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STRIDE Threat Model
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organizations must remain vigilant against a wide range of threats. To help identify and mitigate potential risks, Microsoft developed a robust threat categorization model called SRIDE. This model breaks down common cyber threats into six key categories, each designed to address specific vulnerabilities. STRIDE is an acronym that stands for Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service (DoS), and Elevation of Privilege. In this blog, we will explore each of these categories in detail, providing examples to help better understand how these threats can impact systems and data.
Spoofing: Impersonation for Unauthorized Access
Spoofing occurs when an attacker impersonates a legitimate user or system to gain unauthorized access. By falsifying their identity, the attacker can bypass security measures like login filters and firewalls. This type of attack often exploits weaknesses in authentication systems, such as the use of easily guessable passwords or unprotected network protocols.
Imagine a scenario where an attacker spoofs an email address that looks similar to a trusted colleague’s. The attacker sends a phishing email requesting sensitive information, such as login credentials, from an unsuspecting employee. By impersonating a trusted source, the attacker successfully gains access to the victim’s account.