The 5 Most Common Types Of Cybersecurity Attacks To Be Aware Of

Cybersecurity is trending for all the “wrong” reasons. While we need and enjoy all the tech that makes our lives easier, we could surely do without the doom and gloom of cyber risks, scams and exploitation. 

But sadly, the one feeds the other. The more dependent we become on technology, the more cybercriminals will try to cash in on it. 

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Unfortunately for us, being a cyber-crook is lucrative. So much so, that Statistica estimates the cost of cybercrime worldwide to reach US$15.63-trillion by 2029. 

Cybersecurity – at work and at home – is therefore an absolute must, and it starts with knowledge.

By knowing what hackers are doing, or aiming to achieve, we could more easily identify risks, and distinguish between what’s real, and what’s not. 

Here are some of the most common types of attacks to be aware of: 

1. Social engineering 

Cybercriminals have realised that the best way to get access to sensitive information is to trick people into handing it over freely. 

Their attacks, therefore, are becoming less random and more sophisticated. Social engineering is a term used for the deceitful and manipulative tactics they make use of in order to get people to trust them.

Some of these attacks include:

• Phishing: A fraudulent email or fake website that appears legitimate at first glance and aims to get a victim to reveal their sensitive information, such as login or financial details. For example, a criminal might send an email appearing to be from a bank, asking the recipient to “verify” their account details.

• Whaling or spear phishing: A highly targeted form of phishing aimed at senior executives, or other high-profile individuals, within a company. Attackers often research their targets extensively to create convincing personalised messages.

• Baiting: This attack offers something enticing like free software downloads, music, or movies to lure victims into a trap. When the victim downloads the file, it contains malware that infects their computer, granting the attacker access to sensitive data.

2. Generative AI-powered abuse

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, has not only improved the lives of the general public, but has also opened new avenues for hackers. 

After all, AI is only as moral as the person prompting it. Plus, many of these tools are free, thereby making it possible to compile convincing material in multiple languages.

Some of the ways in which AI is used include:

• AI-powered phishing: Cyber-crimes are using AI to create highly convincing and personalised phishing emails, thus making it increasingly difficult for both people and security systems to identify and block.

• Deepfake fraud: AI-generated audio or video that can now better impersonate executives, clients, or business partners, potentially leading to significant financial fraud or unauthorised access to sensitive data.

• AI-driven automated attacks: Cybercriminals use AI to automate vulnerability scanning and launch large-scale attacks, making it easier to bypass traditional security measures and overwhelm a network’s defences.

3. Insider threats

While many criminals pin-point certain companies and particular employees, it is important to know that the majority of these attacks are random. 

Therefore, every single person or third-party with access to an organisation’s network can be a threat. 

It is easier for insiders, like employees, contractors, or partners, to steal, misuse, or leak sensitive information compared to external attackers. 

Even well-meaning employees can unintentionally cause security breaches through carelessness, or lack of security training. 

Also, because insiders operate within trusted boundaries, their actions may go unnoticed for longer periods. 

4. Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is essentially software designed to harm, exploit or compromise computer systems, networks or devices. 

Cybercriminals make use of advanced techniques, including social engineering and AI, to create more convincing and targeted communications.

Malware comes in various forms, including:

• Viruses: These are self-replicating programs that attach themselves to legitimate files or software. When the infected file is executed, the virus spreads to other files and systems, potentially causing damage and data loss.
• Worms: Unlike viruses, worms are standalone malware that can replicate and spread independently across networks. They exploit vulnerabilities in software or operating systems to infiltrate connected devices, often causing widespread damage.
• Trojans: These are deceptive pieces of malware that masquerade as legitimate software. Once someone is tricked into downloading and installing a Trojan, it can create backdoors for attackers to access the system.
• Spyware: Spyware monitors user activity without consent, collecting sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, or browsing habits. This information is then sent to attackers for exploitation.
• Ransomware: Ransomware encrypts a victim’s files or locks them out of their system and demands a ransom payment to restore access. Sadly, corrupted data is seldom fully restored, if at all, even after the ransom has been paid. Cybercriminals are even leasing their tools and infrastructure to other attackers – Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) – making it easier for crooks with limited technical skills to execute more advanced attacks.

5. Network and infrastructure attacks

If the digital backbone of your business is compromised, hackers can launch strikes that could lead to widespread disruption or data breaches that can affect everything from your website to all connected devices.

Examples include:

• DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service): These attacks overwhelm a system with traffic from multiple sources, rendering it unavailable. They can target websites, email servers, or other critical infrastructure.
• Man-in-the-Middle: This is when criminals intercept communication between two parties to cyber-eavesdrop or manipulate the data being exchanged. This can happen on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks or through compromised network devices.
• Internet of Things (IoT): As more devices connect to the internet, from smart thermostats to industrial sensors, each becomes a potential entry point for cyber-crooks. Many IoT devices lack strong security features, making them attractive targets.

At Domains.co.za, we realise that cybersecurity is more important than ever. 

We therefore employ advanced security features across all our web hosting solutions and server infrastructure. 

From tools like Protection: DDoS and Monarx Malware, Security: SpamExperts and CageFS, Firewalls: Fortigate and Web Application, to continuous monitoring and Daily Acronis Backups, we ensure that you can focus on your business without worrying about server cyber threats. 

Added to this, we offer security products like SSL Certificates and Antivirus software as value-added solutions.

For more information on cybersecurity, click here.