What's an Attack Vector? Definition, Common Exploits, & Protection

An attack vector is a method a hacker uses to gain access to a protected area. Attack vectors are varied, and most companies have many potential attack vectors. The higher the number and less secure each vector is, the more likely an attack becomes. 

The more you know about common attack vectors, the better you can defend against them. But before we dive into solutions, let's explain some key terms.

These are three critical terms to understand:

• Attack vector: breach methods a hacker might use to gain access to protected assets 
• Attack surface: the points on your network a hacker might explore to gain access
• Data breach: loss of information or processing power results from a successful attack. 

Let’s put these terms together.

A hacker assesses your attack surface and chooses what seems like a weak point. The hacker then chooses an attack vector that’s well suited for this access point. The attack is successful, and you endure a data breach. 

How attack vectors are used

Your system can be a treasure-trove of data for hackers. Each person has a unique reason for attacking you, but motives can be lumped together. 

Hackers typically use attack vectors to:

• Make money. In 2021, data breaches cost companies $4.24 million. A hacker might make money by stealing something important. Or the hacker might hold your information hostage and make money through the ransoms you pay. 
• Future attacks. Some hackers break in to steal information they can use against someone else. Passwords, usernames, and protected data could all help fuel other crimes. 
• Mining. Your servers could help hackers mine cryptocurrency. Experts say crimes like this have made hackers more than $50 million. 
• Revenge. You've made someone angry, and that person wants to strike back. Attack vectors make that possible. 

When we talk about attack vectors, we often focus on financial loss. But clearly, hackers have many reasons to launch an attack against you. 

16 common cyber attack vectors

How can a hacker gain access to something you want to protect? Attack vectors make that possible.

Here is an attack vectors list:

• Brute force attack: A hacker tries to guess your usernames and passwords. 
• Compromised credentials: A hacker accesses stolen or purchased usernames and passwords from the dark web and uses them to gain access. 
• Cross-site scripting