What is a crypto dusting attack?

Could you elaborate on the concept of a crypto dusting attack? I've heard of it in relation to cryptocurrencies but am not entirely clear on its definition and implications. As a professional in the field of cryptocurrency and finance, I'm curious to understand how this type of attack works, its potential impact, and how it differs from other common security threats in the crypto sphere. Additionally, I'm interested in knowing whether there are any preventive measures or strategies that can be employed to mitigate the risk of falling victim to such an attack.