Hello, Hacker fam!
Today we'd be discussing cyberattack varieties. Most times when we hear about cyberattacks, a certain fear comes with it because we know those bad guys don't come and go empty-handed.
How can we then broaden our knowledge about cyberattacks?
Before heading to the different types of cyber-attacks, let's walk you through what a cyber attack is.
When there is an unauthorized system/network access by a third party, we term it as a cyber attack. When an attack is carried out, it can lead to data breaches, resulting in the loss of precious data or data manipulation. And then the cycle goes, organizations lose a lot of money, customers lose trust in them, and then the organization's reputation goes down the drain. So to curb cyberattacks, we implement CYBERSECURITY.
Alright now that we know what cyberattack is, let's zoom in and take a dive into cyberattack varieties!
Many varieties of cyber-attacks happen in the world today. If we know the various types of cyberattacks, it becomes easier for us to protect our networks and systems against them. Here, we will examine the top six cyber-attacks that can affect an individual, or a large business, depending on the scale.
1) Malware Attacks
Malware is like those pesky bugs that sneak into your house. They can mess up your games and your files, or even hold your favorite toy (data) hostage until you pay a ransom. Malware is unwanted software that is installed on your system without your permission. It can hide in legitimate websites and applications, or attach itself to files. To prevent malware infections, have a strong password policy, and use multi-factor authentication where possible.
2) Phishing Attack
Think of phishing like a tricky costume party. The bad guys dress up as friends or trustworthy sources, but they're just trying to steal your candy—your personal information. A phishing attack occurs when a cybercriminal sends you a fraudulent email, text (called “smishing”), or phone call (called “vishing”). These messages look like they are from someone official or a person or business whom you trust – such as your bank, the FBI, or a company like Microsoft or Apple. In actuality, these messages are sent from imposters. If you reply with sensitive information such as your password, they can use it to take over your accounts. You can prevent phishing attacks from achieving their objectives by paying close attention to email headers, and do not click on anything that seems fishy.
3) Password Attack
Passwords are like the secret codes to unlock treasure chests in a magical castle. Now, imagine a mischievous wizard who tries various magic spells (passwords) to break into the chests and steal the treasures. This sneaky wizard is attempting a password attack! A password attack, as you may have already guessed, is a type of cyber-attack where an attacker tries to guess, brute force, “crack” or trick you into giving up your passwords. One effective method of preventing brute-force and dictionary password attacks is to set up a lock-out policy. With a lock-out policy, the attacker only has a few tries before they get kicked out!
4) Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MiTM)
It is called a “man in the middle” attack because the attacker positions themselves in the “middle” or between two people trying to communicate. What they do not know is that the person in the "middle" who is actually sending the message illicitly modifies or accesses the message before it reaches its destination. Some ways to shield yourself from MiTM attacks are by using strong encryption on access points or by using a virtual private network (VPN).
5) SQL Injection Attack
Let's step into the world of enchanted libraries, where the librarians (websites) carefully organize magical books (databases). Now, imagine a cunning sorcerer who has discovered a secret passage into the library (a vulnerability). This sorcerer can tamper with the book titles (SQL queries) and make them do unexpected things!
Most websites use SQL databases to store sensitive information like logins, passwords, and account information. Hackers use an SQL injection attack to “trick” the database into giving up this information. To shield yourself from an SQL injection attack, take advantage of the least-privileged model. With the least-privileged architecture, only those who absolutely need to access key databases are allowed in.
6) Insider Threat
Ever heard the saying, "Your friend most times is your worst enemy"? Well, that is what this cyber attack is all about. Insider threats occur when someone who works for a company(or your friends, acquaintance, or work buddy)purposefully steals data, gives someone unauthorized access, or leaks passwords. Start by implementing strict access controls, limiting employees’ privileges to only what they need
In conclusion, cyber attacks aren’t slowing down anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you cannot protect yourself from criminals who want to access your data or compromise your devices and that's what NCSAM is set to do for us! Cybersecurity is like learning the rules of a new game. It might seem tricky at first, but once you understand the tricks, you'll have a blast in this digital playground.
Stay smart, stay safe, and let's play together with confidence!
Happy Hacking!