If you’ve ever experienced any cyber attack, unless you’ve completed the online Master’s in Cybersecurity you’re probably wondering how those cybercriminals pull off these schemes. While most of us unknowingly use social media and browse websites, we don’t realize that hackers could lurk in the shadows looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. These tricks can be incredibly simple. Things like phishing emails or password crackers are all it takes. Let’s look deeper into the most common technologies used in cyber attacks so you can be better prepared for the next attack.
Malware: The Most Prevalent Cyber Threat
The most common form of cyber attack is malware, and this form of attack can be rather inconspicuous and take many forms. Malware is malicious software that is programmed in a way that can access or damage your computer without your approval.
Viruses and Worms
Viruses and worms are the two oldest, most common, and most well-known types of malware. The way that worms get through is by exploiting security vulnerabilities and copying themselves from one network to another without intervention from users. These worms can do everything from accessing and deleting files to using system resources or damaging hardware.
The distinction with viruses is that they require user intervention to operate, which might mean opening an infected attachment or clicking a malicious link. Viruses can also cause the same kinds of damage as worms, like deleting files, corrupting data, and disrupting hardware performance. Because they require human interaction, they usually take more time to infect systems.
Trojans
Named after the infamous Trojan horse, trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick you into downloading them. Once installed, they access your files and can cause various damage and issues. These are another threat that requires human interaction but can be even more tricky to get around as their tactics and tricks become more sophisticated.
Ransomware
Ransomware, as the name suggests, is malware that locks you out of your computer and demands an amount of cash or currency in exchange for access to your documents. This malware is usually spread through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links. Like worms, they can also spread across and encrypt files over multiple networks.
Phishing Attacks: When Emails Turn Dangerous
These types of scams are everywhere, and if you’ve used email before, you’ve probably experienced phishing emails, and hopefully, you didn’t click the links. The hackers try to lure and trick unsuspecting users into clicking links by sending emails that look totaly legit. This might be from your bank, bills, or government agency. After clicking the link, the damage is done, and the breach may have already happened.
They’ll usually email you saying there’s an issue with your account or you’ve got a package to pick up—usually something to emulate an ordinary email you’re expected to receive. Then, once you’ve clicked the link, you’ll give up your password. If their victim has clicked their links, the criminal can steal money, take personal information, or put viruses on your computer and hold you hostage.
If you receive any email asking you for personal information or to click links, you should be skeptical immediately. Legitimate companies don’t ask for emails or personal details, nor will they offer any prize or gift that might be too good to be true. Trust your get, check the sender, and delete anything that seems sketchy. It’s not worth it, and better to be safe than sorry.
Distributed Denial of Service Attacks (DDoS)
While it might seem complicated, DDoS attacks are relatively simple in theory. These cybercrimes are perpetuated by a criminal who wants to overwhelm a network or system with traffic through multiple sources. The end goal is usually to flood the network with so much traffic that legitimate users cannot access it anymore.
How DDoS Attacks Work
DDoS attacks work by sending an overload of requests to servers so they cannot function. Because single computers are easy to detect and can be blocked from the server, DDoS attacks use multiple computers to attach and overwhelm the system resources. They drain CPU and memory and stop other users from accessing the network. This would result in websites not loading or other users being denied access.
What is a Botnet?
Because one user isn’t enough to create a significant issue in the server, its often the case that criminals use malware to infect other computers to make the DDoS attack even more widespread. There could be hundreds of computers infected with the software from all around the world participating in the attack together. This is called a botnet and is one of the most aggressive ways to perform a DDoS attack.
Conclusion
These are the most common weapons in the hacker’s toolbox, and while there are an array of methods and tactics used, these are the ones that you should look out for. As well as being aware of these systems, you should ensure that you’re continuously implementing strong passwords, two-factor authentication, antivirus software, and staying alert online. While cybercrime might be increasing, someone who is informed and aware will still have the best defense against these threats.
