Difference between Threat and Attack Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report Threats and attacks are two important aspects from a security point of view. A threat is malicious act that has the potential to damage the system or asset while an attack is an intentional act that causes damage to a system or asset. Here, we will understand threats and attacks and the differences between them.ThreatA threat is a possible security violation that might exploit the vulnerability of a system or asset. The origin of the threat may be accidental, environmental (natural disaster), human negligence, or human failure. Different types of security threats are interruption, interception, fabrication, and modification. Types of ThreatsUnstructured Threats: Unstructured threats are typically executed by inexperienced individuals using easily accessible hacking tools like shell scripts and password crackers. If executed solely to test a hacker's skills, they can cause significant damage to a company. Structured Threat: A structured threat involves an organized attempt to breach a specific network or organization. These threats come from highly motivated and technically proficient hackers. External Threats: External threats might come from individuals or organizations working outside the company. They have unauthorized access to the computer systems and network. They typically enter a network via the Internet or dial-up access servers.Internal Threat: Internal dangers occur due to authorized network access, whether through a server account or physical access. Read more about cyber threats.AttackAn attack is a deliberate unauthorized action on a system or asset. Attacks can be classified as active and passive attacks. An attack will have a motive and will follow a method when the opportunity arises. Types of AttackActive Attack: Active attacks aim to manipulate system resources or impact their operation. Passive Attack: Passive attacks aim to extract sensitive information from a system without affecting its resources. Primary Classes of AttackReconnaissance is the process of gathering information about a system or network to identify potential vulnerabilities for exploitation.Denial of service is a cyberattack that aims to make a system or network resource unavailable to its intended users by overwhelming it with excessive requests.Worms, viruses, and Trojan horses are malicious software that can spread, infect, or deceive users, causing harm or stealing information (worms self-replicate, viruses infect programs, and Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software)System access refers to unauthorized access to a device without an account or password.Read more about cyber attacks.Difference between Threat and AttackThreatAttackThreats can be intentional or unintentional.The attack is intentional.Threats may or may not be malicious.The attack is malicious.Circumstances that can cause damage.The objective is to cause damage.Information may or may not be altered or damaged.The chance for information alteration and damage is very high.The threat is comparatively hard to detect.Comparatively easy to detect.Can be blocked by control of vulnerabilities.Cannot be blocked by just controlling the vulnerabilities.Can be initiated by the system itself as well as by outsiders.An attack is always initiated by an outsider (system or user).Can be classified into Physical, internal, external, human, and non-physical threatsats.These can be classified into Viruses, Spyware, Phishing, Worms, Spam, Botnets, DoS attacks, Ransomware, and Breaches. 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