With the increasing reliance on virtual systems and technology, cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent. Cyberattacks can be done with many different motives; criminal, personal, or political.
Cyberattack methods differ widely across the various malicious plans to unlawfully access computers through electronic communication for financial gain, personal data theft, or even to take down essential infrastructures.
Don’t fall victim to these 10 Common Cyber Attacks.
1. Denial of Service attack
Also known as Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack. This kind is one of the most popular cyber attacks. It consists in sending large amounts of requests which will overload the target’s servers and deny service to legitimate users.
Cybercriminals hack into the computers of innocent individuals and create a botnet army to launch these attacks.
2. Malware
Malware consists of any malware program that can infect a computer. Cybercriminals use viruses, worms, and trojans to steal information, send spam emails and commit other types of cybercrime.
They usually deliver malware by tricking the user into unsuspectingly opening an executable file disguised as a picture or document or embedding malicious code in websites.
3. Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common online frauds where cybercriminals trick individuals into sharing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers by sending out fake emails that look like legitimate messages from well-known companies.
Cybercriminals can also create fake login pages on social networks to lure victims into giving away their passwords.
4. Drive-by download
Cybercriminals use drive-by-download to install malware on unsuspecting users’ computers. The victim has to visit an infected website to work, which makes this kind of attack very effective. Cybercriminals also infect legitimate websites that potential victims often visit.
Cybersecurity experts recommend using antivirus software, ad blockers and avoiding browser extensions or toolbars.
5. Password cracking
Cybercriminals hack into other people’s accounts by trying out different possible passwords until they discover the correct one. This is one of the most common ways phishing attacks happen; cyber thieves will look up users’ passwords in databases stolen during other data breaches.
Experts recommend creating strong passwords with at least 8 random numbers,
symbols, and upper/lower cases, as well as changing them every once in a while. Cybercriminals can also use rainbow tables which store hashes of passwords that have been cracked before.
6. Structures query language
Cybercriminals use SQL injection to exploit vulnerabilities of an application or database on a network.
Cybersecurity experts recommend using secure coding practices during development and testing stages and database security solutions such as Data Encryption, Database Firewalls, etc.
7. Man in the middle
Cybercriminals set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots known as “man in the middle” (MITM) attacks to intercept information sent over unencrypted networks. This is done by creating two wireless access points simulating an open connection with another router (the Cyber Criminal’s).
Experts recommend using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services when accessing unsecured Wi-Fi connections and only logging into social media accounts when connected through a secure network.
8. Cross-Site Scripting
Cybercriminals embed malicious code, often in the form of JavaScript, in web pages visited by potential victims so that they can steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers.
Experts recommend keeping software updated regularly and avoiding clicking suspicious links or opening emails from unknown sources.
9. Eavesdropping
Cybercriminals use eavesdropping to intercept data sent over wireless communications. They will do this by setting up fake access points known as “ Wi-Fi Pineapples ” or using a spectrum analyzer to intercept data sent over unencrypted channels.
Cybersecurity experts recommend only logging into social media accounts when connected to a secure network and avoiding accessing personal accounts on public networks.
10. Birthday attack
Cybercriminals exploit the birthday problem (a statistical anomaly when figuring out how many people within a group of individuals would need to possess a unique object) to crack passwords.
Cybersecurity experts recommend choosing strong passwords with at least 8 random numbers, symbols, and upper/lower cases, as well as keeping software updated regularly.
Don’t Become a Cybercrime Victim.
With the amount of data being stored on devices and corporate servers increasing, the need to protect this data will increase. Cybersecurity experts warn that only a simple mistake can lead to a complete system failure. Cybercrime is set to grow globally as hackers have become better at identifying loopholes in network security protocols – these alerts should be taken seriously.
Protect Your Business with Upstart Cyber
No matter what type of cyber attack it is or who commits it, its goal is to cause damage, fear, and financial loss.
Upstart Cyber is a cybersecurity company. We provide a security platform for businesses and organizations. We make it easier and quicker for companies to develop and maintain secure computer networks and comply with IT security regulations.