Main attack vectors used by cyber criminals
14 January 2023
In today's highly connected world, cyber security has become increasingly important over time due to the rise in the number of cyber attacks that have come to compromise the privacy and personal data of users around the world.
These attacks are generally based on the exploitation of computer vulnerabilitiesThis means that it is important to understand what these vulnerabilities are and why they are so significant for us.
In this article we will tell you about the 6 most common attack vectors used by cybercriminals to exploit these vulnerabilities and exploit them. But first, it is necessary to understand what a computer vulnerability is and how it is exploited by cybercriminals.
Computer vulnerabilities, also known as 'breaches' or 'weaknesses', are flaws or errors in the hardware design, software o network protocols that allow the cybercriminals access computers to steal sensitive data or execute other types of malware previously unknown to users.
These gaps can be caused by human error (e.g., an inattentive employee) or by inherent deficiencies in the system design (e.g., programmers omitting key parts of the code).
Each category of computer vulnerability (hardware, software or network) has its own associated risks. For example, network-related vulnerabilities can be used to intercept traffic between remote servers.
Computer vulnerabilities not only threaten individual privacy and security. They also put at risk the operational and competitive business continuity and governmental organisations.
Cybercriminals can exploit these weaknesses to gain access to critical systems, steal commercially valuable confidential data or even disrupt critical operations.
Weaknesses represent a real threat to our institutions today. That's why there are so many protocols in place right now to continuously detect these weaknesses and deploy appropriate solutions where necessary.
A basic understanding of the various ways in which malicious individuals can exploit these breaches will go a long way towards strengthening your defences against potentially devastating attacks. This is the field of study of attack vectors in cyber security, which we will explain below.
Attack vectors are the various ways of exploiting existing computer vulnerabilities to gain access to a system, install malware or steal data.
Although many attack vectors are studied in cyber security, in practice we tend to talk about a few main types. Here are the six most important ones in the field of IT vulnerability management.
Phishing attacks are attempts to e-mail scams or text messages pretending to be from a legitimate company or a known person, with the aim of obtaining confidential information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Phishing is one of the most common vectors used by cybercriminals because of its effectiveness and simplicity.
When we talk about malware, we refer to the use of malware that are installed without the user's knowledge or authorisation and can damage the system, steal information or perform unauthorised actions.
For example, the ransomware attack is a type of malware that encrypts the user's files and demands a ransom in exchange for their return.
These types of attack vectors are based on attempts to password guessing by using programmes that try different combinations until the correct one is found. They are often highly effective because many people choose weak and easy-to-guess passwords through sheer probability.
These are attempts to introduce malicious code into a database using command injection SQL through web forms or database queries. The objective of this type of attack vector is data alteration, information theft or unauthorised access to systems.
Attempts to introduce malicious code into a website by injecting code into a user's input, such as a web form.
DoS attacks refer to deliberate attempts to cause a network server or other network equipment to stop functioning properly, preventing users from accessing resources and services. They are designed to interrupt critical operations and reduce the availability of services.
Do you want to be a expWould you like to understand everything about attack vectors and cybercrime? At IMMUNE Technology Institute we accompany you to achieve your goals.
Our Cybersecurity Bootcamp will prepare you for the most common cybersecurity threats and specialise you in a booming field and sector, where you will end up becoming one of the world's leading cybersecurity experts. professionals most in demand by companies.
You will be able to find a job and become a highly sought-after professional with our training. Train in one of the professions with the highest employability and upward trend.
Don't hesitate any longer! Sign up for our Cybersecurity Bootcamp to learn all about attack vectors and manage computer vulnerabilities. We are waiting for you!
If you are looking for technology training fill in the form for more information.