The Types of Cyber Attacks: A Guide for Businesses

Last Updated on February 20, 2022 by

The largest cyber attack in 2021 was a data breach that exposed more than 5 billion records.

Enterprises and small businesses know that cyber attacks are a reality these days. It’s not if you get hit with an attack, it’s a matter of when.

Each instance can cause thousands of dollars in damages, destroy a business’s reputation, and cause them to shut down.

The best way to protect your business starts with knowing the types of cyber attacks and threats. You’ll be able to secure your network and stay protected.

Read on to learn about the different cyber threats to your business in this guide.

1. Social Engineering Attacks

These are attacks where people get convinced to take action that’s actually harmful. An example is an email that purports to be from tax authorities telling someone that they have to pay money or go to jail for tax debt.

Phishing scams are social engineering attacks. These are mass emails that get sent to thousands of people with the same message designed to scare people into doing something.

They might get asked to click on a link, send money, or change a password. These are usually scams that put the entire business at risk.

2. Database Attacks

Databases hold a lot of sensitive information. Some store website files, while others contain payment, health, or social security numbers.

Databases are frequent targets because they’re goldmines for hackers. SQL injections add malicious code to your database, which exposes confidential data.

These breaches involve human error, too. Employees could misconfigure a cloud database, resulting in major vulnerabilities. These get exploited, and your business is out of luck.

Employees could use weak passwords that make it easy to gain access to databases. If you don’t think that can’t happen to your business, think again.

Equifax had one of the largest database breaches of all time. Staff used ‘admin’ as the login and password.

3. Malware

Malware is any type of malicious software that gets installed on a device connected to your network. This can contain anything from ransomware to viruses.

Ransomware is a popular mode of attack these days. Once malware gets installed on a device, attackers can lock up the machine and your entire network. They hold it hostage until you pay a ransom.

Adware is malicious software that relentlessly pops ads on computers. Viruses slow down devices and give attackers documents and data on the computer.

There are other types of malware that follow keystrokes. Hackers get password information to bank accounts and other sites that way.

Database breaches and malware are difficult to detect. Attackers often have months before they’re detected. There are service providers like ihloom.com that have plans to detect and respond to such attacks.

The Many Types of Cyber Attacks

These are just some of the major types of cyber attacks that hackers use to get your sensitive data. You’re armed with the information you need to increase business security.

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