Increased use of the internet and technology has given rise to cyber threats. Today, people are using the internet for all their needs including shopping, studying, banking, and many others. As a result, the rate of cybercrimes has also increased a lot. No organization and business are safe in this technical world.
Even the evolution of new technology and devices including cloud computing, IoT, and AI has also added new threats for the organizations and added complexity as well. If we are talking about cyber threats and cybersecurity now let us understand what cybersecurity is exactly and the types of cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Threats
A cybersecurity attack is a deliberate and malicious attack by any organization or individual. The attack is done to take unauthorized access and disrupt or damage or steal all data and information. The hackers through these attacks also try to access sensitive data or information, intellectual property, and many other sorts of information from the user’s devices or organizational network. Attending Cyber Security Training helps you become an expert in detecting vulnerabilities, threats, and cybersecurity attacks.
Cyber Security Types
The types of cyber threats are increasing every day, but still, there are some of the most prevalent cyber threats that organizations must know if they want to protect their organizational information. Some major types of cybersecurity attacks are:
Common Cyber Threats
1. Phishing
Cyber hackers or criminals start sending malicious emails that look authentic from legitimate sources. Through these emails, they try to trick the user so that they click on the links involved in the mail. This in return either installs the malware on the system or discloses sensitive information like credit or debit card details.
2. Malware
Malware is one of the commonly seen cyber attacks. They are just malicious and executable codes or files. This malware includes ransomware, viruses, spyware, or worms. They by default get installed on the system when the user clicks on the provided links or emails. Once they get installed they can either harm or corrupt the system files or block access to critical system files or applications. They can also gather sensitive information from the system as well.
3. Man in Middle Attack
MIM or man in the middle attacks are those attacks in which the attacker or hacker comes in between the attack. When two parties communicate with each other this man comes in between the communication. They then steal the sensitive information or data and in return respond to the user’s query or request. They do not allow the request to reach the authenticated server and pretend to be the server themselves.
4. Denial of Service Attack
These types of attacks are also known as DoS attacks in which the hackers start flooding the systems. They start sending multiple or plenty of mails, network requests, or massive traffic to the server, in return the server becomes unable to respond and identify the legitimate requests. For this attack, the hackers sometimes also use the infected devices to launch the attack on any system. This type of attack is also known as DDoS or Distributed Denial of Service attacks.
5. SQL Injection
In these types of attacks, the hackers try to attack the database servers. They try to upload malicious SQL scripts to corrupt the server or gain access to the information. Once they become successful the hackers then try to insert, update, delete or modify the information stored in the database.
6. Ransomware
Ransomware attacks are quite popular in which the hacker blocks the user’s system access. When the user clicks on any link then they become active and block the user’s system. To unlock the system they then ask for a ransom to be paid. If the user pays the amount only then the user becomes able to access his system.
7. DNS Attack
When cybercriminals try to explore the vulnerabilities of any system and exploit them then it is known as a DNS attack. The hackers leverage those system vulnerabilities to hijack the system or network and divert the site visitors to any malicious page and filter the desired or required information from the organization’s network.
Major Sources of Cyber Threats
If you want to be secure from cyber-attacks then you should also know the major sources of cyber attacks. You should also know the tactics, techniques, and procedures of these attacks as well. Some of the common sources of cyber threats are:
1. Criminal Groups
Criminal groups of people always try to gain financially by taking over the user’s system. They use phishing, spamming or online frauds. They then try to access the system and hack all of its information.
2. Nation States
Not only groups of people in any organization, even a particular nation or region may also try to attack the system and impact communications. They try to gain access to military activities, the defense system of everyday life, and many others.
3. Hackers
Hackers or cybercriminals use several techniques to breach the system and exploit the vulnerabilities of any computer system or network. They try to achieve their motives either through revenge, stalking, political activism, or financial gain. They even try to evolve new ways of attack and hack the community.
4. Malicious Insiders
Malicious insiders may involve contractors, employees, or third-party vendors including business associates. They have legitimate access to business resources and can steal or destroy personal or financial information. They remain inside the organization so have sufficient information or access to its resources.
5. Group of Terrorist
To infiltrate or threaten national security or compromise military equipment terrorists try to cyber attack. The threats for major attacks and destroying nation’s resources.
Conclusion:
Organizations or individuals are always at cyber-attack risk when they use the internet. They should try to make some strategies to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. They should try to not leave any vulnerability in the system. Moreover, they can use the tools as preventive measures to make themselves secure from any cyber attack.
An effective cybersecurity program can save them and their organization from high risk. You as an organization or business should know the types of attacks and prevention techniques to secure important and sensitive organizational information from any attack. Try to take any proactive, flexible and practical approach to secure the network.
