Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What common type of attack is often targeted at IoT devices?

1. Phishing attack

2. DDoS attack

3. SQL injection

4. Man-in-the-middle attack

The correct answer is: DDoS attack

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are commonly targeted at IoT (Internet of Things) devices because these devices often have limited security protections and can be easily compromised. Once attackers exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices, they can turn them into part of a botnet, which is a network of hijacked devices. By coordinating a large number of these compromised devices, attackers can overwhelm a target with excessive traffic, rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. Many IoT devices, such as cameras, smart appliances, and sensors, are designed with convenience in mind rather than robust security features. This makes them attractive targets for attackers looking to amplify their DDoS attacks. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents where IoT devices have been exploited to launch large-scale DDoS attacks on websites and online services, highlighting the vulnerabilities inherent in such devices and the importance of securing them against potential threats. The other attack types listed, while they may pose threats in different contexts, are not as strongly associated with IoT devices. Phishing attacks typically target users through social engineering, SQL injection focuses on compromising databases, and man-in-the-middle attacks involve intercepting communications—none of which are bespoke to the unique characteristics and widespread vulnerabilities of Io