What Are the Different Types of Cyber Attack?

No one wants to find themselves on the wrong end of a cyber attack. Hackers can use these attacks to get into systems, steal information, lock sensitive files, extort users for cash or other things, and generally do all kinds of damage. As our old friend G.I Joe taught us, knowing is half the battle. So here are some different kinds of cyber attacks to learn about and be prepared for. 

Ransomware

Ransomware is what it sounds like – and it can be that scary. The process goes that hackers get a ransomware file on to a computer somehow, often through a kind of phishing scam. People download a malicious file to their computer without realizing it because the file looks so legitimate. 

When they open the file up, the ransomware kicks in. It encrypts files on the hard drive, with a focus on sensitive information and personal files. When someone attempts to use their computer, they are presented with a ransom note that their computer has been locked and that they can only get their files back by meeting the demands of the hacker. 

Ransomware is currently one of the most common cyber-attacks around. Ransomware attacks grew 2,502% in 2017 and showed no signs of slowing down. 

The Internet of Things

The “Internet of Things” is definitely very convenient. It’s nice having everything all linked up and connecting devices to the internet. The problem is that this convenience comes at a cost. Many such devices are filled with security flaws that hackers can – and do – exploit. The wider the network is, the more damage a hacker can do. Imagine what they could do with a hundred connected devices. 

Actually, you don’t need to imagine that. We saw what that would do in 2016 when hackers took out a large portion of the internet through the IoT. Websites such as PayPal, Etsy, and Fox News were taken down in an attack that was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. Make sure that your network of devices is adequately secured. 

Social Engineering/Phishing 

Social engineering/phishing attacks are as old school as it gets, but they still work, which is why they aren’t going anywhere. They are powered by people, and people never change. Phishing attacks involve a hacker posing as a legitimate institution in order to trick someone into giving up their sensitive information – and it works. 

Let’s give an example of how this can work. Let’s say that a hacker emails people at a company posing as an administrator. They ask the employees to reset their password and give them a link that sends them to a web page that looks exactly like the legitimate password reset page. When they enter what they think is their “old” credentials, they supply the hacker with their current information. The hacker can then access the system without anyone knowing by using legitimate details obtained in an illegitimate way. 

Phishing scams are getting more and more sophisticated as time passes. Hackers have begun to launch them in the wake of security breaches to do additional damage. The people who would otherwise be wary about such scams are more likely to fall for them because they know there really was a breach and resetting their password is standard procedure in such cases. 

These attacks are timeless because of how people behave never really changes. There’s always going to be some method to trick someone into offering up their sensitive information. 

Cracking

A cracking attack is when a hacker uses a sophisticated computer program to enter millions of passwords into a computer in an attempt to “crack” into it by guessing the right one. We all know someone who has a really simple password like “ABC123” or their birthday. These are the kinds of passwords cracking attacks can breakthrough, which is why it’s important to have a unique, strong password. 

A recent study revealed over a third of people (35%) use passwords considered “weak.” These passwords can be cracked easily. Cracking is getting easier as computers come up with new ways to guess passwords that allow them to generate billions of passwords and eventually get through what some would consider a strong password. 

Man-In-The-Middle Attacks 

A Man-in-the-Middle attack is when someone connects to the internet using an unsecured network and has their information stolen by someone else on that network. Let’s say that an employee for a business is traveling, and they make a stop in a coffee shop. 

They access the internet at the coffee shop, and someone else there uses the unsecured network to intercept the information sent from their computer. That information includes things like passwords, contact details, and even emails and files sent across the network. 

There are several steps one can take to prevent these attacks – such as using a VPN – there’s still the risk of information being stolen from unsecured devices such as phones and tablets. The easiest way to prevent a Man-in-the-Middle attack is to just not use unsecured Wi-Fi for sensitive browsing (or at all). 

How to Defend Against Cyber Attacks 

There are several precautions one can take to protect against cyber attacks. It’s important for employees in a business to be trained in basic security practices, and users at home can take basic precautions such as keeping computers, phones, and software programs updated. Don’t download and open files from unknown sources and be vigilant online to protect yourself, your information, and your device.