How to Prevent Major Cyber Attacks

Life today has become much more comfortable thanks to various digital devices and the internet that supports them. However, there is a downside: the Internet has indeed brought a positive change in our lives, but also a huge challenge for the protection of our data from cyber attacks.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of threats, how they work, and how you can prevent them from causing damage to your systems, revenue or reputation.

Cyber ​​attacks are increasingly common

In 2021, attacks around the world increased by 10% compared to the previous year, and are increasingly serious: from 1,874 in 2020 to 2,049 in 2021. The new attack methods show that cybercriminals are increasingly aggressive and able to network with organized crime. This is what emerges from the Clusit 2022 Report.

For this reason, even in 2022, cyber security is more important than ever. With the growing threats to business, having a robust security solution is absolutely essential.

What are the most common cyber attacks?

There are many varieties of cyber attacks occurring in the world today. If we know the various types of cyber attacks, it becomes easier for us to protect our networks and systems from them. Here we will take a closer look at the top 6 cyber attacks that can target an individual or a large company.

# 1 Malware

This is one of the most common types of cyber attacks. “Malware” refers to malicious software viruses including worms, spyware, ransomware, adware, and Trojans.

Malware breaches a network through a vulnerability. For example, when the user clicks on a dangerous link or downloads a malicious e-mail attachment, or when an infected USB stick is used.

Once inside the system, the malware can perform the following operations:

• blocks access to key network components;
• install additional malware or malicious software;
• obtains information secretly by transmitting data from the hard drive;
• breaks some components and renders the system unusable.

How to prevent a malware attack?

• Use antivirus software.
• Use firewalls to filter traffic that might enter your device.
• Be careful and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Update your operating system and browser regularly.

# 2 Phishing

Phishing attacks are one of the most common types of cyber attacks. It is the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a trusted source, usually via email. The goal is to steal sensitive data such as credit cards and login information or install malware on the victim’s computer.

Unaware of this, the victim opens the email and clicks the malicious link or opens the email attachment. In this way, attackers gain access to confidential information and account credentials.

How to prevent a phishing attack?

• Scan the emails you receive. Most phishing emails have significant errors such as misspellings and format changes compared to legitimate sources.
• Use an anti-phishing toolbar.
• Update your passwords regularly.

# 3 Man-in-the-middle attack

Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, also known as eavesdropping attacks, occur when attackers enter into a transaction between two parties – that is, they hijack the session between a client and a host. Once hackers stop traffic, they can filter and steal data.

There are two common entry points for MitM attacks:

1. On an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, attackers can intrude between a visitor’s device and the network. Without knowing it, the visitor passes all information through the attacker.
2. Once the malware has breached a device, an attacker can install software to process all of the victim’s information.

How to prevent MitM attacks?

• Be aware of the security of the website you are using. Use encryption on your devices.
• Refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks.

# 4 Denial of Service Attack

A denial of service attack floods systems, servers or networks with traffic to deplete resources and bandwidth. As a result, the system is unable to fulfil legitimate requests. Attackers can also use multiple compromised devices to launch this attack. This is known as a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack.

How to prevent a DDoS attack?

• Run a traffic analysis to identify malicious traffic.
• Understand the warning signs like network slowdown, intermittent website shutdowns, etc. At such times, the organization must take the necessary measures without delay.
• Formulate an incident response plan, keep a checklist, and make sure your team and data center are capable of handling a DDoS attack.

# 5 SQL Injection

A Structured Query Language (SQL) attack occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a server that uses SQL and forces the server to reveal information that it normally would not. An attacker could perform an SQL injection simply by sending malicious code into a search box on a vulnerable website.

How to prevent a SQL injection attack?

• It uses an intrusion detection system, as they design it to detect unauthorized access to a network.
• Perform a validation of the data provided by the user.

# 6 Zero-day Exploit

A Zero-Day Exploit occurs after a network vulnerability is announced; in most cases, there is no solution to the vulnerability. Then the seller notifies the vulnerability so that users are aware of it; however, this news also reaches the attackers.

Depending on the vulnerability, the vendor or developer may take any time to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, the attackers target the revealed vulnerability. They make sure they exploit the vulnerability even before a patch or solution is implemented.

How to prevent a zero-day attack?

• Businesses should have patch management processes in place. Use management solutions to automate procedures. This avoids delays in distribution.
• Have an incident response plan to help you deal with a cyber attack. In this way, the damage can be reduced or completely avoided.

How to do prevention in favor of the business?

We’ve looked at different ways to prevent the different types of cyber attacks. Let’s summarize and review some tips you can take to avoid a cyber attack.

Prevention is essential and it is essential to effectively safeguard your company.

• Limit the personal information you share online. Change your privacy settings and don’t use the location features.
• Change your passwords regularly and use complex alphanumeric passwords that are difficult to crack. Do not use the same password twice. Use a password manager and two verification methods.
• Keep software applications and operating systems up to date. This is a primary prevention method for any cyber attack. This will remove the vulnerabilities that hackers tend to exploit.
• Use antivirus, antimalware, and firewall solutions to block threats.
• Don’t click on links in text messages or emails from people you don’t know. Scammers can create fake links to websites.
• Use a VPN. This ensures that it encrypts the traffic between the VPN server and your device.
• Back up your files regularly to an encrypted file or encrypted file storage device.
• Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. This proves to be a critical step in securing your account.
• Protect your mobile phone, as mobile phones are also a target of cyber attacks. Only install apps from legitimate and trustworthy sources, be sure to keep your device up to date.