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Attack vectors are ways for malicious actors to enter computer systems and cause damage. They can exploit weaknesses in programming or use deception to trick users. Cybersecurity professionals work to identify and prevent new attack vectors, while developers try to anticipate potential vulnerabilities in their products.
An attack vector is a mode of entry into a computer or networked system that allows a person with malicious intent to damage, control, or otherwise interfere with its operations. Just like disease vectors, attack vectors act as vectors, in this case for malicious code and other activity designed to cause damage to a computer system. There is a range of different vectors and as new developments in computing are made, especially online, additional vectors emerge; for example, really simple syndication (RSS) can serve as an attack vector for people who want to hijack a feed to plant malicious code in it.
There are several ways people can exploit an attack vector. One is with programming. If people can identify a weakness in a system and program something to take advantage of it, they can successfully break into the system and cause damage. This can include anything from poor security to necessary security holes, such as the ability to receive attachments in emails. Programmers also take advantage of things like scripted websites. Since many browsers are designed to run all scripts automatically, it is very easy to insert a malicious script into a page to attack an unknowing user.
Other hackers and crackers use deception as a method of getting into a system. In this case, the attack vector is something that a person comes into contact with. People can use tactics like instant messenger conversations, deceptive emails, and websites built to look like something else to get people to give up information or compromise their networks. A classic example of deception is a creepy email purporting to be from someone’s bank, directing the customer to log in immediately, and providing a link to a page designed to look like the bank’s site. An unwary customer can enter a username and password, unknowingly entering them into the hacker’s database.
As new attack vectors are identified, cybersecurity professionals work to make computing safer. Some security companies hire hackers and crackers to develop and test new exploits, with the goal of thinking like people who will benefit from an attack vector. Highly skilled hackers can potentially charge high fees for their services in the private sector and may have the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of computer security and development, a potentially interesting challenge.
Developers also try to think ahead of how products under development could be used as attack vectors. For example, programmers designing a new instant messaging program might think of ways to authenticate users to allow people to confirm identities, or they might set up a blacklist of known users and dangerous IP addresses so that these people can’t contact innocent users on the net.
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