Cybersecurity Threats

noun a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe

• The lawyer presented strong evidence to prove his client's innocence against the adversary.
• I heard you have a new adversary at work, good luck dealing with them.
• Watch out for that shady dude, he's your new adversary now.
• Fear is my greatest adversary, always holding me back from taking risks.

noun a military offensive against an enemy

verb to criticize or oppose fiercely and publicly

• The military launched a strategic attack on the enemy's stronghold.
• I heard there was a cyber attack on the company's website.
• He went on a Twitter attack against his critics last night.
• Her words felt like a personal attack on his character.

noun a savagely violent person or animal

adjective lacking in sensitivity, intelligence, or refinement

• The brute force of the impact caused significant damage to the building.
• He's a bit of a brute, always throwing his weight around.
• That guy is such a brute, he never listens to anyone else.
• Her words were a brute force, cutting through his defenses with ease.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, and forming the main part of the predicate of a sentence

• The act of corrupting public officials is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of government institutions.
• I heard that company is known for corrupting their employees with unethical business practices.
• Don't let that negative influence corrupt your mind.
• The toxic environment was corrupting her soul, slowly eroding her sense of self-worth.

noun a person who secretly listens to the private conversations of others

verb to listen secretly to the private conversations of others

• It is considered impolite to eavesdrop on private conversations.
• I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation at the coffee shop.
• I saw you trying to eavesdrop on us, you nosy parker!
• Sometimes it feels like the walls have ears and are eavesdropping on our every word.

noun wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain

• The company was accused of committing fraud by manipulating their financial statements.
• I heard that there was some fraud going on at the local bank.
• Don't trust that guy, he's a total fraud.
• Her smile was a fraud, hiding the pain she was feeling inside.

adjective deceitful or dishonest, intended to deceive or cheat

• The company was accused of engaging in fraudulent accounting practices.
• I heard that the website was selling fraudulent products.
• Don't trust that guy, he's known for pulling off fraudulent schemes.
• Her smile seemed fraudulent, like she was hiding something behind it.

noun the action of illegally taking control of a vehicle, such as an airplane or ship, while in transit

• The hijacking of the plane was a serious threat to national security.
• I heard about a hijacking on the news last night.
• Did you see that movie where they pull off the ultimate hijacking?
• The virus is hijacking the body's immune system to spread rapidly.

noun the act of pretending to be someone else, usually for entertainment or deceitful purposes

• The act of impersonation is considered a serious offense in many jurisdictions.
• I can't believe he tried to pull off an impersonation of the boss at the meeting.
• He's really good at doing impersonations of celebrities, it's hilarious!
• Her impersonation of a confident businesswoman is really convincing.

noun an invasion or attack, especially a sudden or brief one

• The military incursion into the disputed territory was met with international condemnation.
• The incursion by the neighbors' dog into our yard caused quite a commotion.
• The incursion of paparazzi into the celebrity's private event was totally uncalled for.
• His incursion into the world of politics was unexpected but well-received by the public.

noun the act of secretly entering or joining a group or organization, especially in order to acquire information or cause damage

• The infiltration of the enemy's base was meticulously planned and executed by the special forces.
• We heard rumors of an infiltration at the party last night, but no one knows for sure.
• The hackers managed to pull off a sick infiltration of the company's database.
• The subtle infiltration of her thoughts by doubt began to erode her confidence.

noun an act of escaping from a jail or prison

verb to escape from a jail or prison

• The criminal was caught trying to plan a jailbreak from the high-security prison.
• I heard some inmates are plotting a jailbreak next week.
• Did you see that movie about the epic jailbreak last night?
• She felt like a prisoner in her own life, longing for a jailbreak from her monotonous routine.

noun a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger

verb to threaten or be a possible source of danger

• The new virus strain poses a serious menace to public health.
• That dog next door is a real menace, always barking at everyone.
• Watch out for that guy, he's a total menace.
• The dark clouds looming overhead seemed to be a menacing presence in the sky.

noun a quantity of material that can be carried or transported by a vehicle or container

• The payload of the rocket was successfully delivered into orbit.
• Make sure you don't drop the payload when unloading the truck.
• I can't believe we managed to sneak the payload past security.
• Her words were like a payload of truth that hit me hard.

adjective engaging in or living by predation

• The company was accused of engaging in predatory pricing practices to drive out competitors.
• Watch out for that predatory salesperson, he's always trying to upsell you on things you don't need.
• That guy is so predatory, always preying on vulnerable people for his own gain.
• Her predatory instincts kicked in when she sensed a threat approaching.

noun a sudden attack on an enemy by troops, aircraft, or other armed forces

verb to conduct a sudden attack on an enemy

• The police conducted a raid on the suspected drug den.
• Did you hear about the raid on that illegal gambling operation?
• The cops busted a raid on the party last night.
• The sudden raid of emotions overwhelmed her during the therapy session.

noun a person who steals from others, especially by force or threat of violence

• The police are on the lookout for the notorious bank robber who has been targeting multiple branches in the city.
• Did you hear about the robber who tried to steal from the convenience store down the street?
• That robber is always up to no good, I swear.
• The fear of failure can be like a robber stealing your confidence and motivation.

noun the act of subverting or the state of being subverted; overthrow or destruction of a government, institution, etc., by sabotage, insurrection, etc.

adjective pertaining to or characteristic of subversion

• The act of subversion undermines the authority of the government.
• He was caught red-handed in his subversion of company policies.
• I heard she's been up to some shady subversion stuff lately.
• The artist's subversion of traditional painting techniques created a stir in the art world.

noun a person who defrauds others, especially by means of a confidence trick

• The swindler was arrested for committing fraud and embezzlement.
• Don't trust that guy, he's a known swindler.
• Watch out for that swindler, he's always looking to scam someone.
• His smooth talk and deceptive ways make him a true swindler in the world of business.

noun a situation or problem that will become dangerous or harmful if not addressed

• The authorities successfully defused the time bomb found in the city center.
• I can't believe you're still using that old phone, it's like a ticking time bomb.
• His temper is a total time bomb, you never know when he's going to explode.
• The mounting stress and pressure at work felt like a time bomb waiting to go off.

noun a person who keeps guard over something

verb to be cautious or vigilant, especially in order to avoid danger or harm

preposition used to indicate that someone should be cautious or vigilant in relation to something

• Please remember to watch out for potential hazards while working in the laboratory.
• Hey, watch out for that puddle on the floor!
• Dude, watch out for that sketchy guy hanging around the corner.
• In life, it's important to watch out for people who may try to take advantage of you.

noun a shortened form of 'disinformation', false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive or manipulate people

• The spread of disinfo can have serious consequences on public perception and decision-making.
• Don't believe everything you read online, there's a lot of disinfo out there.
• I can't stand all the disinfo being shared on social media.
• Her mind was clouded with disinfo, making it hard for her to see the truth.

noun a goal in a sports game that is unguarded or undefended by the opposing team

adjective describing the goal as being open or unguarded

• The striker missed the open goal opportunity to score.
• I can't believe he missed that open goal!
• He really screwed up that open goal chance.
• It was an open goal for her to win the competition.

noun the act of disrupting a Zoom meeting by intruding and displaying inappropriate content

• The company implemented strict security measures to prevent zoombombing during their online meetings.
• We had to end the virtual party early because of zoombombing by trolls.
• I can't believe someone tried zoombombing our class lecture, what a jerk!
• The unexpected arrival of the boss's cat was like a zoombombing during our team meeting.

noun A place where trolls (online provocateurs) are hired to spread misinformation or sow discord on social media platforms.

• The government launched an investigation into the operations of a troll farm spreading misinformation online.
• I heard that there's a troll farm on social media that's causing a lot of trouble.
• Stay away from that troll farm, it's full of fake news and drama.
• Her mind felt like a troll farm, constantly bombarded with negative thoughts and criticisms.

noun the act of protecting or defending something or someone from potential harm or danger

• Safeguarding the rights of children is a top priority for the organization.
• We need to make sure we're safeguarding our personal information online.
• Don't forget to safeguard your phone when you're out at the bar.
• She built a wall around her heart as a way of safeguarding herself from getting hurt.

noun a person who steals something

adjective describing word that modifies a noun, in this case, it could be used to describe a person who steals

• The police caught the thief who was known as a notorious stealer of valuable artwork.
• I heard that guy is a real stealer, always taking things that don't belong to him.
• Watch out for that dude, he's a total stealer and will swipe anything he can get his hands on.
• She was a stealer of hearts, effortlessly captivating everyone she met.

noun a term used to describe the practice of enticing social media users to like and share posts in order to gain followers or spread misinformation

• Like-farming is a deceptive practice used by some social media users to gain a large following by posting engaging content.
• I heard that like-farming is a big thing on Facebook, where people try to get as many likes as possible on their posts.
• Some people try to pull off like-farming on Instagram to boost their follower count.
• Like-farming is like planting seeds of engagement and watching them grow into a thriving social media presence.

noun a form of psychological warfare that involves the use of propaganda, disinformation, and other tactics to influence the attitudes and behavior of a target audience

• The military unit specializes in conducting psyops to influence enemy behavior.
• The government is using psyops to manipulate public opinion.
• I heard they're running psyops to mess with their heads.
• Her persuasive skills are like psyops, subtly influencing those around her.

noun a form of cyber attack where criminals use malware to force ATMs to dispense cash

verb to carry out a jackpotting attack

• Jackpotting is a type of cyber attack where criminals use malware to force ATMs to dispense cash.
• Have you heard about jackpotting? It's when hackers trick ATMs into giving out money.
• Dude, did you see that video of the guy jackpotting the ATM? Crazy!
• Winning the lottery felt like hitting the jackpot, it was like jackpotting in real life.

noun a type of cyber attack where a malicious actor impersonates a neighbor's Wi-Fi network to intercept data or gain unauthorized access

• Neighbour spoofing is a type of cyber attack where a hacker impersonates a legitimate neighbour's Wi-Fi network to gain access to sensitive information.
• My friend fell victim to neighbour spoofing and ended up unknowingly sharing personal data with a hacker.
• I heard about this new scam called neighbour spoofing, where hackers pretend to be your neighbour's Wi-Fi to steal your info.
• In a way, neighbour spoofing is like someone putting on a disguise to trick you into revealing confidential details.

noun a type of warfare that involves the use of information and communication technology to achieve strategic or political objectives

• The government is investing in strategies to combat foreign information warfare.
• People need to be aware of the dangers of information warfare online.
• Don't fall for the fake news, it's all part of the information warfare going on.
• In the age of social media, information warfare is like a battlefield of ideas and opinions.

noun the use of someone else's personal information without their permission, typically for financial gain

• Identity fraud is a serious crime that involves using someone else's personal information for financial gain.
• I heard that Sarah's bank account was hacked and she became a victim of identity fraud.
• Watch out for scammers trying to pull off identity fraud schemes.
• In a world where social media can blur the lines of identity, protecting yourself from identity fraud is crucial.

noun a type of cyber attack where a malicious actor uses a portable storage device to steal data from a computer

verb the act of executing a pod slurping attack

• Pod slurping is a method used to extract data from unsecured computers.
• I heard that guy got caught pod slurping at the library.
• Don't be a pod slurper, it's illegal!
• His gossiping at work was like pod slurping, extracting information from unsuspecting colleagues.

noun a type of fraud that occurs in pay-per-click online advertising when a person or automated script clicks on an ad without any intention of engaging with the content or making a purchase

• Click fraud is a serious issue that can lead to financial losses for businesses advertising online.
• I heard that some companies are getting scammed by click fraud on their ads.
• Watch out for those shady websites that try to pull off click fraud schemes.
• In the world of online advertising, click fraud is like a hidden thief stealing your marketing budget.

noun a form of cyber attack in which an individual sends unsolicited messages or data to a Bluetooth-enabled device

verb to engage in the act of sending unsolicited messages or data to a Bluetooth-enabled device

• Bluejacking is a form of cyber attack where unsolicited messages are sent to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
• I heard that bluejacking is when someone sends random messages to your phone through Bluetooth.
• Bluejacking is like prank texting, but using Bluetooth to send the messages.
• In a way, bluejacking is like throwing virtual notes at someone from a distance.

noun A digital wildfire is a term used to describe the rapid spread of information or content online, often in a viral manner.

adjective The adjective 'digital' describes the type of wildfire, indicating that it pertains to the digital realm or online environment.

• The spread of misinformation on social media platforms can be compared to a digital wildfire, quickly reaching a large audience.
• When a controversial post goes viral, it's like a digital wildfire that everyone is talking about.
• That rumor about the celebrity breakup spread like a digital wildfire on Twitter.
• The hacker's release of sensitive information caused a digital wildfire of panic and chaos in the company.

noun a person who commits scams or fraudulent acts

• The authorities warned the public about a scam artist who was targeting elderly individuals.
• I heard that there's a scam artist going around pretending to be a charity worker.
• Watch out for that scam artist, he's been conning people out of their money left and right.
• She's like a scam artist when it comes to manipulating people into doing what she wants.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'ad injector' is a noun that refers to a software tool or program that inserts advertisements into webpages or apps.

• The ad injector software was found to be in violation of several advertising regulations.
• I heard that website uses some kind of ad injector to make more money.
• Don't trust those sites with ad injectors, they're just trying to scam you.
• His constant interruptions were like an ad injector in the middle of a conversation.

noun a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a sum of money is paid

• The company's computer systems were attacked by ransomware, causing a significant data breach.
• My friend's laptop got infected with ransomware and now he can't access any of his files.
• I heard that new ransomware is going around, so make sure to keep your antivirus software updated.
• Ransomware is like a digital hostage-taker, holding your data for ransom until you pay up.

noun a deceptive practice in which a person creates multiple fake identities to manipulate online discussions or forums

• Sock puppetry refers to the deceptive practice of creating fake online identities to manipulate discussions or deceive others.
• Using sock puppetry to boost your social media following is unethical and dishonest.
• I heard that some companies use sock puppetry to make their products seem more popular than they actually are.
• In the world of politics, sock puppetry is often used to spread misinformation and influence public opinion.

noun Internet

preposition in

• The case study revealed a rare instance of Munchausen by Internet, where individuals feign illnesses online for sympathy and attention.
• I heard about this crazy story of Munchausen by Internet where someone pretended to be sick on social media just for likes.
• Did you see that post? Total Munchausen by Internet move, trying to get all that sympathy.
• Her constant need for validation online is like a form of Munchausen by Internet, always seeking attention through fabricated stories.

noun a type of phishing attack that is targeted towards a specific individual or organization

verb None

adjective None

adverb None

pronoun None

preposition None

conjunction None

interjection None

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• The company implemented a new training program to educate employees on how to recognize and avoid spear-phishing attacks.
• I received a suspicious email that looked like spear-phishing, so I deleted it right away.
• Watch out for those spear-phishing emails, they're tricky to spot!
• Spear-phishing is like a targeted attack aimed at specific individuals, rather than a wide net cast to catch many.

noun A person who participates in hacking or breaking into secure computer systems, typically for fun or as a form of activism.

• The phreaker was arrested for hacking into the company's database.
• I heard that phreaker is really good at bypassing security systems.
• That phreaker is a real pro at messing with phone lines.
• In the world of technology, the phreaker is like a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich corporations and giving to the digital underground.

noun A term used in financial crimes to describe individuals who facilitate money laundering by transferring stolen or illegal funds.

• A money mule is a person who transfers money acquired illegally in person, through a courier service, or electronically, on behalf of others.
• I heard that John got caught being a money mule for some shady characters.
• Don't be stupid and become a money mule for those scammers.
• Being a money mule is like playing with fire - you're bound to get burned eventually.

noun the act of spying on the information entered on a computer or other electronic device by looking over the shoulder of the person using it

• Shoulder surfing is a serious security risk in public places where sensitive information may be viewed by unauthorized individuals.
• I caught someone shoulder surfing while I was typing my password at the coffee shop.
• Dude, stop shoulder surfing me while I'm texting, it's annoying.
• In a crowded room, it feels like everyone is shoulder surfing your thoughts.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'account' is a noun because it refers to a record or statement of financial transactions.

preposition A word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. In this case, 'over' is a preposition that indicates the action of taking control of an account.

• The company experienced a significant financial loss due to an account take-over by cybercriminals.
• My friend's social media account got hacked in an account take-over.
• I heard about a crazy account take-over where someone's entire online identity was stolen.
• The sudden change in leadership felt like an account take-over of the company.

noun a reference to the character Cyrano de Bergerac, known for his skill in writing love letters and poems

• The cyber Cyrano helped the client craft the perfect email response.
• I heard that guy is like a cyber Cyrano, always helping his friends with their texts.
• She's the best cyber Cyrano around, always sliding into DMs with the perfect lines.
• In the world of online dating, he was known as the cyber Cyrano, always knowing just what to say to win someone over.

noun a type of online phishing attack where a new tab is opened in a web browser to deceive the user into entering sensitive information

• Tab napping is a type of phishing attack where a website tab is silently replaced with a malicious one.
• Be careful when browsing online so you don't fall victim to tab napping.
• I heard about this new scam called tab napping, it's crazy how sneaky hackers can be.
• In a way, tab napping is like someone switching out your book with a fake one while you're not looking.

noun A blue screen error message that appears on a computer system when it encounters a critical error

preposition A connecting word that shows the relationship between 'Blue Screen of Death' and other words in a sentence

• The computer encountered a critical error and displayed the Blue Screen of Death.
• My computer crashed and showed the Blue Screen of Death.
• Ugh, my laptop just gave me the Blue Screen of Death.
• When everything goes wrong at once, it feels like facing the Blue Screen of Death in real life.

noun a protocol used for transferring files over a network

adverb used to modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

• FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, which is commonly used to transfer files between a client and a server.
• I need to use FTP to upload the files to the website.
• I'll just FTP the files over to you real quick.
• Using FTP is like sending files through a virtual post office.

noun a type of malware that tricks users into downloading malicious software by presenting false alarms or threats

• Scareware is a type of malware that tricks users into believing their computer is infected in order to sell them unnecessary software.
• I fell for that scareware pop-up and ended up wasting money on a useless antivirus program.
• Don't click on any sketchy ads or you might end up with some scareware junk on your computer.
• The fear of scareware spreading throughout the network kept the IT team on high alert.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'adversarial' describes a relationship characterized by conflict or opposition.

• The legal system is designed to handle adversarial disputes between parties.
• They always seem to have an adversarial relationship with each other.
• Their interactions are so adversarial, it's like watching a cat fight.
• In nature, predators and prey have an adversarial relationship for survival.

noun a warning or piece of advice given to someone

adjective relating to or containing advice or information

• The company issued several advisories regarding the upcoming policy changes.
• Make sure to check the advisories before planning your trip.
• I always ignore those boring advisories about health and safety.
• She ignored all the advisories and went ahead with her risky plan.