Do you feel that your data or business is at the risk of cyber attacks? It is interesting that with the shift to remote work, distance learning, and online businesses. Now cyber-security risk has become no#1 global concern.
It is important to explore the nature of cyber attacks before we jump into the solutions. It may sound like a cliché but everything comes at a price and the technology revolution has brought all these after-effects that result in compromising security. To protect your network, data, and business from such intrusions, defenders adapt to different parameters.
Attackers and online hackers are always on the look for some loophole that they can exploit to breach your defense wall. Cyberattack is carried out when someone wants to steal or destroy data, information, or intellectual/confidential assets that solely belong to you. Therefore, it is regarded as a criminal offense.
Cyber attacks do not only happen because of some independent hackers or IT companies. The world is making giant leaps in science and technology, yet the risk factor keeps on increasing. To curtail all these risks and threats, cyber-security solutions, tools, and strategies are continually being developed.
6 Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks to be beware of
Many companies, businesses, and online organizations need to create a defensive wall against these online criminal activities and cybersecurity risks. Therefore, it is important to identify the most common cyber attacks and devise a strategy to protect devices, programs, platforms, networks, and put a full stop to unauthorized access to data.
Here are some of the common types of cyber attacks:
1- Phishing
Do you know it’s one of the oldest tricks used by hackers? Unfortunately, it’s still successful and on the rise. It involves such an act where human vulnerability is exploited. The cyber attacker sends malicious emails to trick innocent people and try to convince them to download the data. If they somehow end up convincing you to trust, it will enable them to steal your personal details and confidential data.
The issue of high profile incidents of “spear phishing” that occurred in the US during the presidential election of 2016 is also an example of this attack. The trick is to send a link camouflaging as an email sent from someone known, but it will urge you to act immediately and download the malware data.
How can you avoid it?
It became even challenging when your workforce is working remotely. Most of the time these attacks are made to attack the finance or accounting department. For example, the email appears to be from the boss asking for an immediate transaction.
The most effective way to avoid is to put your network under scrutiny that will filter out such suspicious emails and drop them into the spam folder.
Be very cautious, because the world is filled with scammers who try to malign the name of companies, public figures, and higher officials for their own agendas.
2- Man in the middle attacks
Scammers try to steal your data by planting themselves between your device and an insecure internet network. Therefore, they can easily breach the security of your device. It also involves an act to install some malware software, so they can extract the required data and information.
It also involves some phishing, because the scammers tend to intercept emails and prevent you from securing your Wi-Fi connection. The use of an encrypted and secure database or using vaulted digital keys is the solution to prevent this security breach. Different online organizations and online businesses also use multiple factor authentications to ensure the protection of their data and intellectual assets.
It is also important to mention that as an organization, you must educate your workforce concerning these attacks, as they are very common. Moreover, recently it was advised that with the education system moving towards virtual learning, solutions should be created beforehand to curtail any undesired cyber attacks.
3- Prevent SQL injection attacks
Structured Query Language or commonly known as SQL is used in database systems such as Microsoft server. The malicious code is inserted into the server to steal the data. This type of attack puts very crucial and confidential information at stake. Government institutions and enterprises are always looking for a way to protect their data against such attacks.
Do you know? Back in 2011, the information of millions of customers (from a very renowned mobile company) was leaked through this method. This technique can break into passwords and gives immediate access to data. Therefore, it is important to devise a strategy to create a solution. Techniques such as whitelisting are used to maintain a check and balance over users accessing the information or accounts.
4- Cross-site scripting Software attack(XSS)
XSS or Cross-site scripting uses web applications and plug-ins to locate the vulnerability and attack by impersonating the actual users and leading actions. This is done to gain sensitive data and hack websites. Most of the online businesses are often victims of such attacks. Millennials can still recall the report of the infamous attack on MySpace that put the information of millions of users at the risk.
Don’t worry; you can always be extra alert to put an end to this. If you are running an online business or website, you can run regular tests to check any unregulated behaviour or activity. It allows you to identify the shortcomings and fix any loopholes to avoid any “rat attacks.”
5- Prevent Ransomware
Ransomware is self-explanatory, which involves malware software to attack the victim and then demand money for the stolen information or data. It can also include different malware software systems such as viruses, spyware software that steal information, files, and documents from your computer. They limit or block your access until you provide them with the demanded money or ransom fee.
So, the next time someone sends a suspicious attachment, do not open it. Let’s repeat, DO NOT OPEN IT! Not, even if you want to have a little peek into it. You never know about the antivirus software that you installed, it might be spying on you.
Yes, we know how this has led us to a point where we can easily freak out. But, the solution is to use your own judgement, logic, and create solutions to prevent such attacks. Stay away from any shady websites and ads, which might be insinuating catchy taglines for click baits.
6- DDoS Attacks and Traffic Jams
Yes, traffic jams can be caused by these attacks. Have you seen Fast and Furious 8? In a particular scene, the cars are hacked and destroyed. (Apologies to all the car lovers)
Can you really imagine that happening on a website? Unfortunately, here the loss is caused to a website.
However, here we are talking about an online traffic jam. Where the attackers target a website by flooding it with unnecessary requests and prevent the real traffic to access the website. You can build protection against such attacks by hiring your own dedicated team that enables you to protect your servers, use firewalls and security specifically against DDoS. Yes, you can build all the walls against such attacks by adapting the cloud for database storage, etc.
Can we put an End to Cyber Attacks?
No, and yes, no matter how much of a paradox this internet and technology has become. We need to create solutions and effective preventions to strengthen our cybersecurity. It is said that you can build strong cyberspace on three main things using:
- People to your advantage
- Process to counter attacks
- Technology to build tools
So, it is important to invest in your future by building high tech tools, software systems, and platforms to prevent such malicious cyber attacks in the future. It is often neglected while building an online store, website, or application. But it is one of the most crucial things that shall never be neglected.
Protect yourself, your business and company against cyber attacks
We at nextbridge always try to support positive and futuristic ideas for a secure and innovative world. However, if you still have any queries related to the above-mentioned cybersecurity challenges. If you desire to promote this “cybersecurity culture” through your organization, then the best way to stimulate is to build your shield first.
The more you quip yourself, it is less likely for you to be at risk and you can protect your business, data, and future.
So, if you plan to protect your assets and data. Let’s discuss it over a call and figure out a way to build an innovative solution.
