We tell you about the five types of cyber attacks that you should be careful of in 2023. Read below to find out more.
Common Types of Cyber Threats
Injection Assaults
Injection attacks are a type of cyber attack in which a malicious actor inserts a query or code into a program to gain access to sensitive data, remotely execute commands, or modify a system. In order to carry out an injection attack, cybercriminals exploit “injection flaws,” or vulnerabilities within a system that allows malware or malicious queries to be received and used by attackers to gain unauthorized access.
Injection attacks are classified into several types. Among the most common are:
- Code injection occurs when bad actors inject code into an application, which is typically vulnerable due to incorrect data validation.
- SQL Injection: Malicious actors use structure query language (SQL) to inject commands that can read data stored in the system.
- XML Injection: Bad actors exploit vulnerabilities in extensible markup language (XML) to gain unauthorized access to data.
MitM (Man-in-the-Middle)
Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks happen when a malicious actor inserts themselves between two parties who think they’re communicating with each other but are actually communicating with the attacker.
Man-in-the-middle attacks, also known as “machine-in-the-middle” and “on-path” attacks, typically involve a cybercriminal detecting insecure traffic and then redirecting network users to spoof websites in order to steal the user’s log-in credentials. Following that, attackers use the stolen credentials to log in to the real website, where they steal additional sensitive data or commit financial crimes such as theft.
DoS (Denial of Service)
A denial of service (DoS) attack is a type of cyber attack in which a malicious actor attempts to overload a website or system, rendering it inoperable. DoS attacks typically work by flooding websites and network servers with fraudulent traffic requests, causing the site to be unable to provide its services to legitimate visitors. DoS attacks commonly target email servers, websites, and banking accounts.
DoS attacks caused by the actions of multiple computers are known as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Cybercriminals frequently use DoS and DDoS attacks to hold an organization’s website hostage for ransom, as a smoke screen for other types of attacks, or as a pretext for other types of attacks.
Phishing
Phishing is a common type of cyber attack in which a bad actor impersonates a legitimate person or organization, such as a friend, coworker, or bank, in order to trick users into downloading malware or disclosing sensitive information.
In a phishing attack, cybercriminals send malicious links in emails, text messages, or social media posts to their victims, who unknowingly download malware as a result. Phishing attacks are frequently used by scammers to obtain credit card numbers, bank account information, or social security numbers in order to commit financial crimes or identity theft.
Malware
Malware is software that is designed to cause harm, such as disrupting computer systems, granting unauthorized access to information, or remotely monitoring another person’s online behaviour. Malware, which stands for “malicious software,” is typically downloaded onto a computer or mobile device by masquerading as a harmless file or link that can be difficult to identify as a threat when it appears. As a result, malware attacks are on the rise.
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