Wireless and Mobile Device Security, 2nd Edition

Types of Attackers

Before going into details on specific vulnerabilities, let’s take an instructive look at the differences between types of attackers and the range of skill levels that different attackers bring to bear. In doing so, it will become clear that the vast majority of threats can be reduced if not eliminated outright.

Skilled versus Unskilled Attackers

Typically, the more skilled an attacker, the more risk there is associated with an attack. But this is not always the case. By way of analogy, there is a difference between a skilled cat burglar and a simple thug who smashes a glass jewelry counter with a hammer. At the end of the day, however, if the bad guys get away with the jewels, it’s of little consequence which technique they ...