What is a cyber-attack? Types and examples

In today's digitised world, the cyber attacks have become a constant threat. Organisations and individuals face a multitude of threats that can have serious consequences for their security, privacy and finances.

But do you know what is a cyber-attack And why are they so dangerous? In this article, we explain in detail what a cyberattack is, what it is, the different types of cyberattacks that exist and give you some examples so that you can better understand what these threats consist of.

What is a cyber-attack?

A cyber-attack is a deliberate act of infiltrating computer systems, networks or devices with the purpose of accessing or damaging computer systems, networks, devices or digital data; and stealing or manipulating confidential information or digital resources. Typically perpetrated by malicious individuals, organised groups or even nations with various motivations, ranging from data theft to service disruption, sabotage or espionage actions.

They can be of varying levels of complexity and scope, and use a variety of different attack vectors. From simple threats such as phishing, where cybercriminals trick victims to obtain personal data, to highly sophisticated attacks through powerful malware that can compromise critical societal infrastructures.

In addition, they can contact numerous objectives, including businesses, governments, financial institutions and individuals. Cybersecurity has become essential to protect against these threats and to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of digital systems and data.

Most common types of cyber-attacks

Such threats are constantly evolving and can encompass a wide variety of techniques and approaches. Therefore, in order to understand the dangers to which we are all exposed, in addition to knowing what is a cyber-attackIf you do not know what the most common types are, it is essential that you know what the most common types are. This way, you can be better prepared to protect your business and your privacy.

Below, we explain some of the most common types of cyber-attacks:

1. Malware: encompasses a huge compendium of malicious software, including viruses, Trojans and ransomware. Designed to infiltrate computer systems and cause serious damage. The virus are replicated and attached to files and programmes; the Trojans masquerade as legitimate software to steal information; and the ransomware files demanding a ransom in exchange for their release.
2. Phishing: Phishing is a fairly common and increasingly sophisticated technique. Attackers impersonate real banks or companies to deceive victims and obtain confidential data such as passwords, credit card numbers and bank details. To do so, they use fraudulent emails, forged websites and persuasive messages.
3. Denial of Service Attacks (DDoS): These attacks aim to saturate a system or network with fake traffic, overloading it and making it inaccessible to users. To do this, botnets or manipulated devices are often used to direct huge amounts of traffic to a specific target, causing websites and online platforms to crash.
4. Social engineering attacks: This type of threat involves manipulating victims through persuasion and psychological manipulation to gain access to different systems or to get them to disclose sensitive data or perform certain actions. Usually through phone calls, emails or online interactions.
5. Password hacking: This threat is based on the vulnerability of passwords. Cybercriminals use techniques such as brute-force or dictionary techniques to guess passwords and gain access to accounts or systems.
6. Network attacks: Attackers look for security gaps in computer networks to gain access to sensitive systems and data. This involves, for example, exploiting faulty configurations or looking for weak entry points in the network.
7. Zero-Day Attacks: these attacks focus on newly discovered vulnerabilities in software before developers can address them. Cybercriminals take advantage of this before security patches are released.

Examples of cyber-attacks

Now you know what a cyber-attack is and which are the most common ones. But, to better understand why they are so dangerous, it is essential that you know a few of them. examples of real cyber-attacks that have had a significant impact on society and cyber security in recent years.

Since the infamous ransomware WannaCry which affected companies around the world until the attack Stuxnet, which highlighted the potential of cyber-attacks as weapons between states, the following examples illustrate the diversity and severity of the cyber threats we face.

1. Stuxnet (2010): the Stuxnet attack was a milestone in the field of cyber security, being one of the first cyber weapons backed by national governments. It demonstrated that cyber attacks could be used to compromise physical systems, in this case nuclear centrifuges. It exposed the weakness of critical infrastructures to cybercrime.
2. Attack on Sony Pictures (2014): Through massive data breaches and the destruction of systems, the attack on Sony Pictures showed how cybercrime can affect a company's reputation and operations.
3. WannaCry (2017): This attack provided a powerful demonstration of the global reach that ransomware attacks can have and the importance of keeping systems and software up to date.
4. DDoS attack on GitHub (2018): This incident highlighted the weakness of even the largest and most fortified technology platforms in the face of DDoS attacks. It highlighted the need for more robust mechanisms and preparedness to deal with such risks.

Learn how to protect your company thanks to IMMUNE's Master's Degree in Cybersecurity

It should be noted that these examples are just the tip of the iceberg in the world of cyber-attacks. The threat is constant and continues to evolve on a daily basis, which makes the cybersecurity is a growing concern today.

In this regard, education and the adoption of good cybersecurity practices are essential to minimise risks and keep information and systems secure in an increasingly connected world.

Our Master's Degree in Cybersecurity Online will give you the knowledge and skills to identify what a cyber-attack is, the vulnerabilities that affect your code, manage threats, use cyber-intelligence and perform forensic analysis. What are you waiting for to sabotage the malicious plans of cybercriminals?

If you are looking for technology training fill in the form for more information.