Describe the interrelationship between a threat, a vulnerability, weaponisation and an exploit
Suggested assessment
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Threat:
• the assets/data an organisation is trying to protect
Vulnerability:
• weaknesses that can expose an organisation to threats (for example, a weak encryption mechanism, insecure login)
Weaponisation:
• taking a vulnerability and constructing an exploit for it
Exploit:
• the vulnerability being exploited, resulting in the loss, damage or destruction of assets or data
A Threat is someone trying to access information on how to make a whole lot of money in the stock market that your company has behind a firewall and passwords.
The Vulnerability is that one employee (hypothetical) only has a password with one character!
Weaponisation is creating a computer program that checks each of the characters (127 on a standard keyboard) and enters them until it breaks the code.
The Exploit is putting the program in Step 3 into practise.
Understanding the interrelationship between a threat, a vulnerability, weaponization, and an exploit is like understanding how the plot unfolds in a mystery or adventure movie. Each term represents a different piece of the puzzle that leads to a potential cybersecurity incident. Let's break it down:
What it Is: A possible danger that might exploit a vulnerability.
Role in the Story: This is like the villain in a movie. They have a motive and the potential to do harm, but they need an opportunity (vulnerability) and a method (weaponization) to actually make their move.
What it Is: A weakness in a system that can be exploited.
Role in the Story: Think of this as the unlocked door or secret entrance to a fortress. It's the opportunity the villain (threat) is looking for.
What it Is: The pairing of a vulnerability with a method of attack, such as malware, to exploit that vulnerability.
Role in the Story: This is the villain's plan or toolset—maybe a map to the secret entrance, a disguise, or a set of tools to break in. It's what turns the potential for harm into action.
What it Is: The actual act of using a vulnerability to carry out a threat.
Role in the Story: This is the action-packed scene where the villain actually breaks into the fortress using the secret entrance. They've exploited the vulnerability using their toolkit (weaponization).
Threat Meets Vulnerability: First, a threat identifies a vulnerability. It's like when a villain finds out there's an unlocked door.
Weaponization: Next, the threat (or attacker) prepares by weaponizing their method of attack. They might package malware in an innocent-looking email, for example.
Exploit: Finally, the weaponized threat exploits the vulnerability. They use their disguised malware to enter through the unlocked door and achieve their goal, whether it's stealing data or causing harm.
Just like in an adventure movie, understanding how these elements relate can help you predict what might happen next, and ideally, stop the villain (threat) in their tracks before they can exploit any vulnerabilities. Being aware of the weaknesses (vulnerabilities) and having strong security measures (like firewalls, anti-malware software, and employee training) can help you thwart the weaponization and exploitation steps, keeping the "villain" at bay.