Common Types of Cyber Attacks and How to Protect Yourself

Understanding common cyber attacks and how to defend yourself is essential for protecting your business’s digital assets. The cyber landscape is rife with dangers, from malware and phishing to ransomware and denial-of-service attacks. Here, we’ll explore the most prevalent cyber threats faced by organisations today, providing actionable tips and strategies to bolster your defences. By staying informed and implementing proactive cybersecurity measures, you can mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks and safeguard your digital well-being. 

Understanding Cyber Attacks  

What does the term ‘Cyber Attack’ mean?

A cyber attack is a deliberate attempt to exploit computer systems, networks, or technology-dependent businesses. These attacks use malicious code to modify computer code or data, resulting in disruptive consequences that can compromise data, cause cybercrimes like identity or information theft, or lead to system outages. The origins of cyber attacks are often anonymous and can be executed from anywhere worldwide, making them very difficult to track and neutralise. 

Who do cyber attackers target? 

Cyber attackers do not discriminate in their targeting. They can target individual users, small businesses, large corporations, and government institutions. However, entities that host large quantities of sensitive data or hold high-value information are incredibly alluring to cyber criminals. These might include:

• Financial institutions 
• Healthcare organisations 
• Government agencies 
• E-commerce sites and online businesses 
• Educational institutions 

It’s important to note that cyber attackers also target individual users, often exploiting them as a ‘weakest link’ to gain access to larger systems or networks. Therefore, everyone, from individuals to multinational corporations, must consider themselves potential targets and act accordingly to protect their digital assets.

Why are cyber attacks considered dangerous? 

Cyber attacks pose a significant threat due to their potential to inflict devastating harm on individuals, businesses, and even nations. The danger lies primarily in the wide-ranging consequences they can bring about, which include, but are not limited to:

Financial Losses 

Perhaps the most immediate concern for businesses is that cyber-attacks often result in direct monetary loss due to the theft of banking details, cryptocurrency, or other financial assets. In addition, companies may face significant indirect costs, such as those associated with system repair, insurance premium increases, and potential lawsuits from affected customers or partners.

Data Breaches 

Cyber attackers often target sensitive data, which can include:

• Customer’s personal information 
• Financial data or banking details  
• Intellectual property 
• Trade secrets 

The stolen data listed above can be used by cybercriminals for malicious activities like identity theft and corporate espionage or sold for a high price on the dark web.

Reputation 

The damage to a company’s reputation following a cyber attack can be profound and long-lasting. When customers entrust a business with their personal information, they expect it to be protected diligently. A data breach can damage trust, leading to loss of customers and sales.

Critical Services 

A cyber attack can seriously damage a company’s operations. This can be particularly alarming for industries such as healthcare or utilities, where service interruptions can have severe real-world consequences. 

Types of Cyber Attacks 

What are the most common types of cyber-attacks? 

Cyber attacks can take many forms and wreak havoc, from compromising sensitive information to disrupting business operations. Here, we will touch on the most common types of cyber attacks. 

Malware 

Malware, short for malicious software, is a type of software that is specifically created to harm or exploit any computing device or network. Malware encompasses a broad range of nefarious software, including:

• Ransomware 
• Trojans 
• Spyware and Adware 
• Botnets 
• Worms 
• Viruses 

Malware’s primary purpose is to cause damage, steal sensitive data, or disrupt normal functioning by infiltrating a system without the user’s consent. It is often disguised in seemingly harmless files or programs, making it one of the most pervasive and insidious forms of cyber attack. 

Ransomware 

Ransomware is a particularly malicious cyber-attack that involves hostile software, or ‘malware,’ that encrypts files on the victim’s system. It then demands a ‘ransom’—typically a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin—to decrypt the files and restore access. 

The severity of a ransomware attack can vary widely, from locking a user out of a single computer to crippling entire networks. Certain types of ransomware are known to spread automatically and indiscriminately across a network once they have breached the initial line of defence. 

Trojan Horse 

A Trojan Horse is malicious software that pretends to be genuine and legitimate, deceiving users into downloading and installing it. Once installed, a Trojan Horse grants cyber attackers unauthorised access to the system. This vulnerability allows attackers to steal sensitive data, delete or manipulate files, install more malware, monitor user activity (including visited websites), or even use the computer to launch harmful botnet attacks.  

Trojan Horses often infiltrate a system via email attachments or downloads from untrustworthy websites. 

Spyware and Adware 

Spyware, as its name suggests, is designed to spy on the user. It covertly monitors and collects information about the user’s activities, typically without their knowledge or consent. Information may include personal details, browsing habits, keystrokes, or even credit card details. 

Adware, on the other hand, is primarily associated with unwanted advertising. It typically displays pop-up ads on the user’s computer, redirects their browser to advertising websites, or changes their search engine settings to inject sponsored links into search results. While adware is generally less harmful than spyware, it can still disrupt the users’ experience and potentially expose them to other security risks.

Botnets 

A botnet refers to a group of computers that have been infected with malware and are being controlled without the owners’ knowledge. The term “botnet” is derived from combining “robot” and “network”. Cybercriminals often use botnets to:

• Send spam emails 
• Steal data 
• Perpetrate click fraud 
• Create false web traffic 
• Carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks 

Botnets pose a significant threat due to the potential scale of damage they can cause. They can involve millions of machines, with the controlling party often far from the compromised computers. Botnets can be difficult to detect as they operate in the background of infected devices, often without noticeably affecting their performance. 

Worms 

A computer worm is a form of malware software that operates independently and self-replicates to spread to other computers. Worms do not require an existing program to attach themselves to, unlike viruses. They spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems and networks.  

Computer worms are particularly insidious due to their self-replicating nature. They can consume bandwidth or overload a system’s resources, causing systems to slow down or crash. Malicious worms can also:

• Alter or delete files 
• Install additional malware 
• Create backdoors for remote control by the attacker 
• Steal sensitive information or data 
• Spread to other connected systems 

Worms are notoriously difficult to defend against due to their ability to exploit vulnerabilities in networked systems. They typically spread via:

• Emails 
• Instant messaging
• File sharing 
• Other forms of networking communication
• Social media links or attachments

Virus 

A virus is a type of malicious software that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its code. Like a biological virus, it spreads from host to host, often without the user’s knowledge or consent. Viruses can cause a range of damage, from slowing down your computer system to deleting files or even damaging your computer’s hard drive. Computer viruses typically spread through:

• Email attachments 
• File downloads 
• Social media scam links 
• From portable devices like USBs  

Once a virus is in the system, removing it can be challenging and may require professional help. 

DNS (Domain Name System) spoofing 

Domain Name System (DNS) Spoofing, also known as DNS Cache Poisoning, is a type of cyber-attack where the attacker diverts traffic from real servers to fake ones by corrupting the DNS server’s cache. Essentially, this method tricks a DNS resolver into believing it has received authentic information when, in reality, it has been manipulated. 

• A user types a website URL into their browser to access a webpage.
• This request is sent to a DNS server.
• The DNS server translates the URL into an IP address, which directs the user to the desired webpage.
• The DNS server is manipulated into providing a different IP address.
• This incorrect IP address leads the user to a malicious website instead.
• The malicious website often looks similar to the intended one, making it hard for users to notice the switch.

The danger of a DNS spoofing attack lies in its subtlety and potential for widespread damage. It can be used to spread malware, steal sensitive data or pull off large-scale phishing attacks. The attacker can intercept, eavesdrop on, and even alter communications between the unsuspecting user and the fake website. 

Phishing 

Phishing is a prevalent type of cyber attack that involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data. Cybercriminals often disguise themselves as trustworthy entities to dupe victims into opening an email, text message, or instant message. The message typically includes a link that redirects users to a fraudulent website that mimics a legitimate site. Once on the fake site, users are prompted to enter their personal details, which the attacker then captures. 

Phishing attacks range from simple and generic email scams to more sophisticated and targeted attacks known as spear-phishing. In spear-phishing, the attacker tailors their message to a specific individual, often using personal information gathered from social media or other sources to appear more authentic. 

Injection Attacks 

Injection attacks are a type of cyber attack that involves inserting harmful data into a program or system. The goal is to exploit a security weakness to manipulate the system’s behaviour to the attacker’s advantage.  

Two common types of injection attacks include: 

SQL Injection Attacks  

Attackers can target a system’s database by inserting malicious Structured Query Language (SQL) code into a query. The attacker can then view information, manipulate data, or even gain administrative control over the entire database.  

These attacks often succeed because of weakly coded applications that fail to correctly validate user input. For example, if a website’s login form doesn’t properly scrutinise the entered data, an attacker could potentially input SQL commands that alter the query’s behaviour, leading to a security breach. 

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks 

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks focus directly on users. Attackers inject malicious scripts into trusted websites, which are then executed on the user’s browser. The primary intention of XSS attacks is to steal sensitive information such as session cookies, personal data, or login credentials.

There are three main types of XSS attacks:  

• Stored XSS 
• Reflected XSS 
• DOM-based XSS

Although each type of attack differs in its approach, the end goal is always the same—to deceive users and gain unauthorised access to their data. 

Cookie Theft 

Cookie theft or session hijacking is a cyber attack method where attackers capture HTTP session cookies to gain unauthorised access to a user’s online accounts. These cookies, stored on your computer by websites, are used to remember login sessions and user preferences. Attackers can intercept these cookies through unsecured Wi-Fi connections or malicious scripts, bypassing login processes to gain unrestricted access to online sessions, including banking and social media. This can result in identity theft, fraudulent transactions, or loss of sensitive information.  

Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) 

Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are a form of cyber assault that aims to make a computer or network unavailable for its intended users. This is achieved by overwhelming the system with excessive requests, thereby disrupting its ability to function properly.  

DoS Attack involves an attacker who uses a single computer and internet connection to flood the target’s network with bogus traffic.  

The primary danger of DoS/DDoS attacks is the interruption of essential services. The attacks can also serve as a smokescreen for other cyber attacks, making them particularly destructive. 

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack 

A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is a form of eavesdropping where the attacker secretly intercepts and potentially alters the communication between two parties who believe they are directly communicating. The perpetrator positions themselves in a conversation between a user and an application—either to eavesdrop or to impersonate one of the parties, making it appear like a regular exchange of information is underway.

MitM attacks steal personal information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers or company intellectual property. It can also be used to inject malware or other malicious content into a data stream or for session hijacking, where the attacker takes over a session between a network server and a client. 

MitM attacks can be conducted in various ways, such as:

• IP spoofing 
• DNS spoofing 
• HTTPS spoofing 
• SSL hijacking 
• Email hijacking 
• Wi-Fi eavesdropping 
• Stealing browser cookies 

Fake WAP (Wireless Access Point) 

A Fake WAP or Wireless Access Point is a rogue or unauthorised access point that mimics or impersonates a legitimate network. Cybercriminals set up these malicious hotspots, often in public places such as hotels, airports, or cafes, to intercept sensitive information from unsuspecting users who connect to these networks.  

Once connected, the attacker can monitor all the traffic that passes through the fake WAP, allowing them to steal sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other valuable information. They can also deliver malware to the connected devices, compromising their security.  

The sophistication of these attacks can range from simple eavesdropping to more complex schemes involving the redirection of users to fraudulent websites. This cyber attack is particularly insidious as it exploits the trust users place in Wi-Fi networks, especially those in seemingly safe environments. 

Clickjacking 

Clickjacking, also known as User Interface (UI) redressing, is a malicious technique in which the attacker tricks a user into clicking on something different from what the user perceives. The attacker often hides the true function behind visually enticing or benign elements. This deceptive method can lead to unintended disclosures of information or taking control of the victim’s computer while interacting with seemingly harmless web pages. 

The danger of clickjacking lies in its stealth and deception. A clickjacked page tricks a user into performing undesired actions by clicking on concealed links. These actions could range from liking a social media page to changing email settings or even downloading malware. Essentially, it is a form of cyber attack that manipulates a user into revealing confidential information or taking control of their computer while clicking on seemingly harmless web content. 

Cryptojacking 

Cryptojacking is a cyber attack in which an attacker covertly uses a computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency. The attacker usually tricks a user into clicking a malicious link in an email or infected website, which installs crypto mining code on the user’s computer. Alternatively, the code could be embedded into an ad on a website or delivered through a web page without the user’s knowledge. 

The process of crypto mining requires substantial computational power, which can significantly slow down the victim’s computer, cause system crashes and lead to higher electricity bills. While cryptojacking may seem less harmful than other types of cyber attacks because it doesn’t steal data or damage systems, it is a significant threat due to its stealthy nature, high profitability for attackers, and potential to be combined with other attacks. 

Internet of Things (IoT) Attack 

An Internet of Things attack, also known as an IoT attack, is a cyber threat that specifically targets connected devices and systems in the IoT network. This network includes everything from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices and industrial control systems. 

IoT attacks are hazardous because they exploit the vulnerabilities of interconnected devices that often lack robust security measures. Cyber attackers can gain access to one device and use it as a gateway to infiltrate an entire network, causing significant disruption and potential data loss. 

These attacks can take various forms, including:

• Device spoofing occurs when an attacker manipulates data to appear as though it’s coming from a legitimate IoT device. 
• Physical attacks occur when an attacker gains physical access to an IoT device and modifies it to gain control over the network. 
• Malware attacks occur when malicious software is installed on an IoT device to gain control over it. 
• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks occur when an attacker overloads an IoT device or network with traffic, causing it to slow down or crash. 

Password Attacks 

Password attacks are one of the most common forms of cyber attacks. They involve gaining unauthorised access to a system or data by cracking or guessing the password.  

There are several types of password attacks, including: 

• Brute Force Attacks 

This is the simplest form of password attack. It uses trial and error to guess the password, trying every possible combination of characters until it finds the correct one.  

• Dictionary Attacks 

This method uses a prearranged list of words found in a dictionary, hence the name. It’s faster than brute force attacks but less comprehensive. 

• Keylogger Attacks 

This involves installing malicious software on a user’s computer to record keystrokes and capturing passwords as they are entered. 

• Rainbow Table Attacks 

These sophisticated attacks use precomputed tables to reverse cryptographic hash functions, in other words, to decode passwords. 

• Credential Stuffing Attacks 

This method uses stolen credentials (username and password pairs) from data breaches to gain unauthorised access to accounts.

Session Hijacking 

Session hijacking, also known as ‘cookie hijacking,’ is a cyber attack in which attackers exploit a valid session key to gain unauthorised access to information or services in a computer system. In simple terms, the attacker hijacks a session between a trusted client and a network server. The severity of such attacks relies on the sensitivity of the data being handled in the session.  

Session hijackers typically follow a specific approach where they detect an ongoing session and then utilise methods such as sequence prediction to hijack the session. By doing so, they can impersonate the client and gain access to the server without authentication. This can be highly hazardous since the server assumes that it is still communicating with the client and may unknowingly disclose confidential information without realising that the session has been hijacked. 

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) 

APTs are a type of cyber attack in which an unauthorised user gains access to a system or network and remains undetected for an extended period. These attacks are typically orchestrated by organised groups with substantial resources and primarily target high-value entities such as government agencies, financial institutions, and multinational corporations.  

The advanced nature of these threats signifies that they employ sophisticated attack tactics and techniques, including the use of custom-made malware. The ‘persistent’ part refers to the attacker’s intention to remain within the network for long, often months or years, to steal, manipulate, or destroy data slowly and stealthily.  

An APT attack usually follows a sequential pattern: 

• Initial network penetration 
• Establishment of a backdoor for future access 
• Gathering of valid user credentials 
• Installation of additional malware or exploits 
• Lateral movement to gain more access 
• Exfiltration, corruption or destruction of data. 

How can I tell if my network has been hacked? 

Identifying if your network has been hacked can be challenging, as cyber attackers often operate stealthily to avoid detection. However, there are several telltale signs that can indicate a potential breach. 

Unusual Network Traffic 

Look for abnormal traffic patterns such as sudden increases in data usage, connections to foreign IP addresses, or activity outside regular office hours. Deviation from usual patterns could indicate a hacker extracting data or controlling systems. 

Unexpected System Reboots 

Unexpected reboots without reason could signal a compromise, allowing hackers to install harmful software or disrupt critical infrastructure. 

Slow Internet and System Performance 

A noticeable decline in internet speed and system performance may result from malware overloading the network with traffic. 

Disabled or Modified Security Solutions 

Sudden disablement or modification of security solutions like antivirus software or firewalls could indicate tampering by hackers. 

Unauthorised Account Activity 

Look for unusual actions from business accounts, such as multiple failed login attempts, abnormal activity during non-business hours, or unfamiliar emails from your account. 

Unusual Pop-Ups, Unwanted Ads, and Redirects 

The sudden appearance of unusual pop-ups or unwanted ads while browsing may indicate the presence of adware, a form of malware designed to generate revenue for cybercriminals. 

New Software or Programs Installed Without Consent 

New or unexpected software installed without consent could be rogue software hackers use to access your system or manipulate data. 

Missing or Altered Files 

Inexplicably missing or altered files may indicate a network breach. 

Unusual Outbound Emails or Messages 

Hackers may send malicious emails or messages from your accounts to your contacts containing harmful links or attachments. 

Unknown Devices Connected to Your Network 

A sudden increase in the number of devices or the presence of devices with unfamiliar names or addresses could indicate a harmful network intrusion.

 

What measures can I take to safeguard myself from cyber-attacks?

The digital landscape is dangerous, but fortifying your business against cyber attacks isn’t rocket science. Here are a few steps you can take: 

Strengthen Your Password Security 

Implement a stringent password policy within your organisation. This could include using complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers and special characters, updating passwords regularly, and never using the same password across multiple platforms. 

Invest In Up-To-Date Antivirus Software  

Good antivirus software can defend against various malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. 

Keep Your Systems And Software Updated 

Regularly updating your systems and software can help patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. 

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification steps. Even if a password is compromised, MFA can prevent unauthorised access. 

Educate Your Employees 

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Regular training sessions can make your employees aware of the latest threats and how to avoid becoming victims of them. 

Backup Your Data 

Regular data backups can prove invaluable in the event of a ransomware attack or data loss incident. Ensure your backup data is stored securely, either off-site or in the cloud. 

Employ The Services Of A Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) 

An MSSP can deliver various vital services to strengthen your cyber security. These can include assessing your cyber security and monitoring your systems 24/7 to detect and respond to security threats. Additionally, they can provide you and your employees with strategic advice and tailored cybersecurity training. 

Perform Regular Security Audits 

Security audits can help identify potential vulnerabilities in your system. You can take proactive steps to strengthen your defences by identifying these weaknesses. 

Implement A Solid Incident Response Plan 

In the event of a breach, know what steps need to be taken to minimise damage, protect sensitive data, and recover operations. This should include identifying the breach, containing the damage, remediating it, and reporting the incident to relevant parties. 

Limit Access To Sensitive Data 

Not all employees need access to all data at all times. Implementing a Policy of Least Privilege (PoLP) can reduce the risk of internal threats and data leaks. 

Taking the above-stated measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber-attacks. However, remember that no system is entirely foolproof. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and be ready to adapt your strategy as new threats emerge. 

Contact IT For Business 

Don’t leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks. Protect yourself with expert MSSP services from IT For Business. Contact us for a consultation today.