Types of Cyber Attacks: Learn To Prevent Them

1. Phishing Attack

One of the most significant types of cyber attacks, a Phishing attack is a type of social engineering attack wherein the attacker presents himself as a trusted contact and sends the victim fake emails.

The unaware  victim opens the mail and clicks on the malicious link. Once the user clicks on the send link, the attackers gain access to confidential information and account credentials. 

Following are the quick ways to prevent these phishing attacks – 

• Always scrutinize your received mail ‘
• Take advantage of an anti-phishing toolbar
• Keep your password updated. 

2. Malware

Malware is an application that can carry out several dangerous functions in cybersecurity. Malware strains are made to spy on users to gather credentials or other significant information to create persistent access to a network. Some malware is created to disrupt normal operations. Malware can sometimes be explicitly created to extort the victim. Ransomware is among the well-known types of cyber attacks. Malware is created to encrypt the victim's files and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key. Preventing malware is a challenging task that necessitates a multifaceted strategy.

The following are the key strategies to prevent malware –

• Ensure that you have installed the most up-to-date anti-malware and spam protection software. Ensure that everyone on your team is trained to discover phishing emails and websites. 
• Have a robust password policy and implement multifactor authentication.
• Update and patch all of your software. Use the Administrator accounts under dire circumstances only
• Control system and data access carefully.

3. SQL Injection Attack

When a user modifies a typical SQL query on a database-driven website with wrong intentions, it results in a Structured Query Language (SQL) injection attack. It is spread by inserting malicious code into a vulnerable website search box and forcing the server to divulge essential data.

After this cyber security network attack, the hacker gets access to read, edit, and remove databases' tables and administrative rights.

Following are the ways to prevent SQL injection attacks – 

• Do proper validation of the user-supplied data. 
• Use an  Intrusion detection system as they design it to identify unauthorized access to a network 

4. A Denial-of-Service Attack

A Denial-of-Service Attack poses a severe risk to businesses. Attackers target systems, servers, or networks, in this case, and bombard them with traffic to deplete their bandwidth and resources.

When this occurs, the servers get overburdened with serving incoming requests, which causes the website it hosts to either go down or slow down. The valid service requests go unattended as a result. When attackers employ numerous hacked systems to initiate this attack, it is sometimes referred to as a DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack.

Following are the ways to prevent DDoS attacks – 

• Do a traffic analysis to find malicious traffic 
• Get a proper understanding of the warning signs like network slowdown, intermittent site shutdowns, etc. 
• Create a response plan, get a checklist and ensure your team can handle a DDoS attack 

5. Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is one of the cyber attacks under which cybercriminals steal a user's computer or other device and use it to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Although cryptojacking is not as popular as other cybersecurity attacks, it shouldn't be discounted. When it comes to this kind of assault, organizations don't have great visibility, thus, a hacker can use priceless network resources to mine a cryptocurrency without the organization being aware of it. 

Following are a few techniques to prevent cryptojacking – 

• Monitor the CPU consumption of all network devices, including any cloud-based infrastructure you use
• Inform your team to stay alert for any performance difficulties or suspicious communications that might be infected with Cryptojacking viruses

6. Insider Threat

An insider threat, as the name implies, involves an insider instead of a third party. The attacker  can be someone who works for the company and is well-versed in its operations. The potential damage from insider threats is enormous.  Small organizations are particularly vulnerable to insider threats because their employees hold access to sensitive data. There can be numerous reasons for this attack, including avarice, malice, and even negligence. Insider threats are tricky because they are difficult to predict.

These are some of the most effective ways to prevent this cyber attack – 

• Create a strong culture of security awareness within your organizations
• Depending on their employment functions, companies must restrict the IT resources employees can access.
• Organizations should educate the team on how to recognize insider threats. It will help them to recognize when a hacker attempts to misuse data from the firm.

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7. Password Attack

Password Attack, as the name suggests, is one type of network attack in which the attacker tries to “crack” a user's password. It is possible to find a user's password by using different methods, albeit it is outside the scope of this article to explain each process in detail. Besides, hackers try to attempt by using phishing techniques to access a user's password.

Following are a few ways to prevent these types of cyber attacks –

•  Make your passwords strong by using alphanumeric and special characters
• Do not use the same password across several accounts or websites. 
• Keep updating your passwords to reduce the risk of a password attack.
• Keep any password suggestions hidden from view.

8. Man-in-the-middle Attacks

One of the unique types of cyber attacks, the man-in-the-middle (MITM) assault, occurs when hackers interject themselves into a two-party transaction. According to Cisco, they can filter and take data after disrupting the traffic. These types of cyber attacks are more frequent while using public Wi-Fi networks because they are so simple to exploit. Attackers place themselves in the way of the visitor and the network, then use malware to set up malicious software and access data. For example, hackers interject themselves into your dialogue and pose as the other party you believe you are speaking to. 

Some of the effective ways to tackle these kinds of cybersecurity attacks are mentioned below– 

• Your first line of security should be a secure internet connection
• Focus on using a VPN (virtual private network) when connecting online
• There should be endpoint security, and multi-factor authentication 

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9. DNS Tunnelling

Hackers use DNS tunneling, one of the types of network attacks, to get around more established security measures like firewalls and access systems and networks. Hackers code malicious programs with DNS requests and responses. Once inside, the malware latches onto the target server and grants the attackers remote access. These types of cyber attacks are harmful mainly because they sometimes go unreported for days, weeks, or months. Cybercriminals can install malware, modify code, add new access points, and steal critical data during that period. 

These are the ways to prevent DNS Tunneling attacks – 

• Deploy an effective DNS filtering system
• Train your team to recognize atypical DNS traffic patterns.
• Invest in a proper DNS-specific firewall

10. Cross-site Scripting Attacks

Under cross-site scripting (XSS) cyber-attacks, hackers access a website or application without any authority. They try to take advantage of weak websites and force malicious JavaScript installations on visitors. After the building, the hacker can access your account and do whatever action when the code is executed in your browser. Web pages, forums, and message boards are examples of vulnerable sites to XSS. These web pages depend on user input that has not been checked for harmful code. However, even more, prominent locations are vulnerable. You can explore more about Cyber Security through insightful articles and training courses at JanBask Training!

Here are some effective techniques of preventing this cybersecurity network attack – 

• Make sure your applications validate all the input data
• Only listed data should be allowed in the system
• Also, make sure that all variable output in a page is encoded before it is returned to the user

11. Botnet Attack

This kind of attack generally targets  large-scale corporations and associations because of its extensive information access. Under it, the attackers can take over many devices and bargain them into serving their cunning purposes. Owners of botnets can command a few thousand PCs to perform malicious actions by approaching them all at once. Cybercriminals initially gain access to these devices by using specialized Trojan infections to compromise the security frameworks of the PCs. They order and control software to enable them to perform malicious actions with a broad audience. These drills can be mechanized to enable as many synchronized types of cyber attacks as possible.

Here are some ways to prevent this cyber attack – 

• Control access to machines and systems
• Run regular antivirus scans
• Deploy multi-factor authentication

12. Spear-phishing Attacks

A specific kind of targeted phishing attack is spear phishing. The attacker spends time learning about their chosen victims before crafting communications that are likely to be of personal interest to them. Due to the manner, in which the attacker focuses on a single target, these types of cyber attacks are fittingly referred to as "spear" phishing. Because the message will appear authentic, it may be challenging to recognize a spear-phishing attempt.

A spear-phishing assault frequently uses email spoofing, in which the "From" line of the email is altered to make it appear as though a different sender is sending it. This might be a friend, business partner, or someone the target trusts from their social network.

Effective ways to prevent phishing attacks --

• Carefully check out the details in all fields of an email 
• Make sure not to click on any link whose destination cannot be verified as legitimate.

13. URL Interpretation

By manipulating and fabricating specific URL addresses, attackers can exploit URL interpretation to access the target's personal and professional data. The term "URL poisoning" is another name for this type of attack. The term "URL interpretation" refers to the attacker knowing the correct order in which to enter the URL components for a web page. The attacker then "interprets" this syntax, utilizing it to determine how to get access to restricted locations.

A hacker may guess URLs they can use to get administrator access to a website or access the site's back end to enter a user's account to carry out a URL interpretation attack. 

These are a few ways to prevent this cyber attack- 

• Use secure authentication methods for any sensitive areas of your site
• Ensure multi-factor authentication (MFA) or secure passwords 

14. Zero-Day Exploit

A Zero-Day Exploit happens after the announcement of a network vulnerability; there is no solution in most cases. Hence, the vendor notifies the vulnerability so that the users are aware; however, this news also reaches the attackers.

Depending on the vulnerability, the vendor or the developer could take time to fix the issue. Meanwhile, the attackers target the disclosed vulnerability. They make sure to exploit the vulnerability even before a patch or solution is implemented for it. 

Zero-day exploits can be prevented by:

• Organizations should have well-communicated patch management processes. Use management solutions to automate the procedures. Thus, it avoids delays in deployment.
• Have an incident response plan to help you deal with a cyberattack. Keep a strategy focusing on zero-day attacks. By doing so, the damage can be reduced or completely avoided.

15. Water Hole Attack

Generally used to target organizations, water hole attacks occur when a group infects websites a particular organization frequently uses. Much like a cross-site attack, the goal is to load a malicious payload from the infected sites.

Prevention: Anti-virus can passively identify dangerous scripts. Keep website scripts off as a default if your enterprise suspects an infection.

16. Spoofing

An attacker impersonates someone or something else to access sensitive information and do malicious activities. For example, they can spoof an email address or a network address.

Prevention: One effective way to prevent spoofing types of cyber attacks is to enable spam filters in your email. 

17. Identity-Based Attacks

These types of cyber attacks are performed to steal or manipulate others' personal information, like logging someone's PINs to steal unauthorized access to their systems.

Prevention- 

• Deploy risk-based access management.
• Identify Identity-specific triggers for response.
• Ensure Identity visibility across the technology.

18. Supply Chain Attacks

Exploit software or hardware supply chain vulnerabilities to collect sensitive information.

Prevention- 

• Identify cyber risk during the onboarding phase
• Scale vendor risk management with automation
• Continuously monitor supply chain risks

19. DNS Spoofing

This is one of the types of cyber attacks where an attacker manipulates the DNS records from a website to control its traffic. 

Prevention: To protect from DNS spoofing, internet providers can use DNSSEC (DNS security). When a domain owner sets up DNS entries, DNSSEC adds a cryptographic signature to the entries required by resolvers before they accept DNS lookups as authentic.

20. IoT-Based Attacks

IT teams that exclusively focus on identifying external adversaries are only obtaining a partial understanding of the overall threat landscape. Insider threats, which consist of current or former employees, present a significant danger to organizations due to their unrestricted access to the company network, including sensitive data and intellectual property. Their familiarity with business procedures, company policies, and other relevant information can aid in carrying out an attack.

Prevention: IoT devices are typically interconnected, which means that if one device is compromised, the attack may spread to other devices. To make matters worse, IoT devices hardly have any built-in security, which makes them a perfect target for adversaries. In addition to implementing general security measures, you will need to ensure that you change the default router settings, use a strong and unique password, disconnect IoT devices when they are not in use, and ensure they have the latest patches/updates installed.

21. Ransomware

A malware variant, ransomware, installs itself on a user's system or network. Once installed, it prevents access to functionalities (in part or whole) until a “ransom” is paid to third parties.

Prevention: Removal is challenging once installed. Keeping anti-virus updated and avoiding malicious links are the best current prevention methods. Also, current backups and replications are vital to keeping ransomware attacks from becoming catastrophic. There are various cybersecurity guides and books available that can enhance your knowledge.

22. Distributed Denial of Service (DDos) Attacks

Flood a website with traffic to make it unavailable to legitimate users and to exploit vulnerabilities in the specific network.

Prevention: Several methods for reducing this exposure include restricting traffic to specific locations, implementing a load balancer, and blocking communication from outdated or unused ports, protocols, and applications.

23. Spamming

Spamming is the use of messaging systems to send multiple unsolicited messages to large numbers of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, non-commercial proselytizing, any prohibited purpose, or simply repeatedly sending the same message to the same user.

Prevention:

• Be careful about releasing your email address.
• Check privacy policies. 
• Be aware of options selected by default.
• Report messages as spam. 
• Don't follow links in spam messages.
• Disable the automatic downloading of graphics in HTML mail.

24. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cash Out

Hackers get close to a bank's computer systems to withdraw large amounts of cash from ATMs. These types of cyber attacks have become quite popular and common today. 

Prevention:

• Check the machine for any attached foreign or unrecognized devices.
• Refrain from entering ATMs in desolated areas or without a guard.
• Check for any hidden cameras.
• Leave the premises if you see suspicious people lingering inside or around the ATM

25. Whale-Phishing Attacks

These types of cyber attacks happen  by target high-profile individuals like executives or celebrities using sophisticated social engineering techniques to get sensitive information. 

Prevention: Remaining skeptical of suspicious messages, friend requests, emails, or attempts to collect user info from unknown third-parties.

26. Spear-Phishing Attacks

Target specific individuals or groups under an organization. Attackers use social engineering techniques to get sensitive information. 

Prevention: Filter Your Email and Implement Anti-Phishing Protection

27. Session Hijacking

The hacker gets access to a user's session ID to authenticate the user's session with a web application and take control of the user's session.

Prevention: Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication.

28. Brute Force Attack

An attacker gets unauthorized access to a system by trying various passwords until the correct one is found. It can be highly effective against weak passwords.

Prevention: Restricting IP access is probably the most robust measure that you can take to protect your sensitive login and admin pages from brute force attacks. Any requests not originating from an approved IP address will result in a 403 Forbidden response error or firewall block page.

29. Web Attacks

This is one the types of cyber attacks that target websites and can insert SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and file inclusion.

Prevention: install a personal firewall along with anti-malware tools with the latest malware definition file updated that can detect malware such as keyloggers; 3. employ different sets of login and password combinations for different web applications and services you use.

30. Trojan Virus

Trojan malware attempts to deliver its payload by disguising itself as legitimate software. One technique used was an “alert” that a user’s system was compromised by malware, recommending a scan whereby the scan delivered the malware.

Prevention: Avoid downloading programs or executables from unrecognized vendors or those that attempt to alarm the user to a serious problem.

31. Drive-by Attacks

In a drive-by-attack, malicious code is delivered onto a system or device. The distinction, however, is that no action is needed on the user end, where typically, they need to click a link or download an executable.

Prevention: Avoid suspicious websites. Normally, compromised websites are flagged by search engines and anti-malware programs.

32. Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)

Is a cyberattack characterized by long-term, persistent access to a victim's computer system. APT attacks are highly sophisticated and difficult to detect and remove.

Prevention- 

• Install a Firewall
• Enable a Web Application Firewall
• Install an Antivirus
• Implement Intrusion Prevention Systems
• Create a Sandboxing Environment
• Install a VPN
• Enable Email Protection

33. Angler Phishing Attacks

Target individuals or organizations using highly targeted and personalized emails. Angler phishing attacks can be difficult to detect and are often successful in stealing sensitive information.

Prevention: Education and awareness are crucial in preventing angler phishing attacks. Regularly train employees to identify and report suspicious emails, websites, or phone calls. Encourage them to verify the legitimacy of requests for sensitive information before providing any data.

34. Fileless Malware

Doesn’t rely on files to infect a victim's computer system. Instead, fileless malware executes malicious code using existing system resources, such as memory or registry keys.

Prevention: Update and patch software and systems regularly – Minimize malware entry points through regular updates, as these attacks frequently exploit unpatched vulnerabilities.

35. Emotet

Is malware designed to steal sensitive information and spread it to other computers on a network. Emotet is often spread through phishing emails and can be very difficult to detect and remove.

Prevention:

• Keep your computer/endpoints up-to-date with the latest patches for Microsoft Windows.
• Don’t download suspicious attachments or click a shady-looking link.
• Educate yourself and your users on creating a strong password.

36. Adware

Is malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a victim's computer system. Adware can be annoying and disruptive, but it's generally less harmful than other types of malware.

Prevention:

• Use antivirus software.
• Perform updates.
• Only download apps from known app stores.
• Don't click on pop-up ads.
• Beware of phishing.

37. Keylogger

Is a malware designed to capture keystrokes a victim enters on their computer system. This can include passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

Prevention- Software that's outdated or known to be buggy is far easier to exploit. Installing software updates as they become available can help reduce or eliminate the weak points that keyloggers may target. Equip your desktops, laptops, smartphones, and other digital devices with an antivirus firewall.

38. Botnets

Are networks of compromised computers controlled by a single attacker. Botnets can launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, steal sensitive information, or perform other malicious activities.

Prevention:

• Keep Software and Operating Systems Up to Date: Vendors often release patches for vulnerabilities botnets can exploit.
• Use Antivirus Software: Antivirus software can detect and remove malware that is used to create botnets.

39. Rootkits

Provide attackers privileged access to a victim's computer system. Rootkits can be used to hide other types of malware, such as spyware or keyloggers, and can be challenging to detect and remove.

Prevention: Some basic precautions in avoiding rootkit attacks include Using reputable anti-malware solutions, which will fight against most application-level malware. Keeping software regularly updated, and downloading software only from trusted sources.

40. Spyware

Is malware designed to collect sensitive information from a victim's computer system. This can include passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

Prevention: 

• Be cautious about consenting to cookies.
• Install an anti-tracking browser extension.
• Keep all software updated with the latest security.
• Remember that “free” software always has a cost.

41. Social Engineering

Social Engineering is a technique cybercriminals use to manipulate users to make them divulge sensitive information or perform actions that are not in their best interest. 

Prevention: Keep software and firmware regularly updated particularly security patches. Don't run your phone rooted or your network or PC in administrator mode. Even if a social engineering attack gets your user password for your 'user' account, it won't let them reconfigure your system or install software.

42. Keylogger

Is a malware designed to capture keystrokes a victim enters on their computer system. This can include passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

Prevention: Software that's outdated or known to be buggy is far easier to exploit. Installing software updates as they become available can help reduce the or eliminate the weak points that keyloggers may target. Equip your desktops, laptops, smartphones, and other digital devices with an antivirus firewall.

43. Bots

These software programs automate network or internet tasks. They can be used for malicious purposes, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

Prevention:

• Implementing CAPTCHAs and Challenges.
• Advanced CAPTCHA Challenges.
• Rate Limiting and Throttling Requests.
• Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAF)

44. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

A BEC attack is where the attacker targets specific individuals, usually an employee who can authorize financial transactions, to trick them into transferring money into an account controlled by the attacker. BEC attacks usually involve planning and research in order to be effective. For example, any information about the target organization’s executives, employees, customers, business partners, and potential business partners will help the attacker convince the employee to hand over the funds. BEC attacks are one of the most financially damaging types of cyber attacks.

Prevention:

As with other types of cyber attacks, security awareness training is the best way to prevent BEC. Employees must be trained to look out for emails with a fake domain, or emails that impersonate a vendor, display a sense of urgency, and anything else that looks suspicious.

45. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks

These types of cyber attacks happen when they target web applications by injecting malicious code into a vulnerable website to steal sensitive information or perform unauthorized types of cyber attacks.

Prevention: To prevent XSS attacks, your application must validate all the input data, make sure that only the allowed listed data is allowed, and ensure that all variable output in a page is encoded before it is returned to the user.

46. AI-Powered Attacks

Use artificial intelligence and machine learning to bypass traditional security measures.

Prevention:

• Never share sensitive info with an unverified contact.
• Check the URL of each landing page when banking online or using another platform to share sensitive information.
• Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts.
• Keep your device's security on its strongest setting

47. Dictionary Attacks

An attacker attempts to guess a user's password by trying a list of common words. This attack becomes successful because many users use weak or easy passwords.

Prevention:

• Use Strong and Complex Passwords.
• Use Password Managers.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication.
• Regularly Change Passwords.
• Monitor for Suspicious Activity.
• Slow Down Repeat Logins.
• Use CAPTCHA For Your Organisation.

48. Virus

Malicious software can replicate itself and spread to other computers. Viruses can cause significant damage to systems, corrupt files, steal information, and more.

Prevention: Avoid websites you don't trust. Don't open email attachments from people or companies you don't know. Don't click on links in unwanted emails. Always hover the mouse over a link (especially a short URL) before clicking on it to see where it will take you.

49. Worm

A computer worm is a standalone malware program that replicates itself to spread to other computers. It often uses a computer network to spread itself, relying on security failures on the target computer to access it. It will use this machine as a host to scan and infect other computers. 

Prevention: install or enable a firewall - Firewalls may prevent some types of infection by blocking malicious traffic before it can enter your computer (see Understanding Firewalls for more information). Some operating systems include a firewall, but you must ensure it is enabled.

50. Backdoors

A backdoor is a typically covert method of bypassing standard authentication or encryption in a computer, product, embedded device, or embodiment. Backdoors are often used for securing remote access to a computer or obtaining access to plaintext in cryptosystems. 

Prevention:

• Regularly update your software and security patches. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to a system.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to help prevent unauthorized access to your systems and data.

51. Volume-Based Attack

The attacker floods a system with heavy data to make it inaccessible to legitimate users.  For instance, DDoS attacks in which various compromised computers flood a specific website with traffic to crash it.

Prevention: You can use firewalls or Access Control Lists (ACLs) to control what traffic reaches your applications. The two key considerations for mitigating large-scale volumetric DDoS attacks are bandwidth (or transit) capacity and server capacity to absorb and mitigate types of cyber attacks.

52. Protocol Attacks

Exploits vulnerabilities in network protocols to gain unauthorized access to a system or disrupt its regular operation. Examples include the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) SYN Flood attack and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Flood attack.

Prevention: Create blockhole routing, rate limiting, and use a web firewall.

53. Application Layer Attacks

This is one of the types of cyber attacks that target the application layer of a system, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities in applications or web servers. 

Prevention- Increase webserver connection limits: This can help reduce vulnerability to connection-based attacks.

54. Eavesdropping Attacks

Also known as “Traffic Interception,” this occurs when a third-party “listens” to info sent between a user and host. The kind of information stolen varies based on traffic but is often used to take log-ins or valuable data. An attacker intercepts communication between two parties to access sensitive information.

Prevention: Avoiding compromised websites (such as those not using HTML5) is an excellent proactive defense. Encrypting network traffic – such as through a VPN – is another preventive method.

55. Birthday Attack

A cryptographic attack exploits the birthday paradox to access a collision in a hash function. The attacker successfully generates two inputs to get the same output hash value. This can be used to compromise to bypass access controls. 

Prevention- 

• To prevent the birthday attack, the duration output for the hashing algorithm of the signature scheme might be chosen to be big enough that the birthday attack gets computationally impractical.
• In addition to using the longer bit length, the signer can avoid the attack by making some innocent but random alterations to the document before signing it and keeping the contract copy in their possession. They can demonstrate inside the court that the sign matches the agreement.

56. Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)

Hackers use stolen login credentials to access others' bank accounts. 

Prevention- 

• Use secure authentication methods for any sensitive areas of your site
• Ensure multi-factor authentication (MFA) or secure passwords