NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY GREEN PAPER – SUPPORTING DOCUMENT 2 What is meant by a Cyber threat A cyber threat is defined as: The possibility of a malicious attempt to inflict damage or disruption within cyber space, through cyber attacks. It can be conducted, mainly through automated means, individually or corporately. A key characteristic of a cyber threat is its asymmetric nature. Thus, a cyber attack may be conducted:     Anywhere, as long as there is digital interconnectedness In one vulnerable area, leading to potential attack into more well protected systems Instantaneously, leaving no time for an appropriate response to be mounted With very minimal traceability or detection, thus making it hard to locate response by the defence. The following sections identify a number of cyber threats along with their perpetrators. 10 Malta | National Cyber Security Strategy Green Paper – Supporting Document