What is a Blended Threat?

A blended threat is a combination of 2 or more methods of attack which takes advantage of the vulnerabilities found on servers and internet browsers. These threats are designed to cause the maximum amount of damage in the shortest possible time.

Some of the methods of attack used for a Blended Threat will include at least 2 of the following, probably more:

• Using Spam to launch a Denial of Service(DoS) attack on targeted IP addresses
• Installing a 'back door' to allow other threats through
• Infecting web servers so that anyone visiting sites stored on the server become infected too
• Replicate or spread through file sharing, networks, or emails with worms attached
• Downloading copies of itself from websites that are already compromised
• Modifying HTML files, registry keys and/or .exe files
• Installing Trojan Horse programs that will activate at a later date
• Installing a 'keylogger' to steal vital information
• Deleting or corrupting information

It is absolutely vital that businesses keep their security software and hardware correctly configured and all patches up to date, as well as training employees to be aware of the dangers, in order to minimise the destructive effects of blended threats.