Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What term describes a hacker using free online tools to launch an attack due to curiosity?

1. Structured external threat

2. Unstructured external threat

3. Internal threat

4. Unintentional threat

The correct answer is: Unstructured external threat

The term that best describes a hacker using free online tools to launch an attack out of curiosity is "unstructured external threat." This classification pertains to individuals or groups who exploit vulnerabilities without a specific target or predetermined objective, often driven by curiosity or experimentation rather than malicious intent or sophisticated plans. Hackers who fit this category typically do not have extensive technical knowledge and rely on readily available tools, searching for vulnerabilities in systems they might encounter. Their actions are often haphazard and lack the organization that structured threats possess, which usually involve coordinated efforts by more skilled and methodical attackers who aim for specific goals such as data theft or system disruption. In contrast, structured external threats would involve a more systematic approach, often from highly skilled attackers with clear objectives. Internal threats arise from individuals within an organization who might misuse their access, while unintentional threats generally refer to actions that lead to security breaches without the intention of causing harm or conducting an attack.