Types of Cyber Attacks & How to Prevent Them

The number of cyber attacks that are a threat to your computer, network, personal and professional information, and much more have increased greatly. There are more threats in the digital space than ever before. Through the internet, malicious people and well-designed software, everyone is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Even if you have an unbeatable team and a cybersecurity strategy that seems impenetrable, there is always a way in. Whether you are worried about a company or your individual cyber security, below are various cyber-attacks and ways to prevent them.

Malware

The term malware refers to the combination of different tools used in software designed to attack computers and their networks. It is one of the most effective and common cyber threats out there, but luckily the solution can be simple. You should start with a good anti-malware software. This will cover the basics of malware protection. Still, if you want to go a step further and protect yourself even better from malware is to focus on endpoint protection. Endpoint security is one of the best ways to prevent cyber attacks because it focuses on specific channels of communication, otherwise known as endpoints. It’s an effective way to protect from all kinds of cyber attacks.

Ransomware

On the other hand, ransomware is designed to take your information and hold your computer hostage. Ransomware is a virus that gets downloaded onto your device, holding all your data ransom. Often the attacker will ask for a specific sum to unlock your device and gain access to your data, but even if you pay, they might not hold to their word. Ransomware attacks can be devastating. There are anti-ransomware software you can download, but if you are a business your strategy should include hiring or outsourcing to experts who can focus on the gaps in your network and vulnerabilities you have.

Phishing

Phishing has been around longer than most of the other cyber threats. They have changed a lot since phishing was invented. Typically, phishing attacks come in the form of an email with a corrupted link or attachable download. It is estimated that about one percent of emails are phishing attacks. With the number of emails sent every day, this translates to a vast sum of phishing attacks that are employed every day. You should use encrypted email services and install a firewall to protect from these viruses and other methods of attack through phishing emails.

Identity Theft

The problem with identity theft is that someone can steal your information and never leave a trace. If someone finds their way onto your computer or into your accounts, they can ruin your life. They can steal money and valuable information from you. They can put your name in jeopardy. Luckily, there are some things you can do. 

You should first keep complex passwords that are never reused. You can store them in an encrypted app so that you can remember and use them without anyone easily gaining access. Never use the same passwords, especially when you are dealing with sensitive information from banks, schools, and other institutions. You should carefully store and protect all your data online, no matter what the situation.

Account Takeover

Like identity theft, another simple but devastating attack is the account takeover. When someone gets onto an account—especially a corporate or business account—they may not steal your identity. Instead, these attackers could change your password, lock everyone out of the account, and make protected wire transfers. There are a lot of ways to make quick cash on an account takeover. If the other end is protected or offshore, there is not much anyone can do. The authorities might find them in the end, but it could take a long time.

The amount and degree of cyber security attacks that can occur is dramatic. There are so many different threats that continue to increase and become more dynamic. The attacks are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to prevent against. The good news is that the cyber security response has also improved. Whether you are an individual or a large company, the attacks above can be prevented. The most important thing is that you do your due diligence and try your best to protect against every avenue that you could be attacked on.