Cyber Attack: Definition & Prevention Tips
A cyber attack is an attempt to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices. Cyber attacks can range from stealing confidential data to crippling critical infrastructure through malware or ransomware. As our world becomes more connected through technology, the threat of cyber attacks continues to grow.
Key Takeaways:
- Cyber attacks use malicious code to alter computer code, logic, or data, resulting in disruptive outcomes.
- Common attack types include phishing, DDoS, man-in-the-middle, supply chain, and ransomware attacks.
- Major cyber attacks have targeted companies like Target, Equifax, Colonial Pipeline, and government agencies.
- Preventing cyber attacks involves steps like keeping software updated, using strong passwords, enabling MFA, restricting permissions, and training employees.
- Implementing security solutions like antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, encryption, and backups further reduces risk.
Types of Cyber Attacks
There are many different classifications and types of cyber attacks. Some major categories include:
Phishing
Phishing attacks attempt to obtain sensitive data like login credentials or credit card details by disguising themselves as trustworthy sources. They often use email spoofing and fake websites to trick users into inputting personal information. Education and awareness can help protect against phishing.
Denial-of-Service (DoS)
DoS attacks aim to overwhelm systems and networks with traffic to make resources inaccessible to legitimate users. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks leverage multiple sources to amplify the scale of the traffic. Improved bandwidth management and firewall rules can help mitigate DoS attacks.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)
MitM attacks infiltrate communication between two parties and intercept/alter the exchanges. Using encryption and digital certificates can prevent MitM attacks from collecting sensitive data.
Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks inject malware into downloads from trusted providers like software companies. Vetting vendors, scrutinizing updates, and isolating critical systems can reduce exposure to supply chain attacks.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts files and systems until a ransom is paid. Having updated backups makes organizations less dependent on paying the ransom, and security training also limits susceptibility to ransomware.
SQL Injection
SQL injection attacks input malicious code into forms on websites to access or destroy databases. Input validation and parameterized queries help defend against SQL injection attempts.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS attacks embed malicious scripts into trusted websites to access session cookies/tokens. Filtering input and escaping untrusted data can prevent XSS attacks from executing.
Major Cyber Attacks & Examples
Some noteworthy cyber attacks over the past decade include:
Target (2013)
- Hackers accessed a Target vendor’s login credentials through a phishing email and entered Target’s payment system network.
- They installed malware to steal credit/debit card information from point-of-sale systems at over 1,800 stores.
- The breach compromised 40 million payment cards and contact info like emails/phone numbers for 70 million people.
Adult FriendFinder (2016)
- Nearly 412 million user accounts were compromised, including emails, passwords, browser info, IP addresses, and sexual orientation data.
- The FriendFinder network failed to configure its firewalls, leaving databases exposed properly.
Equifax (2017)
- 143 million consumers had their personal information stolen, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license details.
- Attackers exploited an Equifax web app vulnerability that went unpatched for months, allowing data access.
Uber (2016)
- Hackers stole data from 57 million Uber riders and drivers, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Uber paid $100,000 to the hackers to delete the data and did not disclose the breach until a year later.
Colonial Pipeline (2021)
- A major U.S. fuel pipeline was forced to shut down after being infected with ransomware, cutting off nearly half the gas supply to the East Coast.
- The operators paid $4.4 million in Bitcoin to restore their crippled systems, underscoring the cyber risks to critical infrastructure.
Office of Personnel Management (2015)
- 21.5 million records of government employees were breached, including Social Security numbers, fingerprints, and sensitive background check info.
- Chinese hackers executed the attack by impersonating job-seeking college students to gain access.
Sony Pictures (2014)
- Hackers leaked upcoming movies, sensitive emails, and employee data like salaries/SSNs in response to Sony Pictures’ film The Interview.
- North Korea was attributed to the source of the attack, which cost Sony over $15 million in IT repairs.
Capital One (2019)
- A former AWS employee exploited a misconfigured firewall to access credit card application data, income details, and Social Security numbers.
- The breach exposed information about 100 million people and showed the risks posed by insider threats.
European Parliament (2022)
- A cyber-espionage group with ties to China gained access to parliamentary data and emails for several months before being detected.
- The attack highlighted the ongoing cyber threats to government agencies holding sensitive information.
How to Prevent Cyber Attacks
While no organization is immune to cyber attacks, several best practices can help prevent and minimize threats:
- Keep software updated – Install the latest security patches, which fix known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
- Use strong passwords – Require employees to create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for logins.
- Restrict permissions – Only allow access to data/systems necessary for each user’s role to limit exposure.
- Secure endpoints – Deploy antivirus software across devices and configure firewalls to restrict traffic.
- Enable encryption – Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest to render it unreadable if stolen.
- Backup regularly – Perform regular backups and ensure their isolation to avoid ransomware infecting them.
- Train personnel – Educate employees on cyber hygiene practices through simulations like phishing tests.
- Monitor networks – Use intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect threats and block attempted attacks.
- Control third parties – Vet suppliers/partners and ensure limited network access to reduce supply chain risks.
- Establish incident plans – Have response strategies ready for containing, investigating, and recovering from attacks.
Technical Cybersecurity Controls
In addition to the above policies and procedures, organizations can implement various tools and solutions to strengthen their cyber defenses:
Antivirus Software
Antivirus programs detect and isolate malware, such as viruses, worms, and trojans, to prevent infection. They use signature-based detection to identify known threats and heuristics to catch new variants.
Firewalls
Firewalls control traffic between internal and external networks based on predefined security rules. They provide essential boundaries that prevent unauthorized access attempts.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
IDS solutions monitor networks and systems for suspicious activity and policy violations and send alerts to security teams. They discover attacks in progress versus just blocking them.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
IPS offers the detection capabilities of IDS along with the ability to ved threats before they proactively reach their targets. This prevents incidents earlier in the attack chain.
Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)
SIEM software aggregates activity data across an organization’s entire infrastructure to analyze for cyber threats. It provides real-time monitoring and historical analysis.
Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
WAF solutions establish filters that inspect and block harmful traffic to web apps. They defend against web-based attacks like cross-site scripting and SQL injection.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP systems identify, monitor, and safeguard sensitive data like customer records and intellectual property. They prevent unauthorized access or transmission of this data.
Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)
SOAR automatically orchestrates and executes repetitive security tasks and processes. This accelerates incident response and unburdens security teams.
Final Thoughts
As cyber-attacks increase, understanding the distinct types of threats and proactively implementing safeguards becomes essential. Applying security best practices around managing users, assets, and networks reduces an organization’s attack surface. Leveraging purpose-built cybersecurity solutions provides further defenses tailored to an entity’s specific risks. With vigilant and layered security, damaging cyber attacks can be avoided and mitigated.
Cyber Attack Prevention FAQs
What is the most common cyber attack?
Phishing is the most prevalent type of cyber attack, often delivered through fraudulent emails requesting sensitive data or containing malware. Education on identifying phishing is key.
How can individuals prevent cyber attacks?
Individuals should use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, keep software updated, avoid suspicious links/attachments, use antivirus programs, and backup data.
What is the #1 way companies get hacked?
Third parties like vendors, clients, and partners are the leading cause of company breaches. Their access provides pathways for attackers, making supply chain security critical.
What are 3 basic cybersecurity safeguards?
Three foundational safeguards are:
- Requiring complex passwords.
- Restricting unnecessary access to data.
- Promptly installing software updates and patches.
How can businesses defend against cyber attacks?
Businesses should implement layered defenses, such as firewalls, gateways, intrusion systems, encryption, employee training, and vulnerability management, powered by a security operations center to protect your business from cyberattacks.
What cybersecurity measures do financial institutions take?
Banks protect critical financial data using specialized techniques, such as AI-powered fraud detection, cybersecurity insurance, red team testing, data loss prevention, and air-gapped systems.
Should you pay ransomware demands?
Paying ransoms encourages more attacks, but refusing sometimes leaves organizations unable to recover data. Having isolated backups allows more choice in responding to ransomware.
Jinu Arjun
