Understanding Cyber Attacks

Types & Tactics

In today’s digital age, cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, posing significant threats to individuals and organisations alike.

Understanding the different types of cyber-attacks and cyber criminals' methods to access your data is crucial for enhancing your cybersecurity posture.

Let’s dive into the most common types of cyber attacks and the tactics employed by cybercriminals.

Common Types of Cyber Attacks

1. Phishing 
   Phishing attacks involve cyber criminals sending deceptive emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources. These messages often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details.
2. Ransomware 
   Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This attack can be devastating for businesses, leading to significant financial losses and operational disruptions.
3. Password Cracking 
   Cyber criminals use various techniques to guess or crack passwords, gaining unauthorised access to accounts and systems. Common methods include brute-force attacks, where attackers try numerous password combinations until they find the correct one.
4. DNS Spoofing 
   DNS spoofing involves altering DNS records to redirect traffic from legitimate websites to malicious ones. This can lead to data theft, malware infections, and other harmful activities.
5. Session Hijacking 
   In session hijacking, attackers take control of a user’s session by stealing session cookies. This allows them to impersonate the user and access sensitive information or perform unauthorised actions.
6. Brute-Force Attacks 
   Brute-force attacks involve attackers systematically trying all possible combinations of passwords or encryption keys until they find the correct one. This method is often used to crack passwords and gain unauthorised access.
7. Network Eavesdropping 
   Also known as sniffing, network eavesdropping involves intercepting and capturing data packets as they travel across a network. This can lead to the theft of sensitive information such as login credentials and personal data.
8. DoS and DDoS Attacks 
   Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks aim to overwhelm a system, network, or website with traffic, rendering it unavailable to users. These attacks can disrupt services and cause significant downtime.
9. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks 
   In MITM attacks, cybercriminals intercept and alter communications between two parties without their knowledge. This can lead to data theft, unauthorised transactions, and other malicious activities.
10. SQL Injection 
    SQL injection attacks involve inserting malicious SQL code into a database query, allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete data. This type of attack is common in web applications with insufficient input validation.

Methods Cyber Criminals Use to Access Your Data

1. Social Engineering 
   Cybercriminals often use social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. This can include phishing emails, phone calls, or even in-person interactions designed to exploit human psychology.
2. Malware 
   Malware, including viruses, trojans, and spyware, is used to infect devices and steal data. Cyber criminals may distribute malware through malicious email attachments, infected websites, or compromised software.
3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities 
   Attackers frequently exploit vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or network configurations to gain unauthorised access. Keeping systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches is essential to mitigate this risk.
4. Keylogging 
   Keyloggers are malicious programs that record keystrokes on a victim’s device, capturing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. These programs can be installed through malware or physical access to the device.
5. Physical Attacks 
   Cyber criminals may use physical methods, such as installing skimming devices on ATMs or point-of-sale terminals, to capture card data. They can also gain access to devices and networks through physical theft or tampering.
6. Drive-by Downloads 
   Drive-by downloads occur when a user visits a compromised website that automatically downloads and installs malware without their knowledge. This can lead to data theft, system compromise, and other malicious activities.

By understanding these common types of cyber attacks & the methods used by cybercriminals, you can take proactive steps to protect your data & enhance your cybersecurity defences.

Stay vigilant, keep your systems updated, and educate yourself and your team about the latest threats and best practices in cybersecurity.