Types of Cyber Attacks.
Cyberattacks come in various forms, each with specific tactics and intended damage. Here are some common types:
Phishing
Attackers send fraudulent messages (often emails) to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data. Phishing is one of the most prevalent forms of cyberattacks.Malware
Malware, or malicious software, includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. These are designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to systems.Ransomware
This type of malware encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its release. Ransomware attacks have grown significantly, targeting individuals and organizations alike.Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
DoS attacks flood a network or server with traffic to overwhelm it, causing it to crash or become unavailable. DDoS attacks are similar but come from multiple sources, making them harder to counter.SQL Injection
Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in a website's database by inserting malicious SQL code, which can enable unauthorized data access or manipulation.Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack
In this type, an attacker intercepts communication between two parties to steal data or manipulate communication. This often occurs over insecure networks, like public Wi-Fi.Zero-Day Exploit
These attacks occur when attackers exploit a security vulnerability on the same day it becomes known, often before a patch or solution is available.Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS attacks inject malicious scripts into trusted websites, which then execute in users’ browsers. This allows attackers to access user information or manipulate the content.Password Attack
These attacks aim to obtain users' passwords through various methods, such as brute force, dictionary attacks, or credential stuffing (using leaked credentials on other sites).Drive-By Download
Attackers place malicious code on a legitimate website, which downloads automatically onto users’ devices when they visit the site, often without their knowledge.Social Engineering
A non-technical form of attack, social engineering manipulates individuals into divulging confidential information. Techniques include pretexting, baiting, and phishing.Insider Threats
These come from individuals within an organization, such as employees, contractors, or former staff, who misuse their access to compromise data or systems