The year 2021 has seen an unprecedented rise in the incidents of cyber attacks. Hackers are using increasingly sophisticated technologies to launch networking attacks with the intent to steal information from an organization’s database. In this ever-shifting threat landscape, it has become imperative to know about different types of cyber attacks and how they work. 

This article will introduce you to 7 of the most common types of cyber attacks that pose serious threats to your business. 

Malware attack

Malware is software that, without your knowledge, is installed in your system. It includes virus, worms, spyware, trojans, and ransomware. Usually, the software is planted on the user’s system, when the user clicks on a malicious link or downloads an email attachment containing harmful software . The use of malware is varied. It may block access to the network, disrupt functionality, or may access private files and spy on the user. In addition, cyber criminals use malware technique the most.

SQL injection attack

It is a method where malicious codes are inserted into a server to gain access to private and secured data. The attackers use structure query language (SQL) to plant the harmful codes into the server. They target unprotected websites and submit malicious code in the comment or search box of those sites. 

Denial of Service attack

Denial of Service (DoS) attack attempts to overwhelm a system by flooding it with illegitimate requests. The aim is to consume the system’s resources with these requests, so it is not able to respond to legitimate user requests. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is similar in intent. It aims to drain the resources of the target computer, network, or system. To carry out such attacks, the attacker uses multiple computers infected with malware. The owners of those computers have no knowledge about how the hackers are using their systems.

Man-in-the-middle attack

In Man-in-the-middle attacks, also known as eavesdropping, the attacker inserts themselves in the middle or in between two communicating parties without their knowledge. The attacker exploits the system’s vulnerabilities and gains access to private conversations and transactions. Public Wi-Fi and malware are the two most common entry points of such attacks.     

Phishing attack

It is one of the most common types of cyber-attack. In a Phishing attack, the attacker sends fraudulent emails, usually to a large number of unsuspecting receivers. These emails,disguised as coming from reliable sources, appear legitimate. Once the receiver opens the mail and clicks on the malicious links, it plants malicious scripts or files into the system. There is also a specific kind of phishing attack known as spear phishing that targets a particular organization or individual.  

Cross-site scripting attack

Cross-site scripting involves planting malicious scripts into a reliable third-party website. For example, a malicious code can transmit into the browser the moment the user requests a page from the website. Usually, attackers use JavaScript code to execute such types of attacks. However, they may also use other codes such as XSS, HTML, and Flash. 

DNS Spoofing attack

In this type of attack, the attacker inserts data into a DNS resolver cache and alters the DNS record. As a result, the traffic of that website is diverted to a spoof website instead of the legit one. The user may enter sensitive information into that fraudulent website thinking it to be a reliable website. As a result, you can ruin the company’s reputation.

In conclusion, these are only some of the most common forms of cyber attack. Hackers may use many other techniques to steal data and interrupt traffic. Make sure you implement the latest technology to prevent such attacks and keep your server and website safe.

Most importantly, Coloco offers colocation services in Baltimore and Washington DC area. We implement 24×7 interior and exterior surveillance to keep your servers protected. In addition, our team of experts flags any unusual activity as soon as it occurs and can take the necessary steps. Visit Coloco to know more about our services and choose the plan that suits your need.