Threats & Vulnerabilities: Page

What is ransomware? Definition and complete guide

Ransomware is malware that locks and encrypts a victim's data, files, devices or systems, rendering them inaccessible and unusable until the attacker receives a ransom payment.

By Sharon Shea , Alissa Irei • April 23, 2025

What is crypto ransomware?

Crypto ransomware is a form of ransomware that uses cryptography to encrypt computer files so that the victim cannot access them. In exchange for the demanded ransom, the attacker claims it will tell the victimized business how to regain access to the stolen data.

By Karen Kent • April 22, 2025

What is a brute-force attack?

A brute-force attack is a trial-and-error hacking method cybercriminals use to decode login information and encryption keys to gain unauthorized access to systems.

By Katie Terrell Hanna, Mary Shacklett • April 21, 2025

Top 5 ransomware attack vectors and how to avoid them

Protecting your organization against ransomware attack entryways could mean the difference between staying safe or falling victim to a devastating breach.

By Ed Moyle , Diana Kelley • April 21, 2025

How do cybercriminals steal credit card information?

Cybercriminals have various methods at their disposal to hack and exploit credit card information. Learn what they are, how to prevent them and what to do when hacked.

By Stephen Bigelow • April 18, 2025

The history and evolution of ransomware attacks

Ransomware creators have become more innovative and savvier as organizations up their defenses.

By Sharon Shea • April 18, 2025

8 types of ransomware, plus examples of attacks

There are eight main types of ransomware but hundreds of examples of ransomware strains. Learn how the ransomware types work and review notable attacks and variants.

By Sharon Shea • April 14, 2025

QR code phishing: 14 quishing prevention tips

Quishing is an offputting word for an on-the-rise attack method. Learn how to defend against it.

By Alissa Irei • April 9, 2025

What is a side-channel attack?

A side-channel attack is a cybersecurity exploit that aims to gather information from or influence a system's program execution. It does this by measuring or exploiting indirect effects of the system or its hardware rather than directly targeting the program or its code.

By Alexander Gillis, Gavin Wright, Scott Robinson • April 8, 2025

An explanation of cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to criminal activity that uses a computer, networked device or network. Its many forms, from extortion to identity theft, can cause real damage to organizations.

By Tommy Everson • April 7, 2025

Cybercrime-as-a-service explained: What you need to know

Cybercrime-as-a-service is quickly evolving, offering easy access to hacking tools for criminals. Learn how it works and steps to protect your organization from attacks.

By Sean Kerner • March 31, 2025

What is a hacker?

A hacker is an individual who uses computer, networking or other skills to overcome a technical problem.

By Katie Terrell Hanna, Linda Rosencrance, Wesley Chai • March 31, 2025

News brief: China-linked APTs and Russian access broker

Check out the latest security news from the Informa TechTarget team.

By Staff report • March 28, 2025

An explanation of personally identifiable information

Everyone has personally identifiable information -- some of it sensitive and some of it not. Keeping PII safe is important, since bad actors can use it for malicious ends.

By Sabrina Polin • March 27, 2025

3 types of deepfake detection technology and how they work

Think you're talking to your boss on Zoom? You might want to think again. Deepfake technology has already cost enterprises millions of dollars. Here's how to fight fire with fire.

By Alissa Irei • March 20, 2025

What is pharming?

Pharming is a scamming practice in which malicious code is installed on a PC or server, misdirecting users to fraudulent websites without their knowledge or consent.

By Nick Barney • March 14, 2025

10 biggest data breaches in history, and how to prevent them

Did you know the biggest data breach in history exposed a whopping 3 billion user records? Don't make the same mistakes these companies did in the largest data breaches in history.

By Sharon Shea • March 13, 2025

What is a pass-the-hash attack?

A pass-the-hash attack is an exploit in which an attacker steals a hashed user credential and -- without cracking it -- reuses it to trick an authentication system into creating a new authenticated session on the same network.

By Madelyn Bacon, Nick Barney • March 13, 2025

Cyber Trust Mark explained: Everything you need to know

The Cyber Trust Mark has been put in place to encourage manufacturers to improve IoT security and provide consumers with more information on the security of their devices.

By Rosa Heaton • March 12, 2025

5 ways to tell if an app is safe before downloading

Before downloading an app, users should verify the publisher, look at reviews and consult the privacy policy to determine whether it is safe to install.

By Madeleine Streets • March 12, 2025

What is a rootkit?

A rootkit is a program or a collection of malicious software tools that give a threat actor remote access to and control over a computer or other system.

By Linda Rosencrance, Scott Robinson, Mary Shacklett • March 11, 2025

Treasury Department hacked: Explaining how it happened

Another major cyberattack hit the U.S. Treasury, allegedly by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. Exploiting BeyondTrust software, they accessed sensitive unclassified documents.

By Sean Kerner • March 6, 2025

What is cyberstalking and how to prevent it?

Cyberstalking is a crime in which someone harasses or stalks a victim using electronic or digital means, such as social media, email, instant messaging (IM) or messages posted to a discussion group or forum.

By Katie Terrell Hanna, Rahul Awati • March 3, 2025

Microsoft targets AI deepfake cybercrime network in lawsuit

Microsoft alleges that defendants used stolen Azure OpenAI API keys and special software to bypass content guardrails and generate illicit AI deepfakes for payment.

By Alexander Culafi • Feb. 28, 2025

What is the NSA and how does it work?

The National Security Agency (NSA) is a federal government surveillance and intelligence agency that's part of the U.S. Department of Defense and is managed under the authority of the director of national intelligence (DNI).

By Paul Kirvan, Andy Patrizio, Kathleen Richards • Feb. 28, 2025