Types of Attack


There are 4 types of attack in information security:

  • Interception
  • Interruption
  • Modification
  • Fabrication

Interception

Interception attacks allow unauthorized access your data, applications, or environments.

  • threatens confidentiality
  • When properly executed, interception is difficult to detect

Examples

  • unauthorized file viewing or copying
  • eavesdropping on phone conversations
  • reading someone else’s email

Interruption

Interruption attacks make your assets unusable or unavailable to you on a temporary or permanent basis.

  • threatens availability
    • DoS attack
  • can affect integrity

Modification

Modification attacks involve unauthorized tampering with an asset.

  • threatens integrity
  • could also be attack on availability

Fabrication

Fabrication attacks involve generating false data, processes, communications, or other similar material with a system.

  • threatens integrity
  • could affect availability