**Course Title:** Security Best Practices in Software Development **Section Title:** Introduction to Security **Topic:** Common security threats: Malware, phishing, social engineering. **Overview** In the previous topics, we introduced cybersecurity concepts, terminology, and the importance of security in software development. As software developers, it is crucial to understand common security threats that can compromise our software applications and systems. In this topic, we will explore three common security threats: malware, phishing, and social engineering. **1. Malware** Malware is short for "malicious software" and refers to any type of software that is designed to harm or exploit a computer system. Malware can take many forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware. * **Viruses**: A virus is a type of malware that replicates itself by attaching to other programs or files on a computer. Viruses can cause damage to files, steal sensitive information, and disrupt system operations. * **Worms**: A worm is a type of malware that can spread from system to system without the need for human interaction. Worms can cause damage to files, consume system resources, and disrupt network operations. * **Trojans**: A trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software. Trojans can allow unauthorized access to a system, steal sensitive information, or disrupt system operations. * **Ransomware**: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a system and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. * **Spyware**: Spyware is a type of malware that collects sensitive information about a system or user without their consent. * **Adware**: Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a system. **Example**: The 2019 WannaCry ransomware attack is a notable example of malware. The attack infected over 200,000 computers worldwide, causing widespread disruption to healthcare, finance, and other critical infrastructure. **Practical Takeaway**: To protect against malware, use antivirus software, keep software up to date, and avoid suspicious emails or attachments. **Recommended Resource**: For more information on malware, visit the Microsoft Malware Protection Center: [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/securitycontent/malware.aspx](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/securitycontent/malware.aspx) **2. Phishing** Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where an attacker attempts to trick a user into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. * **Types of Phishing**: Phishing attacks can take many forms, including email phishing, phone phishing, text phishing, and spear phishing. * **How Phishing Works**: Phishing attackers use social engineering tactics to create a sense of urgency or trust. The attacker may create a fake email or website that appears legitimate, but is actually designed to steal sensitive information. **Example**: The 2016 phishing attack on Facebook and Google is a notable example of phishing. The attack resulted in the theft of over $100 million from the two companies. **Practical Takeaway**: To protect against phishing, be cautious when clicking on links or providing sensitive information online. Use two-factor authentication and verify the authenticity of emails or phone calls. **Recommended Resource**: For more information on phishing, visit the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) website: [https://apwg.org](https://apwg.org) **3. Social Engineering** Social engineering is the use of psychological manipulation to trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing certain actions. * **Types of Social Engineering**: Social engineering attacks can take many forms, including phishing, pretexting, baiting, and quid pro quo. * **How Social Engineering Works**: Social engineering attackers use psychological tactics to create a sense of trust or urgency. The attacker may use fake emails, phone calls, or in-person interactions to steal sensitive information. **Example**: The 2013 Target data breach is a notable example of social engineering. The attack resulted in the theft of sensitive information from over 41 million customers. **Practical Takeaway**: To protect against social engineering, be aware of the tactics used by attackers. Use multi-factor authentication and verify the authenticity of emails or phone calls. **Recommended Resource**: For more information on social engineering, visit the SANS Institute website: [https://www.sans.org](https://www.sans.org) **Conclusion** In this topic, we explored common security threats: malware, phishing, and social engineering. These threats can compromise software applications and systems, causing damage to files, stealing sensitive information, and disrupting operations. **Next Topic**: CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability. From: Understanding Security Principles. **Leave a Comment or Ask for Help** If you have any questions or would like clarification on the concepts covered in this topic, please leave a comment below.