The right level of security is now essential for businesses looking to protect themselves against the threats of cyber attacks. We are now living in a digital-first world, meaning online and cyber threats are prevalent and becoming more sophisticated, which means the right solutions, training and awareness to tackle the various types of cyber attacks are essential. But what exactly is a cyber attack?
Criminals are turning to cyber attacks more and more in attempts to gain unauthorised access to businesses’ computer systems, where they can steal or destroy data, or take control and disable IT systems. These attacks can be financially motivated, politically driven or simply disruptive in nature.
Types of Cyber Attacks
There are almost countless forms of a cyber attack. Some you’ve likely heard of, such as malware and phishing, and others most likely won’t have crossed your radar – here’s the top 10 most common cyber attack types you need to know about.
10 Most Common Types
Malware
Malware is malicious software designed to damage or disable computers. Malware can be disguised as a trusted email attachment, for example, and infect computer systems and networks. Once installed, malware can steal data, monitor user activity or even completely corrupt systems. There are also several types of malware, including Trojans, worms, viruses and ransomware. These types will reproduce and spread, which allows cyber criminals to gain access to deeper areas of your network.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a financially driven type of cyber attack, and a form of malware which infects networks and IT systems, essentially encrypting key data and holding it for ransom. The criminals will demand that a business pay them to release or restore the data, and it is the second most common type of cyber attack. It’s often spread through emails or infected downloads and can cripple entire organisations within minutes.
Phishing
Another common cyber attack method is known as phishing, which is a social-engineered form of cyber attack, and the goal is to trick users into revealing sensitive data like passwords, debit and credit card numbers or login credentials. Phishing is also used to trick people into installing malware in business IT systems. Basic phishing scams use fake emails, online messages and text messages that appear to be from a reputable and legitimate source. Spear phishing has become more common as it targets specific individuals using public information often found on social media to appear even more convincing.
Denial of Service (DoS)
Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks flood a targeted website or online services from functioning properly by overflowing a website with fraudulent traffic and requests. The website and network will become overwhelmed, and businesses won’t be able to respond to legitimate enquiries, leading to businesses potentially taking their systems offline. This cyber attack type has also developed into distributed denial of service (DDoS) threats, where criminals use multiple sources to generate illegitimate traffic and requests. As well as fake traffic and requests, cyber criminals may also flood your site with pop-ups and advertisements, with the same goal of overloading several IT systems.
Man in the Middle (MithM)
Also known as ‘eavesdropping’ cyber attacks, man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks involve a cybercriminal intercepting communications between two people or between an individual and a server. Fake public Wi-Fi networks are a very common way for criminals to instigate this type of threat, as once someone connects to the fake network, they’ll be able to access all sorts of personal data as it’s being used. Session hijacking is a MitM attack that swaps the hacker’s IP address with the user’s, tricking the server into thinking it is being used by a legitimate login and leaving the hacker to steal data and wreck whatever kind of damage they think of.
Password Attacks
Many of the different types of cyber attacks will target passwords specifically and can be done through brute force – which is trying all possible character combinations using AI software, phishing or credential stuffing, which involves hackers using previously exposed usernames and passwords in an attempt to log into other accounts. Once successful, attackers can access sensitive data, impersonate employees and install viruses and other malicious malware.
SQL Injection
By using Structured Query Language (SQL), criminals can send harmful commands to a website’s or app’s database or backend. A website or app stores data in SQL, and a cyber attacker can find vulnerabilities and then inject harmful SQL code into URLs or form fields to access or alter a site’s database. This gives them access to user data and presents the opportunity to mount other types of cyber attacks.
Trojans
Another type of cyber attack you’ve likely heard of. Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software or files and sometimes are within existing software you use daily. They don’t spread or look like traditional viruses, and are often spread through phishing emails, malicious websites and fake downloads. Trojans can perform a variety of harmful actions, from letting criminals gain access to your database, stealing several forms of sensitive data and installing additional malware. Like the Greek myth, a Trojan hides in plain sight, with its true intent to cause damage.
Insider Threats
Insider threats can be either deliberate or accidental and occur when employees, contractors or other internal users misuse their access. Insider threats and cyber attacks could be from a current or former employee, with intentional attacks often involving stealing data for a competitor or sabotaging IT systems. Negligent insiders will create vulnerabilities unintentionally, either through a lack of cybersecurity knowledge or simple carelessness.
XSS Attacks
The final of our cyber attack types, cross-site scripting (XSS) involves hackers embedding malicious scripts into trusted websites or emails. When users click the content, the script executes in their browser, often stealing session data or login credentials.
Why Do Cyber Attacks Happen?
Now you’ve found the answer to: ‘What is a cyber attack?’, it’s important to understand why they happen. You may think that most types of cyber attacks occur because criminals are after money, but that isn’t always the case. While financial gain is the most common motive – stealing payment data, holding files for ransom or siphoning off funds, some attacks are politically motivated, where cyber criminals target institutions to create disruption or spread propaganda. Other attacks, like insider threats, may stem from personal grudges, corporate espionage or the desire to expose sensitive information. In some cases, hackers simply act out of curiosity or for notoriety. Whatever the reason, the impact on business can be severe.
Preventing a Cyber Attack
Putting in proper preventative measures to avoid these different types of cyber attacks is a must, and requires a proactive, layered approach to security. Continuous network monitoring, real-time threat intelligence and regular vulnerability scans are essential. Additionally, employee cybersecurity training and secure password practices also play a key role.
At ID Security Systems, we help multiple businesses and sectors strengthen their defences with industry-leading tools and expert support. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your infrastructure or implement smarter detection systems, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us for a cyber assessment and see how we can protect your business from evolving threats.
ID Security Systems
ID Security Systems offers a range of tailored security solutions and services designed to safeguard your business from every angle. Our services and products include:
Our services are here for all types of businesses and sectors, from NHS facilities and warehouses to pharmaceuticals and offices. Pair our solutions with proactive cyber security and your business will be tighter than Fort Knox, helping to eliminate threats from cyber criminals attempting these different types of cyber attacks.
Ready to strengthen your cyber and site defences? Speak to ID Security Systems today on 0121 328 8150 and take the first step towards a safer digital future.
