Exploration of Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors: A Systematic Review

Cyber threats and attack vectors present pervasive challenges in modern computing environments, demanding a nuanced understanding of effective mitigation strategies. This literature presents a systematic review to explore the landscape of cyber threats and attack vectors by analyzing existing literature. The primary purpose was to identify prevalent threats, emerging trends, underlying vulnerabilities across diverse technological domains, the latest tools and techniques, and cyber threats' impact on the economy and public trust. The systematic review employed a Kitchenham methodology involving rigorous literature searches targeting peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports published over the past decade. Inclusion criteria focused on relevance to cyber threats, attack vectors, and associated defense mechanisms. Key findings from the review include a comprehensive classification of cyber threats encompassing malware, ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). The analysis also identified attack vectors such as network-based intrusions, social engineering, and supply chain compromises. Additionally, the review highlighted emerging areas of concern, such as IoT vulnerabilities, AI-driven attacks, and cloud-based security challenges. Insights gained from this systematic review contributed significantly to a deeper understanding of cyber threats, providing a foundation for developing proactive defense strategies. The identified trends underscored the dynamic nature of cyber threats and emphasized the critical need for adaptive security measures. In conclusion, this literature encapsulates essential facets of cyber threats and attack vectors by systematically examining existing literature. The synthesized knowledge informs cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and policymakers, enabling informed decision-making in developing robust and resilient cyber defense strategies to address evolving threats in contemporary computing environments.