Asad Ijaz
Asad Ijaz Khattak is the lead networking architect and Editor at NetworkUstad. A Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and CCNA, he writes in-depth networking and cybersecurity tutorials to help readers build secure connections.
What Is Social Engineering in Cybersecurity? Types, Examples, and Prevention Strategies (2025 Guide)
Social engineering remains one of the most effective tactics in a cybercriminal’s arsenal, accounting for 36% of initial access vectors in incident response cases between May 2024 and May 2025. It’s a psychological manipulation technique where attackers exploit human behavior to gain unauthorized access to information, systems, or physical locations—without relying on code or exploits....
Browser Plugins and Poisoning: Risks, Exploits, and Defenses in Cybersecurity
Security backdoors and vulnerabilities can severely impact web browsers, leading to unwanted pop-up ads, collection of personal data, or installation of adware, viruses, or spyware. Cybercriminals often target a browser’s executable files, core components, and browser plugins to gain unauthorized access. Browser Plugins A browser plugin (now often called an extension or add-on in modern...
Vishing, Smishing, Pharming, and Whaling in Cybersecurity: Definitions, Examples, and Prevention Tips
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, social engineering attacks like vishing, smishing, pharming, and whaling continue to exploit human vulnerabilities alongside network weaknesses. According to the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing variants account for over 30% of breaches, with vishing and smishing rising due to mobile and VoIP adoption. As a network engineer,...
What Is Phishing? 2026 Threats, Real Statistics & Protection Strategies
Phishing is the single most common entry point for cyberattacks in the world, and in 2026 it has become more convincing, more automated, and more dangerous than ever. What began decades ago as clumsy “Nigerian prince” emails riddled with typos has evolved into AI-generated messages that are grammatically flawless, deeply personalized, and increasingly delivered through...
Understanding Spyware, Adware, and Scareware: A Cybersecurity Guide for Enthusiasts
In the previous article, I discussed malware, including its types: viruses, worms, ransomware, Trojan horses, logic bombs, back doors, and rootkits. This article dives deeper into additional malware types—spyware, adware, and scareware—focusing on their mechanics, network implications, and real-world impacts. As a network engineer with years of experience in cybersecurity, I’ll emphasize how these threats...
Identifying Spam Mail: A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Guide for 2025
Email remains a universal service for billions worldwide, serving as one of the most popular communication tools. However, its widespread use comes with significant vulnerabilities, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. These unsolicited messages, commonly known as “junk mail” or spam, are predominantly sent by advertisers or malicious actors. Criminals exploit spam to distribute...
What is Malware and Malicious Software? (Updated 2025)
Updated: October 19, 2025—Includes latest threats and network defenses. Malware, or malicious software, is a program or file designed to disturb computer processes and operations or gain unauthorized entry to the computer system, often via network protocols like RDP or SMB, without the user’s knowledge or permission. Malware has become a common term for all...
Thwarting Cybercriminals: Master Key Measures and Strategies for Cybersecurity Enthusiasts in 2025
As a cybersecurity and networking expert with extensive experience in securing enterprise environments, I’ve seen firsthand how cybercriminals evolve their tactics. Thwarting cybercriminals isn’t easy, but companies, governments, and organizations are taking proactive steps to limit and discourage these threats. In this article, we’ll explore key actions and measures, updated for 2025, with practical insights...
Cyber Security Threats and Defenses: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
Cyber security threats are a growing concern worldwide, escalating with AI and ransomware in 2025. Individuals and organizations rely on networks, making intrusions devastating. Computer networks are necessary for everyday activities, and both individuals and organizations depend on their computers and networks. Intrusion to these computers by an illegal person can result in a network...
How to Configure Standard ACLs to Secure VTY Ports
All Cisco routers and switches do not allow remote access by default via terminal programs like PuTTY or Tera Term. Remote connectivity options include Telnet (VTY Port) or SSH. SSH provides encrypted sessions and is strongly recommended by Cisco for remote administration due to Telnet’s vulnerabilities. Prerequisites for CCNA/CCNP Students However, if your router’s Cisco...