Inference attack definition
An inference attack is a data mining technique in which data is inferred from partial information. By analyzing large amounts of data, an attacker can illegally gain knowledge about a database or its contents without actually accessing it. Data is considered trivial only if nothing can be inferred from it. But if an attacker is able to piece together valuable information that should be protected at a higher level, the inference attack is considered successful.
Inference attack threats
Inference attacks are very effective with IoT devices. Data gathered from smart thermostats, fridges, and washing machines may seem trivial, but experienced analysts can infer a lot about a person they belong to. IoT devices still have poor security measures, and much of their data can be easily accessed by cybercriminals.
Stopping inference attacks
- Don’t overshare, whether it’s your update on LinkedIn, a tweet, or a sign-up form for a loyalty card. Always try to share as little personal information with third parties as possible.
- Use NordVPN. It will encrypt your connections and block trackers, minimizing the amount of information that's available about you online. It can also protect your home network — and the devices connected to it — from snoopers.
