp-login.php HTTP/1.1" 200 512
# Repeated login attempts from a single IP -> possible brute-force attack