Definition
Infrastructure attacks target the foundational elements that support computing systems and networks, aiming to disrupt, degrade, or destroy critical services. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in hardware, software, firmware, or the physical environment, compromising the integrity and availability of IT infrastructure. Such threats can manifest as denial-of-service attacks, supply chain compromises, or physical tampering with data centers. Understanding these attacks is crucial for maintaining business continuity and protecting sensitive data from widespread disruption. For instance, a distributed denial-of-service DDoS attack overwhelming a company's web servers is a common infrastructure attack. This differs from application-level attacks which target specific software flaws rather than the underlying network or hardware. Concepts related to infrastructure attacks appear on certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CySA+.