Name That OSI Layer: Cybersecurity Vocab and the Layers of the OSI Model
When studying cybersecurity, there’s a lot of vocabulary to know. In addition, it’s useful to know how each vocabulary word relates to the OSI model and it’s layers.
So let’s jump into the cybersecurity vocab before the photo triggers you to do something else.
Bluesnarfing:
A Bluesnarfing attack is a type of attack that targets Bluetooth-enabled devices, exploiting vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol to access and steal data from the target device.
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, the Bluesnarfing attack would typically fall under the data link layer (Layer 2) or the network layer (Layer 3), depending on the specifics of the attack.
At the data link layer, the attack could involve exploiting vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to the target device. For example, the attacker may use a specialized tool to force the target device to disclose its Bluetooth address, which can be used to establish a connection and gain access to the device.
At the network layer, the attack could involve manipulating the Bluetooth traffic, such as by intercepting and modifying data packets or by using a rogue access point to impersonate a legitimate Bluetooth device and tricking the target device into connecting.
Keylogger:
An attack where an attacker uses malware to record and capture the keystrokes entered by a user on a computer or other device. The recorded keystrokes can include sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, which the attacker can use for malicious purposes.
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a keylogger attack would typically fall under the application layer (Layer 7), as it involves intercepting and manipulating data exchanged between the user and the computer system.
At the application layer, the attack involves the use of malware to capture keystrokes and record the data entered by the user. This data can then be transmitted to the attacker’s system, where it can be used for malicious
purposes.
Brute Force attack:
An attacker attempts to crack a password or encryption key by systematically trying every possible combination of characters until the correct one is found.
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a brute force attack would typically fall under the application layer (Layer 7), as it involves intercepting and manipulating data exchanged between the user and the system.
At the application layer, the attack involves repeatedly sending requests to the system with different character combinations in an attempt to guess the correct password or key. The system then responds with either an acceptance or a rejection of the request, allowing the attacker to continue to try different combinations until the correct one is found.
Skimming:
An attacker steals credit or debit card information by placing a device on a legitimate payment terminal or ATM, which then reads and records the card information when the card is swiped or inserted.
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a skimming attack would typically fall under the physical layer (Layer 1) and the data link layer (Layer 2), as it involves intercepting and manipulating the electrical signals transmitted over the physical communication medium.
At the physical layer, the attack involves the placement of a skimming device on a legitimate payment terminal or ATM. This device intercepts the electrical signals transmitted when the card is swiped or inserted, allowing the attacker to record the card information.
At the data link layer, the attack involves manipulating the data that is transmitted over the communication medium. The skimming device can be designed to modify or redirect the data that is transmitted between the payment terminal or ATM and the system that processes the transaction.
Cryptographic attack:
An attacker tries to compromise the security of a cryptographic system, such as a cipher or encryption algorithm, in order to gain unauthorized access to protected data.
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a cryptographic attack would typically fall under the presentation layer (Layer 6) and the application layer (Layer 7), as it involves manipulating the data that is being transmitted between the user and the system.
At the presentation layer, the attack involves manipulating the way that data is presented or encoded in order to exploit vulnerabilities in the cryptographic system. This might involve trying to deduce the key used to encrypt the data or finding patterns in the encrypted data that can be exploited.
At the application layer, the attack involves manipulating the software or system that is used to encrypt or decrypt the data. This might involve exploiting vulnerabilities in the code, finding ways to bypass authentication controls, or using social engineering techniques to trick users into revealing their credentials.
Data breach:
A security incident in which sensitive, confidential, or otherwise protected information is accessed, stolen, or exposed without authorization. The layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model that a data breach falls under can vary depending on the specifics of the incident and how the data was accessed or stolen.
In many cases, a data breach will involve a compromise of the application layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model. This can occur when an attacker gains unauthorized access to a database or other application that contains sensitive information. For example, if a hacker is able to exploit a vulnerability in a web application to gain access to a database of customer information, this would be a breach at the application layer.
However, a data breach can also occur at other layers of the OSI model. For example, a breach at the data link layer (Layer 2) could occur if an attacker is able to intercept network traffic or spoof a device’s MAC address to gain
access to the network. Similarly, a breach at the transport layer (Layer 4) could occur if an attacker is able to intercept or modify network traffic at the transport layer to gain access to sensitive information.
It’s worth noting that data breaches can often involve multiple layers of the OSI model. For example, a hacker might use a combination of social engineering tactics to gain access to login credentials (a Layer 7 attack), then use those credentials to gain access to the network (a Layer 2 attack). As a result, it is important for organizations to implement security measures that span all layers of the OSI model to protect against data breaches and other types of cyber attacks.
Final Thoughts
When studying for a cybersecurity exam or certification, it’s good practice to always try to find a connection between any new words and the layers of the OSI model. That will help you think fast and act quickly when an actual attack occurs.
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