blended threat

A blended threat typically includes:

• More than one means of propagation -- for example, distributing a hybrid virus/worm via e-mail that will self-replicate and also infect a Web server, so that contagion will spread through all visitors to a particular site;
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities, which may be preexisting or even caused by malware distributed as part of the attack;
• The intent to cause real harm (rather than just causing minor computer problems for victims), for example, by launching a denial of service (DOS) attack against a target, or delivering a Trojan horse that will be activated at some later date;
• Automation that enables increasing contagion without requiring user actions, such as opening attachments;

To guard against blended threats, experts urge network administrators to be vigilant about patch management, use and maintain good firewall products, employ server software to detect malware, and educate users about proper e-mail handling and online behavior.

Learn more about Malware, Viruses, Trojans and Spyware

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web: - A SearchSecurity.com white paper explains "Blended attacks exploits, vulnerabilities and buffer-overflow techniques in computer viruses." - Another SearchSecurity.com white paper looks at solutions: "The enterprise strikes back: Defending against blended threats." - The Network and Systems Professionals Association has provides a white paper about "The Blended Threat: Preventing Computer Security's New Nemesis."

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST File Extension and File Format List: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

RELATED CONTENT Malware in Google attacks uses spaghetti code Coding technique designed to tie up reverse engineers has been used in the past, Symantec says. Preparing for future security threats, evolving malware Security expert Nick Lewis predicts how infosec threats will evolve in 2010. Luckily, enterprise defenses will evolve, too. Facebook attacks prompt investments in social networking security Social networks are opening their wallets in a big way to bolster security teams and install new security technologies to combat attacks.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary bot worm  (SearchSecurity.com) A bot worm is a self-replicating malware program that resides in current memory, turns infected computers into zombies (or bots) and transmits itself... directory traversal  (SearchSecurity.com) Directory traversal is a form of HTTP exploit in which a hacker uses the software on a Web server to access data in a directory other than the...