Difference between Threat and Attack

Threats and attacks are two important aspects from a security point of view. A threat is malicious act that has the potential to damage the system or asset while an attack is an intentional act that causes damage to a system or asset. Here, we will understand threats and attacks and the differences between them.

Threat

A threat is a possible security violation that might exploit the vulnerability of a system or asset. The origin of the threat may be accidental, environmental (natural disaster), human negligence, or human failure. Different types of security threats are interruption, interception, fabrication, and modification.

Types of Threats

Knowing these types of threats helps a company protect itself better from both outsiders and people inside misusing access.

• Unstructured Threats: Unstructured threats are typically executed by inexperienced individuals using easily accessible hacking tools like shell scripts and password crackers. If executed solely to test a hacker's skills, they can cause significant damage to a company.
• Structured Threat: A structured threat involves an organized attempt to breach a specific network or organization. These threats come from highly motivated and technically proficient hackers.
• External Threats: External threats might come from individuals or organizations working outside the company. They have unauthorized access to the computer systems and network. They typically enter a network via the Internet or dial-up access servers.
• Internal Threat: Internal dangers occur due to authorized network access, whether through a server account or physical access.

Attack

An attack is a deliberate unauthorized action on a system or asset. Attacks can be classified as active and passive attacks. An attack will have a motive and will follow a method when the opportunity arises. 

Types of Attack

There are two types of attack

• Active Attack: In an active attack, the hacker tries to change, damage, or control the system. This could include stealing data, spreading malware, or crashing servers. It’s like someone breaking into your house and messing with things.
• Passive Attack: In a passive attack, the hacker quietly listens or watches to gather information without changing anything. It's like someone spying on your Wi-Fi or reading your messages without you knowing — no damage, just stolen info.

Primary Classes of Attack

These attacks can steal data, damage systems, or block access so understanding them helps in staying safe online.

• Reconnaissance: This is the first step in most attacks, where hackers quietly gather information about a system or network—like IP addresses, open ports, or software used—to find weak spots they can later exploit.
• Denial of Service: In this attack, the hacker floods a website or server with so many requests that it crashes or slows down, making it unavailable for real users.
• Worms, viruses, and Trojan horses are malicious software that can spread, infect, or deceive users, causing harm or stealing information (worms self-replicate, viruses infect programs, and Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software)
• System Access Attack: When someone breaks into a device or system without permission—either by guessing passwords, using stolen credentials, or exploiting software flaws—to gain control or steal information.

Difference between Threat and Attack

A threat is like a warning or possibility of danger, while an attack is when that danger actually happens.