Most common cyber security attacks and how to stay protected

Cyber security attacks are an ever-present threat to businesses, organisations, and individuals alike. Understanding these threats is the first step to staying protected. Here are some of the most common cyber security attacks and insights into how you can defend against them.

1. Malware attack

Malware is one of the most common and damaging cyber security attacks. It refers to any malicious software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system. Malware can come in many forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware. Once inside your system, it can steal sensitive information, corrupt files, or lock you out of your data until a ransom is paid (in the case of ransomware).

How to stay protected:

• Keep your software and systems up to date with the latest security patches
• Install reputable anti-virus software
• Be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links from unverified sources

2. Phishing attack

Phishing is a type of cyber security attack where attackers pose as legitimate organisations to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial details, or personal data. Phishing usually occurs through emails or fake websites that mimic trusted entities.

How to stay protected:

• Be sceptical of unexpected emails or messages that ask for personal information
• Verify the sender’s email address and look for signs of phishing, such as grammatical errors or suspicious links
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure accounts, reducing the risk even if your credentials are compromised

3. Password attack

A password attack occurs when a hacker attempts to gain unauthorised access to your system by cracking or stealing your passwords. Common methods include brute-force attacks, where attackers try different combinations until the correct one is found or using stolen credentials from a data breach.

How to stay protected:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account
• Avoid easily guessable passwords, such as “password123” or birth dates
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an additional layer of security

4. Man-In-The-Middle attack

In a Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attack, the attacker intercepts the communication between two parties, often to steal sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. This attack usually happens in unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi.

How to stay protected:

• Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity
• Ensure websites use HTTPS to secure communications

5. SQL injection attack

An SQL injection attack targets databases by exploiting vulnerabilities in the code of web applications. Attackers insert malicious SQL queries into input fields, gaining unauthorised access to the database to steal, modify, or delete data.

How to stay protected:

• Regularly test web applications for vulnerabilities
• Use parameterised queries to prevent malicious code from being executed
• Keep your database systems up to date with the latest patches and security measures

6. Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack

A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack overwhelms a system, server, or network with traffic, rendering it unavailable to users. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks use multiple systems to flood the target, making it even harder to defend against.

How to stay protected:

• Invest in DDoS protection services that can detect and mitigate these attacks
• Monitor your network for unusual traffic patterns
• Ensure your infrastructure can handle spikes in traffic, either naturally or during an attack

7. Insider threat

An insider threat occurs when someone within an organisation, such as an employee or contractor, intentionally or unintentionally compromises security. Insider threats can lead to data breaches, leaks of confidential information, or even sabotage.

How to stay protected:

• Implement strict access controls, ensuring that employees can only access the data they need for their job
• Monitor employee activity for unusual behaviour
• Provide regular security awareness training to educate staff on the importance of data protection

8. Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is the unauthorised use of a person’s or organisation’s computer to mine cryptocurrency. Attackers infect computers with cryptomining malware, which runs in the background and uses up system resources without the user’s knowledge.

How to stay protected:

• Keep your system’s security software up to date to detect cryptomining malware
• Monitor your system’s performance for unexplained slowdowns
• Use browser extensions designed to block cryptojacking scripts

9. Zero-day exploit

A zero-day exploit refers to an attack that occurs before the vendor has discovered or patched a software vulnerability. Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to systems or networks, often causing significant damage before a fix is available.

How to stay protected:

• Stay informed about software updates and patches
• Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify suspicious activity
• Limit access to critical systems and apply security best practices like the principle of least privilege

10. Watering hole attack

A watering hole attack involves targeting a specific group of users by compromising websites they are likely to visit. Once the website is compromised, attackers can install malware on visitors’ devices.

How to stay protected:

• Regularly check and update the security of websites frequently visited by your organisation
• Educate employees on safe browsing practices
• Use endpoint protection to detect malware on devices accessing your network

How to stay protected from cyber security attacks

To stay protected from these various cyber security attacks, consider implementing the following strategies across your organisation:

• Regular security audits
  Regularly test your network, systems, and applications for vulnerabilities. Conduct penetration testing to identify weak points that hackers might exploit
• Employee Training
  Provide ongoing cyber security training for employees, helping them recognise phishing scams, secure their passwords, and follow safe online practices
• Multi-Factor Authentication
  Enable multi-factor authentication across all critical systems and applications. This adds an extra layer of security, even if a password is compromised
• Data Encryption
  Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. This makes it harder for attackers to read or steal the data even if they manage to access it
• Patch Management
  Ensure all software, systems, and applications are up to date with the latest security patches. Vulnerabilities in outdated software are one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access
• Backup Your Data
  Regularly back up your data to a secure location. In case of an attack, such as ransomware or data corruption, having backups ensures you can restore your systems with minimal disruption

Why you should use cyber security services

Cyber security is essential for protecting your business from a wide range of cyber security attacks. While managing security in-house may seem like an option, partnering with a dedicated cyber security service like CyberHive ensures that your organisation, data, and assets are protected by experts using advanced, patented technology. With fast deployment, minimal disruption, and a focus on performance, CyberHive helps you grow your business, boost profitability and drive innovation.

Take the first step in securing your business—contact CyberHive today and let us help you stay protected.