10 Most Common Types Of Cyber Attacks And Tips To Prevent Them
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What Is a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is a malicious assault launched by cybercriminals using one or more computers against single or multiple computers, computer systems, networks, or infrastructures. The aim is to disrupt the normal functioning of the victim’s business or steal sensitive information. Cyberattacks can target a wide range of victims, including individuals, businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure.
Most Common Types Of Cyber Attacks
1) Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim’s computer files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom be paid to restore access. This type of attack is usually carried out using a Trojan that masquerades as a legitimate file or program to trick the victim into downloading and executing it. Once executed, the ransomware encrypts files on the local computer and any connected network drives. The victim is then presented with a ransom demand, which typically requests payment in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.
How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks
Best practices that can help prevent ransomware attacks:
2) Phishing
Phishing is a social engineering attack that tricks victims into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. Phishing attacks are typically carried out using email or instant messages. The attacker will send an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or website. The message will often include a link to a fake website that looks legitimate. When the victim enters their login credentials or other sensitive information, the attacker can use it to access accounts or commit fraud.
How to Prevent Phishing Attacks
Organizations can protect themselves from phishing attacks by implementing security awareness training for employees. This type of training can educate employees about spot phishing emails and what to do if they receive one. Additionally, organizations can use email filtering to block phishing emails from reaching employees.
3) SQL Injection
SQL injection is an attack that allows attackers to execute malicious SQL queries against a database. The attacker inserts malicious code into an input field, such as a login form; the database then executes that. This can allow the attacker to access sensitive data, such as customer records or credit card numbers. Additionally, SQL injection can modify data in the database or delete it entirely.
How to Prevent SQL Injection Attacks
Organizations can protect themselves from SQL injection attacks by using parameterized queries. This type of query defines each input field as a parameter, preventing malicious code execution. Additionally, organizations can use web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block SQL injection attempts.
4) DoS and DDoS Attacks
A denial-of-service (DoS) attack is an attack that prevents users from accessing a system or service. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is a type of DoS attack that comes from multiple sources. DoS and DDoS attacks are typically carried out by flooding the target system with traffic, overwhelming it, and preventing legitimate users from accessing it. These types of attacks can be carried out using botnets and networks of infected computers that an attacker can control.
How to Prevent DoS and DDoS Attacks
Organizations can protect themselves from DoS and DDoS attacks by implementing rate-limiting. This type of protection limits the amount of traffic sent to a system, making it more difficult for attackers to overwhelm it. Additionally, organizations can use firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to block malicious traffic.
5) Malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that can be used to damage or disable computers, networks, and systems. For example, malware can steal sensitive data, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. Additionally, malware can be used to hijack computers and use them to carry out attacks, such as DDoS attacks. There are many different types of malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and rootkits.
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How to Prevent Malware Attacks
Organizations can protect themselves from malware attacks by using security software, such as antivirus and anti-malware programs. These programs can detect and remove malware from computers and networks. Additionally, organizations should keep their operating systems and software up-to-date, as this can help prevent malware from being able to exploit vulnerabilities.
6) Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of attack where the attacker intercepts communication between two parties. The attacker can then eavesdrop on the conversation or even modify the exchanged data. MITM attacks can be carried out using various methods, such as ARP spoofing and DNS poisoning.
How to Prevent Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Organizations can protect themselves from MITM attacks by using encryption. This type of protection makes it more difficult for attackers to eavesdrop on communications. Additionally, organizations can use firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect and block MITM attacks.
7) Password Attacks
A password attack is a type of attack that attempts to guess or brute force a password. Password guessing can be done using common passwords, such as "password" or "123456". Additionally, attackers can use brute force methods to try every possible combination of characters until the correct password is guessed. Password attacks can also be carried out using phishing emails or malware.
How to Prevent Password Attacks
Organizations can protect themselves from password attacks by implementing strong password policies. These policies should require employees to use complex passwords that are not easily guessed. Additionally, organizations can use two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires a second form of verification, such as a one-time code and a password.
8) Insider Threats
An insider threat is a type of attack that comes from within an organization. Insider threats can be carried out by malicious insiders, such as disgruntled employees, or by careless insiders, such as employees who accidentally leak data. Insider threats can be difficult to detect and prevent because the attackers already have access to the organization's systems and data.
How to Prevent Insider Threats
Organizations can protect themselves from insider threats by using security software, such as activity monitoring and data loss prevention (DLP) programs. These programs can help organizations detect and prevent malicious or accidental data leaks. Additionally, organizations should provide employees with security training to educate them on proper security procedures.
9) DNS Tunneling
DNS tunneling is a type of attack that uses DNS queries to tunnel data through a network. This type of attack can bypass firewalls or Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) and exfiltrate data from an organization. Additionally, DNS tunneling can be used to communicate with malware-infected computers.
How to Prevent DNS Tunneling
Organizations can protect themselves from DNS tunneling attacks by monitoring DNS traffic for suspicious activity. Additionally, organizations can block DNS traffic that is not going to or coming from known DNS servers.
10) Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a type of attack where attackers use malware to hijack a computer's resources to mine cryptocurrency. This type of attack can slow down a computer's performance and increase electricity bills. Additionally, cryptojacking can be used to generate revenue for the attacker or to support other malicious activities.
How to Prevent Cryptojacking
Organizations can protect themselves from cryptojacking by using security software to detect and block malicious mining software. Additionally, organizations can disable JavaScript on computers and devices to prevent attackers from using it to mine cryptocurrency.
Good Cyber Hygiene Habits To Help You Stay Safe Online
In addition to the prevention methods described above, everyone should follow several good cyber hygiene habits to help stay safe online. These habits include:
By following the prevention methods and good cyber hygiene habits described above, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of a cyber attack. Additionally, by staying informed and up-to-date on cybersecurity threats, you can help make the internet a safer place for everyone.
Co-Founder at SUNCITY UNITED SOCCER ACADEMY
2 年Very interesting
Cybersecurity and Cloud Security Consultancy | We provide cloud security provisioning and configuration advice to small and midsize businesses seeking GCP as their cloud provider.
2 年I wrote an essay about those.
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2 年Chris W.
Reach out if you need to fast-track high-value quick-wins across the full spectrum of IT Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) to align IT with business goals.
2 年Thanks for the post. Could I also suggest properly implementing email authentication technologies such as SPF, DKIM and especially DMARC, are key to preventing phishing, social engineering, BEC, and other malware attacks delivered by email. These email authentication technologies address attempts by adversaries to send malicious emails that incorporate their organisation’s domain in the email address, thereby tricking the recipient into believing it is from the real person.