SSCP Systems Security Certified Practitioner All-in-One Exam Guide

Comparing Attackers

Attackers break into computers and networks with malicious intent or for personal gain. Sometimes, they try to take a system down or out of service, and other times, they try to get into the system to gain information. For example, an attacker may break into a system to gain credit card information from a business’s customers. The attacker can then use this information to fraudulently use the credit cards. Or they may attempt to bring a system down as an act of revenge against an organization or to distract security professionals while another attack is stealing data.

Make no mistake, though: These attackers are criminals. Just like someone who breaks into your home is a criminal, attackers who break into networks and individual ...