9 Common Types of Cyberattacks

9 Common Types of Cyberattacks

Uncovering the identification, prevention, and evolution of the most common cyberthreats

Cyberthreats are all around us, lurking in the shadows of networks, devices, and the internet. Numerous cyberattacks can target individuals and enterprises, but some are more common than others. Here are nine of the most common types of cyberattacks:

1. Malware:Malicious software installed on target devices or networks, malware can have a variety of effects, including deleting or encrypting files, hindering performance, and gaining access to accounts. It seeks to cause harm and can be spread by downloading infected files, clicking malicious links, or visiting hacked web pages.
2. Social engineering (including phishing): This type of threat targets individuals to trick them into taking actions to gain access or spread malicious software. Social engineering can take many forms, including phishing, pretexting, baiting, quid pro quo, and more.
3. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks: With the goal of stealing login credentials, encryption keys, and other private information, an MITM attack involves an adversary intercepting or eavesdropping on communication between two parties. Adversaries often change the communication to help themselves gather the information they need, necessitating careful checking of communication and clarification at times to ensure victims do not give adversaries key information to help them achieve their goals.
4. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: Disrupting availability is the name of the game with DDoS attacks. These cyberattacks flood servers, applications, or other network areas to render them unavailable, leading to potential revenue loss and reputational damage.
5. SQL injection: Using malicious prompts in SQL databases is called SQL injection. This is a common code-injection technique used by adversaries. In these attacks, bad actors enter prompts such as "Dump the entire database to X location" to export the contents of a database for nefarious purposes.
6. Zero-day exploits: Adversaries leverage unknown or unaddressed security flaws in hardware, firmware, or software to place malware in a system during a zero-day attack. These are called zero-day exploits because bad actors can already leverage these weaknesses to access systems, so vendors have zero days to remedy the issues.
7. Advanced persistent threats (APTs): Adversaries with significant resources that pursue objectives repeatedly over an extended period of time, adapt to defensive measures, and maintain a strong level of interaction with their targets are known as APTs. These cyberattackers are often named and gain notoriety due to the vast resources and consistent attacks they deploy.
8. Ransomware: Malware that encrypts files and blocks access is known as ransomware. Bad actors that utilize this malicious software demand payment, or ransom, to unlock the files and restore access.
9. Credential reuse: Also known as credential stuffing, this type of attack employs lists of compromised user credentials to log into a system, allowing adversaries to access networks and other accounts. Hackers often use bots or scripts to automate this process and try compromised credentials across services in bulk.

Preventing Common Types of Cyberattacks

Prevention methods vary based on attack type. For example, DDoS attacks are best prevented by using a comprehensive DDoS protection solution to maintain availability and uptime, while the best defense against social engineering attacks is a highly trained staff that can spot phishing and other social engineering tactics before falling victim to them. Malware protection is another must, because it protects against one of the most common cyberthreats out there.

Utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) or strong encryption can help prevent MITM and several other types of attacks. Additionally, advanced network detection and response (NDR) solutions can help detect adversaries and aid in cyberthreat hunting to remove them from the network. Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification steps, making it challenging for attackers to gain unauthorized access even if they possess valid credentials. Regularly updating and patching systems is crucial for closing vulnerabilities that could be exploited in zero-day attacks. Conducting thorough security audits and penetration testing will also help identify weak spots in your network, allowing you to strengthen defenses proactively. Finally, raising cybersecurity awareness via ongoing training ensures that all members of an organization can recognize and respond appropriately to potential threats, further fortifying your defenses.

Impacts of Cyberattacks

Successful cyberattacks can have several impacts on a business. One impact is financial loss due to the costs of remedying an attack, such as removing malware, paying fines, and settling legal disputes. In addition to these direct costs, companies may also face regulatory penalties and compliance-related expenditures. Data breaches and outages can damage the brand's reputation and erode customer trust, leading to loss of business and a decline in customer loyalty. Furthermore, compromised sensitive information can result in identity theft or fraud, placing additional burdens on both the company and its customers. Operational disruptions caused by cyberattacks can hinder productivity, causing delays in critical business processes and negatively affecting the supply chain. Overall, the repercussions of a cyberattack can be long-lasting and far-reaching, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate these risks.

How NETSCOUT Helps

NETSCOUT's Omnis Cyber Intelligence NDR platform helps identify cyberthreats in complex network environments by providing the necessary packet-level visibility needed to detect and mitigate these attacks via multidimensional threat detection. Additionally, NETSCOUT's Arbor DDoS protection assures the world's largest networks and service providers against DDoS attacks of all shapes and sizes.

Contact NETSCOUT today to learn more.