What is a Cyber Attack?

A cyber attack is an attempt to damage computer systems, steal information, or leverage a hacked network to launch other types of attacks. Hackers and cybercriminals utilize various methods to penetrate a system or network.

Types of Cyber Attacks

1. Malware

Malware is an umbrella word for potentially destructive software, including spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms. The malware utilizes whatever opportunity it can discover to penetrate a system, such as a user clicking on a malicious link or downloading a malicious attachment from an email.

2. Phishing

The word “phishing” refers to an email fraud that the sender poses as a trustworthy entity. The goal is to get sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details or to install harmful software on the victim’s computer. Phishing is becoming increasingly common as a cyberthreat.

3. A middleman attack

Eavesdropping attacks, also known as man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, are carried out by attackers who place themselves between two parties executing a transaction. After interrupting the transmission, attackers may filter and take the information.

4. Zero-day security flaw

Zero-day exploits occur after a network vulnerability has been discovered but before a patch or another fix is released. During this period, attackers attempt to exploit the reported issue. Constant attention is essential to detect risks presented by zero-day vulnerabilities.

5. Tunneling of the Domain Name System (DNS)

DNS tunneling is a means of sending non-DNS data via the DNS protocol using port 53. It relays Internet data, including HTTP and other protocols, using the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS tunneling might be beneficial in a variety of situations and for a variety of reasons. However, another darker aspect is adopting VPN services instead of DNS tunneling. They may disguise critical information that would ordinarily be delivered over the internet as DNS. In a malicious situation, information is delivered from a compromised machine to the attacker’s infrastructure through DNS requests. It may also be used for C&C communications between the attacker’s infrastructure and a compromised system.

Examples of Cyber Attacks

The following are some examples of common internet assaults and data breaches:

• Personal data theft, fraud, and blackmail
• Viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, phishing, and other malicious software are all harmful.
• Theft of hardware, such as laptops and mobile phones
• DDoS attacks
• Unauthorized access
• Obtaining login information
• Misuse of instant messaging is a severe issue.
• Intellectual property theft or unauthorized access (IP)
  
  

Stats of Cyber Attacks

Cybercrime is estimated to cost the world economy about $10 trillion, which is predicted to rise by 15 percent yearly. Ransomware assaults are an increasing contributor to this expense, with estimates putting the annual cost to US corporations at $20 billion.

Data breaches in the United States typically cost businesses $3.81 million. Another worrying figure is that following a successful hack, public corporations see an average 8% drop in market value.

Conclusion

We conclude our guide to cyber attacks and how cybercriminals use them to penetrate different systems and steal personal information and sensitive data, using them for nefarious or monetary purposes.

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