When unusual network activity is detected, particularly activity that suggests potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, the immediate response should involve containing the potential threat. Temporarily suspending the account in question prevents any further unauthorized access while preserving the integrity of the investigation.

On-path attacks (formerly known as man-in-the-middle attacks) involve the attacker placing themselves in the communication path between two parties. By doing so, they can intercept, read, and potentially alter the messages being exchanged. This type of attack exploits the real-time processing of transactions, data transfers, or conversations to steal or manipulate information as it is being transmitted.

An unprotected system, lacking essential security measures such as antivirus software and a firewall, is highly vulnerable to various cyber threats including malware infections and unauthorized access attempts. Without these basic defenses, the system is an easy target for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.

Using prepared statements and parameterized queries is one of the most effective defenses against SQL injection attacks. This practice ensures that the database distinguishes between code and data, regardless of the input received, thereby preventing attackers from inserting or executing malicious SQL code. This method significantly reduces the risk of SQL injection by treating user input as data rather than executable code.

A DDoS attack aims to overwhelm the target’s web servers with excessive traffic from multiple sources, causing a server overload and making the website slow down or become completely inaccessible to legitimate users.

Limiting the number of password attempts is an effective measure against dictionary attacks. This approach prevents attackers from trying a large number of potential passwords stored in their dictionary files by locking the account or triggering a security response after several failed attempts.

Insider threats are security risks that come from individuals within the organization, such as employees, former employees, contractors, or business associates, who have inside information concerning the organization’s security practices, data, and computer systems. These threats can be malicious, as in the case of a disgruntled employee seeking to harm the organization, or unintentional, as in the case of an employee inadvertently compromising security through negligence or lack of awareness.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks involve inserting malicious scripts into otherwise benign and trusted web pages. When users visit such compromised pages, the malicious scripts can execute in their browsers, leading to a variety of possible security breaches, including stealing session cookies, redirecting the user to malicious sites, or even performing actions on behalf of the user on other web applications. XSS attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that fail to properly sanitize input from users or include untrusted sources.

A brute-force attack involves systematically checking all possible passwords or keys until the correct one is found. The attacker attempts numerous combinations of characters to crack a password, PIN, or cryptographic key. This method relies on the computational power at the attacker’s disposal and the weakness of the password or encryption scheme being targeted, rather than exploiting specific software vulnerabilities or deceiving users.

In the event of a suspected DDoS attack, one of the first steps should be to contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. Many ISPs have the capability to help mitigate the attack by rerouting traffic or implementing filters to block malicious traffic sources. This action can help alleviate the immediate impact on the affected website and begin the process of restoring normal service.

A zero-day attack exploits vulnerabilities that are not yet known to the software vendor or the public, hence the term “zero-day” – indicating that the developers have had zero days to fix the flaw. These attacks are particularly dangerous because there are no existing patches or fixes at the time of the attack, making them difficult to prevent and mitigate.

A significant indicator of a brute-force attack is an unusually high number of failed login attempts, as attackers systematically try different combinations of usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access. Monitoring and alerting on such anomalies can help in quickly identifying and mitigating brute-force attacks, protecting against potential breaches.

The principle of least privilege, where users are given the minimum levels of access—or permissions—needed to perform their job functions, combined with regular reviews of access rights, is effective in mitigating insider threats. This approach limits the potential damage that insiders can cause, whether their actions are intentional or unintentional, by restricting access to sensitive information and critical systems.

The fundamental difference between DoS and DDoS attacks lies in their source. A DoS attack is launched from a single computer or network source, aiming to flood the target with enough requests to cause service disruption. In contrast, a DDoS attack involves multiple compromised computers (often part of a botnet) to achieve the same goal, making it harder to defend against due to its distributed nature.

Non-compliant systems pose a threat because they do not follow the security policies, protocols, or standards set by the organization or industry regulations. This non-adherence can lead to vulnerabilities such as outdated software, weak passwords, or the lack of necessary security controls, making it easier for attackers to exploit these systems.

An SQL injection is a code injection technique used to attack data-driven applications, in which malicious SQL statements are inserted into an entry field for execution (e.g., to dump the database contents to the attacker). This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, data theft, data loss, or manipulation of database content. Unlike DDoS attacks, phishing, or ransomware, SQL injections specifically target vulnerabilities in applications’ database interactions.

Using encrypted connections for online activities is crucial in protecting against on-path (man-in-the-middle) attacks. Encryption, such as that provided by HTTPS, secures the data transmitted between a user’s device and the server, making it difficult for an attacker to intercept and read the information. This security measure ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unintelligible to the attacker.

While BYOD policies can offer flexibility and cost savings, they also present significant cybersecurity challenges, notably the risk of data leakage. Personal devices may not adhere to the same security standards as corporate-owned equipment, and the blending of personal and corporate data can lead to unintentional data exposure or loss. Ensuring secure BYOD practices requires robust policies and security measures to protect organizational data.

Spoofing involves masquerading as a legitimate entity to deceive individuals or systems into granting access or revealing confidential information. Attackers may spoof email addresses, caller IDs, IP addresses, or websites to appear as if they are a trusted source, thereby bypassing security measures based on identity verification.

When an operating system reaches its end-of-life, it no longer receives updates or support from the developer. This lack of security updates leaves known vulnerabilities unpatched, making EOL systems prime targets for attackers. Organizations using EOL software are at a higher risk of cyber attacks that exploit these unaddressed vulnerabilities.

Unpatched systems are at a significant risk because they contain known vulnerabilities for which patches or updates are available but have not been applied. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, disrupt services, or steal data. Keeping systems updated is crucial to protecting against known threats and ensuring the security of the IT infrastructure.