Wireless and Mobile Device Security, 2nd Edition

Targets of Opportunity versus Specific Targets

In general terms, there are two types of targets:

• Targets of opportunity—A target of opportunity is a target that has not previously been identified or considered but that becomes available due to circumstances outside the hacker’s control. For example, if someone were to leave a smartphone or tablet at a coffee shop, that might constitute a target of opportunity for a hacker. Other targets of opportunity might include:
  • An unsecured Wi-Fi network in an executive’s home
  • An unsecured wiring closet
  • An unsecured rogue access point installed by an employee or an employee attaching to a nonverified free Wi-Fi in a public place to avoid a pay-per-use service

  A target of opportunity can even include cases ...