Using The Figure 5.4 As The Target Architecture, Who Are ✓ Solved

```html

Using the Figure 5.4 as the target architecture, who are

Briefly respond to all the following questions. Make sure to explain and backup your responses with facts and examples. This assignment should be in APA format and have to include at least two references. Using the Figure 5.4 as the target architecture, who are the threat agents who will be most interested in attacking Web applications created through AppMaker?

Paper For Above Instructions

In recent years, the rapid adoption of web applications has significantly transformed how businesses operate. Given the technological advancements in platforms like AppMaker, understanding the threat landscape surrounding these applications is crucial. Threat agents targeting web applications can generally be categorized into various groups, each with its unique motivations and techniques. This paper focuses on the most prominent threat agents—hacktivists, cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, insiders, and script kiddies. Each of these groups represents a different threat to web applications created via platforms such as AppMaker.

Hacktivists

Hacktivists are individuals or groups that use hacking as a means of protest against social, political, or environmental issues. These threat agents may target web applications to draw attention to their causes. Their attacks can include defacement of websites, denial-of-service attacks, or data leaks. For example, during the Arab Spring, hacktivists targeted government websites to showcase their discontent with repressive regimes (Kitzberger, 2021). Hacktivists are particularly interested in web applications that hold sensitive or strategic information, as compromising these systems can serve both as a form of protest and a mechanism for spreading their message.

Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals represent another primary threat agent targeting web applications. Their primary motivation is financial gain, engaging in activities such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities within web applications to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. According to a report from Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 (Morgan, 2020). This statistic highlights the scale at which cybercriminals operate and their focus on web applications that handle payment processing or customer information.

State-Sponsored Actors

State-sponsored actors are government-affiliated hackers who may target web applications for espionage or sabotage purposes. These attackers are often highly skilled and have significant resources at their disposal. They may infiltrate web applications to gather intelligence or disrupt services. For example, the 2014 cyber-attack on Sony Pictures, attributed to North Korean hackers, showcased the extent to which state-sponsored actors could go to advance political agendas (Greenberg, 2020). Web applications that provide national security or critical infrastructure are particularly appealing targets for these actors.

Insiders

Insiders, such as disgruntled employees or contractors, can pose a substantial threat to web applications. They often have intimate knowledge of the systems and can exploit this information for malicious purposes. Insider threats can be intentional, where individuals actively seek to cause harm, or unintentional, where negligence leads to security breaches. According to the Ponemon Institute, 60% of companies experienced an insider threat in the past year (Ponemon Institute, 2021). This statistic emphasizes the need for organizations using platforms like AppMaker to implement strict access controls and continuous monitoring to mitigate insider risks.

Script Kiddies

Script kiddies are less skilled hackers who utilize pre-existing scripts or tools created by more experienced hackers. While they may lack the expertise of other threat agents, they can still inflict significant damage if web applications are inadequately secured. Script kiddies often rely on automated tools to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Although they may not have specific motivations beyond curiosity or notoriety, their attacks can disrupt services or compromise data integrity. For web application developers, addressing vulnerability management and security is essential to protect against these lower-level threats (Harris, 2021).

Conclusion

In summary, various threat agents are inclined to attack web applications developed through platforms like AppMaker, each driven by distinct motivations. Hacktivists may target these applications to promote their causes, while cybercriminals are focused on financial gain. State-sponsored actors represent a more organized and resourceful threat, aiming for espionage or sabotage. Insiders pose risks from within organizations, and script kiddies, while less skilled, can exploit available vulnerabilities. Understanding these threats and implementing security measures is vital for protecting web applications in today's digital landscape.

References

```

Related Assignments