Cyber attacks have become increasingly common, and some of the more advanced attacks can actually be launched without any human involvement. These cyber criminals are more advanced than ever seen before.
But before we can get into the common types of cybersecurity attacks, its important to note what exactly a cybersecurity attack is. A cyberattack is a malicious (harmful) attempt by an individual or organization to breach the information system of another individual or organization. In most cases, the attacker is looking to get some kind of benefit from disrupting the victim’s network.
The Most Common Types of Cybersecurity Attacks
1.Malware
2.Phishing
3.Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
4.Denial-of-Service (DOS) Attack
5.SQL Injections
6.Zero-day Exploit
7.Password Attack
8.Cross-site Scripting
9.Rootkits
10.Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks
Malware
Malware, short for “malicious software,” refers to any disruptive software developed by hackers to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems. How do they do this, you ask? When a user clicks a “planted” dangerous link or email attachment, malware uses this vulnerability and uses it to install malicious software inside the system. A common malware attack you’ve probably heard of is a Virus. A virus can replicate itself by modifying other programs and inserting its malicious code, possibly infecting other files as well.
Malicious files can deny access to the critical components of the network, obtain information by retrieving data from the hard drive, and/or or disrupt the system or even make it inoperable.
Phishing
Phishing attacks are very common and involve sending mass amounts of fake emails and text messages to vulnerable users, disguised as coming from a reliable source. While an email or text may look legit, they link the recipient to a malicious file or script designed to grant attackers access to your device to control it, install malicious scripts/files, or to extract data such as user information, financial info, and more.
Check out this post about how to identify and avoid a phishing (scam) email.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks are exactly what they sound like. They occur when an attacker gets in between a two-party transaction, inserting themselves in the middle. Once in the middle, cyber attackers can steal and manipulate data by interrupting traffic. This type of attack usually uses security vulnerabilities like unsecured public WiFi, to insert themselves between a visitor’s device and the network. This is why it is important to be careful when using public WiFi. Unfortunately these attacks are difficult to detect because the victim thinks the information is going to a legitimate destination.
Denial-of-Service (DOS) Attack
Denial-of-service attacks are attacks meant to shut down a machine or network, making it inaccessible to its intended users. DOS attacks flood the target with traffic, or send it information that triggers a crash. The result is the system becoming unable to process and fulfill legitimate requests.
SQL (Structured Query Language) Injections
SQL injections are a type of cyber attack where a hacker uses a piece of SQL (structured query language) code to manipulate a database and gain access to potentially valuable information. This technique is made possible because of improper coding of vulnerable web applications. A good way to prevent these injections are by using secure coding practices.
Zero-day Exploit
A Zero-day Exploit refers to using a network vulnerability when it is new and recently announced — before a patch is released or implemented. Zero-day attackers quickly jump at the vulnerability in the small window of time where no solution has been implemented yet. Therefore, preventing zero-day attacks requires constant monitoring, quick detection, and effective threat management practices.
Password Attack
Passwords are the most widespread method of gaining access to a secure information system, making them a very common target for attackers. This is why a 1-2-3-4 password is probably the worst thing you can for your cybersecurity. When accessing a person’s password, an attacker can gain entry to confidential or critical data, including the ability to manipulate and control said data/systems.
Cross-site Scripting
A cross-site scripting attack sends malicious scripts into content from reliable websites. The malicious code joins the active content that is sent to the victim’s browser. Usually, this malicious code consists of JavaScript code executed by the victim’s browser, but can include Flash, HTML, and XSS.
Rootkits
Rootkits are installed inside legitimate software, where they can gain remote control and administration-level access over a system. The attacker then uses the rootkit to steal passwords, keys, and obtain critical data. The rootkit allows someone to maintain command and control over a computer without the computer user/owner knowing about it. Since rootkits hide in legitimate software, they are hard to detect. Rootkits are commonly spread through email attachments (like phishing) and downloads from insecure websites. So if the download button on a website looks sketchy, proceeding to click it may not be the best idea.
Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks
While internet connectivity across almost every imaginable device creates convenience and ease for individuals, it also presents a growing number of access points for attackers to exploit and cause damage. The connectedness of things makes it possible for attackers to breach an entry point and use it as a gate to exploit other devices in the network.