9781422275177

Learn more about the history of the internet and cybersecurity

TYPES OF CYBERATTACKS There are many types of cyberattacks. Cisco, a worldwide leader in information technology and networking, identifies the following as the most common methods of cyberattack.

MALWARE

Malware is a term that is used to describe software—including spyware, ransomware, worms, and viruses—that are created to harm computers or other types of technology. Malware is activated when a user unknowingly clicks a seemingly harmless link or email attachment, or plugs in a flash drive or other type of external storage device. Once activated, the malware causes many problems, including:

CHAPTER 1: WHAT DO PROFESSIONAL HACKERS DO? 15