Cybersecurity 101: Common types of cyber attacks

by Mardi McNaughton

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue anymore. It is a key part of running a business. Threats like ransomware and phishing are becoming more advanced and widespread, affecting companies of all sizes. The damage can be costly and disrupt operations. 

The first step to protecting yourself and your business is to understand the most common cyber threats. Here is a look at seven types of common cyber attacks.

1. Malware: The all-purpose cyber threat

Malware is harmful software that can damage devices and steal data. It can take many shapes, including ransomware, spyware, and viruses, depending on what the attacker is after. As technology evolves, criminals can now hide malware in fake websites and emails that look real, making it harder to spot and giving attackers time to do damage before being detected.

2. Phishing: Deceptive messages

Phishing refers to when criminals use fake messages to trick a person into giving up private information, like a password. A famous example is the 2020 Twitter attack, where hackers used phishing to gain control of celebrity accounts and post a fake bitcoin scam. Today, hackers use AI to make these messages more personal and realistic, making it even more important to be careful where you click.

3. DoS and DDoS attacks: Overwhelming the system

Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, also called service disruption attacks, refer to where an attacker floods a website, service or system with traffic until it crashes. A DoS attack uses a single machine or network, whereas a DDoS attack uses a network of infected devices at once to carry out the attack. These attacks can cause huge financial losses for businesses and make services completely unavailable temporarily.

4. Man-in-the-middle attacks: The hidden eavesdropper

A man-in-the-middle attack occurs when a hacker secretly inserts themselves into a conversation between two people, for example a bank and a customer. This often happens with public Wi-Fi networks, which can allow attackers to steal people’s login details, financial information, and other private data without victims ever knowing it happened.

5. SQL injection: Targeting website weaknesses

SQL Injection attacks are a way for hackers to access a website’s database. By typing special code into a login form, hackers can trick a system into giving them access to private information like customer data.

6. Zero-day exploits: The no-warning attack

A zero-day exploit is an attack that takes advantage of a new software flaw that the target company is not aware of yet, meaning there is no available fix. One famous example occurred in 2022, when hackers exploited a flaw in Google Chrome and used fake job emails to infect users’ browsers.

7. DNS tunneling: Hiding in plain sight

DNS tunneling is a way for hackers to hide malicious data inside normal-looking internet traffic. It allows them to bypass most firewalls and security checks, letting them steal data without being detected.

With cyber threats constantly evolving, it is crucial to understand the risks to protect your personal information and your business.