⚠️ Threats and Vulnerabilities

Identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities across all attack vectors

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Threats and Vulnerabilities Curriculum

12
Threat Categories
~100
Attack Vectors
25+
Vulnerability Types
40+
Mitigation Strategies
1

Threat Landscape Overview

Understand the current cybersecurity threat landscape and threat actor motivations.

  • Threat classifications
  • Threat actors
  • Attack motivations
  • Threat intelligence
  • Attack trends
  • Threat modeling
  • Risk assessment
  • Industry impacts
2

Malware Analysis

Study different types of malware, their behaviors, and detection techniques.

  • Malware categories
  • Virus mechanisms
  • Worms and trojans
  • Ransomware
  • Spyware and adware
  • Rootkits
  • Behavioral analysis
  • Anti-malware tools
3

Network Attacks

Explore network-based attacks and vulnerabilities in network protocols and services.

  • Reconnaissance attacks
  • DoS and DDoS
  • Man-in-the-middle
  • Packet sniffing
  • Protocol attacks
  • DNS attacks
  • Wireless attacks
  • Network defenses
4

Web Application Vulnerabilities

Learn about common web application vulnerabilities and secure coding practices.

  • OWASP Top 10
  • SQL injection
  • Cross-site scripting
  • CSRF attacks
  • Authentication flaws
  • Session management
  • Input validation
  • Web app security
5

Social Engineering

Understand human-based attacks and psychological manipulation techniques.

  • Social engineering tactics
  • Phishing attacks
  • Pretexting
  • Baiting and quid pro quo
  • Physical security
  • Tailgating
  • Human psychology
  • Awareness training
6

System Vulnerabilities

Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications.

  • OS vulnerabilities
  • Buffer overflows
  • Privilege escalation
  • Zero-day exploits
  • Patch management
  • Configuration issues
  • Hardening techniques
  • Vulnerability scanning
7

Advanced Persistent Threats

Study sophisticated, long-term attack campaigns and their characteristics.

  • APT characteristics
  • Attack lifecycle
  • Lateral movement
  • Data exfiltration
  • Persistence techniques
  • Command and control
  • Attribution challenges
  • APT defense
8

Mobile Security Threats

Examine security threats specific to mobile devices and applications.

  • Mobile threat landscape
  • Platform vulnerabilities
  • Malicious apps
  • Data leakage
  • Network threats
  • Physical security
  • BYOD risks
  • Mobile security controls
9

Cloud Security Threats

Understand unique security challenges and threats in cloud environments.

  • Cloud threat models
  • Shared responsibility
  • Data breaches
  • Insecure APIs
  • Account hijacking
  • Insider threats
  • Compliance issues
  • Cloud security controls
10

IoT and Emerging Threats

Explore security challenges in IoT devices and emerging technology threats.

  • IoT vulnerabilities
  • Embedded systems
  • Industrial control systems
  • Smart city security
  • AI/ML threats
  • Quantum computing
  • Emerging attack vectors
  • Future security challenges
11

Vulnerability Assessment

Learn systematic approaches to identify and assess security vulnerabilities.

  • Assessment methodologies
  • Scanning techniques
  • Vulnerability databases
  • Risk scoring
  • Penetration testing
  • Red team exercises
  • Tool selection
  • Reporting and remediation
12

Threat Mitigation Strategies

Develop comprehensive strategies for preventing, detecting, and responding to threats.

  • Defense in depth
  • Preventive controls
  • Detective controls
  • Corrective controls
  • Incident response
  • Threat hunting
  • Security frameworks
  • Continuous improvement

Unit 1: Threat Landscape Overview

Understand the current cybersecurity threat landscape and threat actor motivations.

Threat Classifications

Learn to categorize and classify different types of cybersecurity threats based on various characteristics.

Categories Taxonomy Classification
Threats can be classified by origin (internal/external), intent (malicious/accidental), target (data/systems/people), and method (technical/physical/social). Understanding these classifications helps prioritize security efforts.
# Threat Classification Framework
threat_classifications = {
  "by_origin": {
    "internal": {
      "description": "Threats from within the organization",
      "sources": ["Employees", "Contractors", "Business partners"],
      "characteristics": ["Privileged access", "Inside knowledge", "Trust relationships"],
      "examples": ["Data theft by employee", "Sabotage", "Accidental data loss"]
    },
    "external": {
      "description": "Threats from outside the organization",
      "sources": ["Cybercriminals", "Nation-states", "Hacktivists", "Competitors"],
      "characteristics": ["Limited initial access", "Reconnaissance required", "Remote attacks"],
      "examples": ["Malware attacks", "Network intrusions", "DDoS attacks"]
    }
  },
  "by_intent": {
    "malicious": "Deliberate attempts to cause harm or gain unauthorized access",
    "accidental": "Unintentional actions that create security risks",
    "environmental": "Natural disasters or infrastructure failures"
  },
  "by_method": {
    "technical": "Exploiting technological vulnerabilities",
    "physical": "Direct access to systems or facilities",
    "social": "Manipulating human behavior and psychology"
  }
}

Threat Actors

Identify different types of threat actors, their capabilities, motivations, and typical attack patterns.

Major Threat Actor Categories:
• Nation-State: Government-sponsored attacks with advanced capabilities
• Cybercriminals: Financially motivated organized crime groups
• Hacktivists: Politically motivated attackers seeking to make statements
• Insider Threats: Employees or partners with legitimate access
• Script Kiddies: Low-skill attackers using existing tools
Threat Actor Analysis:
Understanding threat actors helps predict attack methods, targets, and timing. Nation-states typically focus on espionage and disruption, while cybercriminals prioritize financial gain through ransomware and fraud.
# Threat Actor Profiles
threat_actors = {
  "nation_state": {
    "capabilities": ["Advanced persistent threats", "Zero-day exploits", "Custom malware"],
    "motivations": ["Espionage", "Disruption", "Strategic advantage"],
    "targets": ["Government agencies", "Critical infrastructure", "Defense contractors"],
    "characteristics": ["Well-funded", "Patient", "Sophisticated"],
    "examples": ["APT1", "Lazarus Group", "Fancy Bear"]
  },
  "cybercriminals": {
    "capabilities": ["Commodity malware", "Social engineering", "Underground markets"],
    "motivations": ["Financial gain", "Personal enrichment"],
    "targets": ["Financial institutions", "Healthcare", "Small businesses"],
    "characteristics": ["Profit-driven", "Opportunistic", "Risk-averse"],
    "methods": ["Ransomware", "Banking trojans", "Credit card fraud"]
  },
  "hacktivists": {
    "capabilities": ["DDoS attacks", "Website defacement", "Data leaks"],
    "motivations": ["Political agenda", "Social justice", "Awareness"],
    "targets": ["Government sites", "Corporations", "Opposition groups"],
    "characteristics": ["Ideologically driven", "Public operations", "Media-focused"],
    "examples": ["Anonymous", "LulzSec", "Syrian Electronic Army"]
  }
}

Threat Intelligence

Learn to gather, analyze, and apply threat intelligence to improve organizational security posture.

Intelligence Types:
• Strategic: High-level trends and long-term threats
• Tactical: Specific techniques and procedures
• Technical: Technical indicators and signatures
• Operational: Ongoing campaigns and actor activities
• Sources: Commercial feeds, open source, government, industry sharing
Intelligence Lifecycle:
Effective threat intelligence follows a cycle: Requirements → Collection → Processing → Analysis → Dissemination → Feedback. This ensures intelligence is actionable and meets organizational needs.
# Threat Intelligence Framework
threat_intelligence = {