When most people think of hackers, they think of a teen cracking into a high schooler’s social media account. However, cyber-attacks have grown to become a threat to global safety.
Cyber attacks are attempts to access computer systems for nefarious purposes. Cyber attacks come in a variety of forms and some, like ransomware, can be more insidious than others. Knowing the different types of cyber attacks helps you recognize the red flags.
Read on to learn more!
Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks
There are many different types of cyber attacks, but some are more common than others. Some of the most common cyber attacks include:
Malware
It is malicious software that is designed to damage or disable computers and computer systems. It can spread like a virus, infecting computers and devices through email attachments, websites, and other online resources. Malware can also be hiding in legitimate-looking software or applications.
Once installed on a device, malware can collect sensitive information, redirect web traffic, or disable features of the device. The dangers of malware are significant. It can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data.
Phishing
Phishing works by tricking the victim into clicking on a malicious link or opening a malicious attachment. This can lead to the victim’s personal information being stolen or their computer is infected.
The dangers of phishing are that it can be used to steal personal information or infect computers with malware. It is important to be aware of the dangers of phishing and to take steps to protect yourself from these attacks.
Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack
A DDoS attack is a type of cyber attack that seeks to disable a computer or network by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. DDoS attacks are often used to target high-profile websites or systems, such as banks or government websites. DDoS attacks can be very disruptive and can cause extensive downtime.
Ransomware
It is a type of virus that can encrypt your files and demand a ransom to decrypt them. It works by first infecting your computer, then encrypting your files with a strong encryption algorithm. Once your files are encrypted, the ransomware will display a message demanding a ransom to decrypt your files.
If you do not pay the ransom, you will not be able to access your files. This can be extremely dangerous, as you may lose important data or be unable to access your computer.
SQL Injection
SQL injection is one type of cyber attack that works by exploiting vulnerabilities in an application’s database. This type of attack can be used to gain access to confidential information or to insert malicious code into the database that can be used to disrupt the operation.
The dangers of SQL injection are many, including the potential to compromise sensitive information or damage vital systems. It is important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect against them.
Least Common Types of Cyber Attacks
A dawn of new age for cyber attacks as technology evolves so as hackers and new ones are constantly being developed. The least serious attacks include:
Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM)
A MITM is a specific type of cyber attack where the attacker inserts themselves into communication between two victims to eavesdrop, steal data, or even inject malicious code. MITM attacks can be very difficult to spot and can have serious consequences, including financial loss, data theft, and loss of confidential information.
There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from MITM attacks, including using encryption, keeping your software up to date, and being aware of the risks when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Cryptojacking
It is when malicious actors use your computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency without your permission. This can slow down your computer, and in some cases, even damage it.
The best way is to install an anti-malware program that can detect and remove malicious software or an ad-blocker that can identify and block crypto mining scripts. Be careful what you click on and download – only get files from trusted sources.
Watering Hole Attack
A watering hole attack is a type of cyber attack where attackers target a specific website or online service that is known to be used by victims. It can be very difficult to detect and can be very dangerous, as it can give attackers a way to infect a large number of victims with malware.
This is usually common for mobile browsers that are susceptible. The best way to prevent this is to use VPN technology to conceal your online activities. Try free Android VPN to keep your android mobile devices safe.
Insider Threat
An insider threat is when someone who has legitimate access to an organization’s networks and systems uses that access to commit malicious activities. This can include espionage, theft of company data, or sabotage. Insider threats are difficult to protect against because the attackers already have the trust of the organization.
They may be able to exploit weak passwords or social engineering techniques to gain additional access. Organizations need to be aware of insider threats and have systems and controls in place to detect and prevent these attacks.
Zero-Day Exploit
A zero-day (0day) exploit is a flaw in the software, hardware, or firmware that is unknown to the party or parties responsible for patching or otherwise fixing the flaw. It can be used by an attacker to gain access to a system or network. Zero-day exploits are often used in targeted attacks or large-scale attacks such as malware campaigns.
While zero-day exploits can be used for good by online security researchers to find and report flaws, they are more often used by attackers for malicious purposes. Because zero-day exploits are unknown to the vendor, they can be very difficult to defend against.
There are several actions that businesses may take to lessen the dangers caused by zero-day exploits, even though they are challenging to defend against. These actions consist of maintaining system updates, utilizing intrusion detection/prevention tools, and having a thorough backup and recovery strategy.
Learn To Stay Safe Online from Cyber Attacks
Cyberattacks can come in many different forms, from phishing scams to malware infections. It’s important to be aware of the different types of cyber attacks and how to protect yourself from them. By understanding the different types of cyberattacks, you can take steps to protect yourself and your business from becoming a victim.
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