What is a cyber attack?

A cyber attack is an attempt to disable your computer’s security system in order to take control of your computer. Therefore, your information can be stolen by third parties. In this sense, cybercriminals can use different methods to launch an attack, among which malware, ransomware and phishing stand out.

Cyber ​​attacks date back to the dawn of cyberspace when, in the absence of technological advances, computers were more prone to a massive internet attack or even a global cyber attack. Since then, classic malware has evolved and multiplied over the years. So much has been developed that the risk of receiving an attack is increasing, even despite the constant security update by technology companies.

In this sense, 57% of cyber attacks bring truly negative consequences for daily life, such as the interruption of production, the disabling of websites, the loss of billing or even the definitive closure of activities, in the worst of cases. cases.

Although cyber attacks have great similarities, it has become necessary to understand each type of cyber attack in more detail in order to better combat them. For this reason, we mention the most common attacks today.

6 types of cyber attacks

1.Phishing

Phishing or identity theft is a very deceptive method, which is based on sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a trusted source, usually by email. The goal is to obtain sensitive data, such as credit card numbers and bank account login information.

2. Malware

Malware is the classic term for viruses and encompasses a wide variety of cyberattacks, such as spyware, ransomware, and worms. The malware enters a vulnerable network and when the user clicks, a dangerous link with an email attachment is created. In this way, dangerous software is installed on all computers connected to the same network.

3. Intercept Attack

Interception attacks (MitM) are also known as silent cyberattacks, where hackers disrupt normal data traffic to leak false information and steal data. In this regard, the common entry point for MitM attacks is through an unsecured public WiFi network, where hackers have the ability to get between the network and someone’s device. In this way, the visitor transmits all the information through the hacker without even realizing it.

4. Denial of service attack

A denial of service attack is an attempt to fill systems and networks with traffic to exhaust bandwidth, thereby preventing the system from responding to legitimate requests. In this way, pirates can carry out an easier deception and with greater distractions for the victim.

5. SQL injection

SQL injection occurs when a hacker inserts malicious code into a server and forces the server to reveal private user information. In this way, the attacker can perform SQL injection by sending malicious code to a search box on a vulnerable website.

6. Zero-day attack

A zero-day attack occurs after a network failure is announced, so hackers target the revealed vulnerability to access computer information. However, this attack can be quickly stopped by simply installing an antivirus in less than 24 hours.

What events are considered cyber attacks?

Internet attack occurs when there is identity theft, extortion, fraud, theft of files and physical equipment such as laptops and mobile devices, denial of service, system infiltration, defacement of a website, interruption of tasks by a website, instant messaging abuse and theft of intellectual property.

How to prevent cyber attacks?

There are some recommended strategies to protect a small business or organization from cyber attacks. In principle, it is possible to use multi-factor authentication for all applications that require access to the internet, since it is not enough to set a password to log in if these are compromised by a hacker or phishing scam.

In this case, enabling a multi-factor authentication process forces users to provide multiple pieces of information and not just one, which helps with security. However, this method might be impractical for those who want to get into applications quickly.

Also, it is possible to create robust internal controls to prevent an internet attack on a company. In this way, it is possible to ensure that access to the system is updated when a person, contractor or supplier leaves the company, which prevents entry into the system. On the other hand, educating company employees is perhaps one of the most effective ways to protect information, since in this way each person can distinguish between secure websites and emails and others that are not.

Another good option to protect against cyber attacks is to create data backups . In this way, you can eliminate public use information whenever you want, while having a data backup in case of emergency, which also favors organization.

Similarly, updating systems constantly can be a great alternative to guarantee the security of all programs and applications, since the companies that develop programs usually include protections in each update to combat new possible attacks.

To conclude, it is necessary to mention that, in addition to common cybercrime , these attacks may be associated with war or cyber terrorism, which stems from hacktivists, who may have different reasons for carrying out the attack, either politically motivated or simply criminal.