Malicious Menaces: Exploring Types of Cyber Attacks

Often working from the shadows, the world of cyber attacks is constantly in a state of evolution, with malicious forces devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. As more and more of our lives, businesses and day-to-day activities move online, it is more important than ever to understand the different types of cyber attacks, their nuances and how to guard our most precious data.

Understanding Malicious Menaces: Types of Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks can vary in sophistication, intent and method. They can be broadly classified into attack vectors: distributed denial of service (DDoS), denial of service (DoS), phishing and social engineering, malware and ransomware, and password cracking and hacking.

Restrict and Safeguard: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

The best prevention for cyber attacks is to take proactive steps to ensure your systems, devices, and accounts stay secure. Here are a few simple tips to get you started:

• Maintain secure passwords by using unique and lengthy alphanumeric codes for your accounts. Change passwords regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Be careful when opening emails, attachments and links from unknown senders. Attackers often use malicious software files to gain access to computers.
• Keep your software and operating systems up-to-date to mitigate the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
• Ensure your network is encrypted and protected with a firewall.

Phishing and Social Engineering: Deception-Based Attacks

Phishing and social engineering attacks require attackers to create fake sites or emails with the aim of obtaining sensitive information, such as passwords and bank account numbers, from unsuspecting victims. Attackers use clever techniques and deceiving tactics by pretending to be people or entities a user would trust.

In a “phishing” attack, the attacker typically sends an email to a user claiming to be from a legitimate organization, asking for personal information. Attackers often use malicious links in their emails, hoping that victims will click on the links and input confidential information.

Malware and Ransomware: Disrupt and Demand

Malware is malicious software designed to gain access to, or damage, computer systems. Attackers can use a variety of techniques to deploy malicious code onto unsuspecting users’ computers, including email attachments, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and “drive-by downloads” that occur when a user visits a visible, but maliciously crafted website. In addition, attackers hide malware inside applications and programs that appear legitimate. Once deployed and executed, malicious code can take many forms.

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to a computer system until the ransom is paid. Attackers often use a “Cryptovirus” to encrypt victims’ files, with the intention of extorting them to pay a ransom in exchange for a key to unlock them.

DDoS and DoS Attacks: Disturbing System Function

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and denial of service (DoS) attacks, are designed to overload a server or website by flooding it with requests or “bots.” In a DDoS attack, multiple compromised systems are used to launch the attack. By contrast, a DoS attack typically uses one system to launch the attack. In both cases, the goal is to disrupt service and cause a denial of service.

Attackers often use DDoS and DoS attacks as a way to gain control of a victim’s computer system and/or to extort money from companies or individuals. In some cases, attackers have gained access to a company’s databases by using a DDoS attack as a cover for the actual attack.

Spyware and Keyloggers: Monitoring and Recordings

Spyware is malicious software that is installed without the user’s consent and that is used to monitor and collect information on the user’s activities. Attackers use this type of malicious code to track online behavior and also to steal confidential information such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Keyloggers are another type of malicious software used by attackers to monitor and record keystrokes on a victim’s computer. Attackers use keyloggers to gain access to a person’s passwords and other data.

Password Cracking and Hacking: Invasion of Your Data

Password cracking is the process of attempting to discover a valid user’s password. Password cracking can be done manually by an attacker, or with the use of automated software tools. Attackers can gain access to a system by using stolen passwords or by guessing passwords through educated guesses.

Hacking is a general term used to refer to any form of unauthorized access to a computer system, often with malicious intent. Hacking can involve gaining control of a user’s computer or account, or attempting to disrupt or disable the user’s network or computer system.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself from cyber attacks requires a comprehensive approach. Knowing the common methods attackers use to gain access to your data can equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to remain secure. Furthermore, using robust passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, patching software, and following security practices can go a long way towards maintaining overall system security.