Five types of cyber attacks your company should know how to protect itself from

Many companies are facing situations which would have been unimaginable years ago; this is the issue with cyber threats. In this case, the development and investment in cybersecurity material are becoming crucial. 

There are various types of cyber attacks which evolve and perfect themselves daily. Due to this, companies should be prepared to respond most effectively: make use of research and technological advancements. However, to be able to face these threats, it is essential to study and know how to differentiate them. 

What do hackers look for? 

Before we analyse the different types of cyber attacks, it essential to understand how a hacker operates. Hackers are knowledgeable people who can use various techniques. On the one hand, they have been employed to improve a company’s internet security system. On the other hand, they can damage and manipulate the system. 

The aims of ‘bad’ hackers or pirate computer engineers are varied. They can even have an aggressive or political agenda, encompassing them in a cyberwar. However, one of the main goals is to steal information from a company, identity theft and the halt of a computers software.  

The most common cyber attacks

There is no doubt that a cyber attack can have dire consequences for any organisation. Furthermore, considering that these crimes renew themselves and find new ways to damage businesses and gain ownership of their data. Therefore, companies need to know the types of cyber attacks. These are some of the most common ones: 

1.Spyware

This malware aims to infect a computer so that data is taken from it. Once the hacker has the data, the person can transfer it to any external party without the owner’s consent. Numerous hackers do this to sell sensitive information. Considering we live in the era of big data and the vast majority of data which is generated and handled by companies daily, this type of virus can be extremely harmful.

2.Phishing

Another danger which companies frequently face is phishing. This type of cyber attack is especially dangerous as it expands via e-mail, which makes it spread quickly. Again, stealing information is the main aim of cybercriminals. How are they able to access the data needed for specific people of companies? Through infected e-mail accounts. 

3.Adware

This software, used to show publicity, is focused on stealing a user’s data but can also affect companies. In this case, it is not done via e-mail, but through ads in which they collect someone’s information. 

4.Ransomware

The frequency of this type of attack is increasing. It manages to block a company or institutions system, asking for a financial rescue in exchange of letting it go. The effects can be catastrophic; the company can end up completely paralysed. Some of the biggest companies have suffered this type of attack recently, generating a stir in the media. The positive side in the ransomware virus, which have been perfectioned and focused on mobile phones, is that they have become visible to our society. 

5. Worms

Worms can also be a common type of attack on the internet. Its method is simple: it passes on replicating itself, sending copies and extending to other devices. The first-ever worm on the internet was the Morris worm, data from 1988, since then the formula has continued perfecting itself to be able to attack all types of devices.

New threats

To opt for a digital transformation is a critical challenge which companies take on more and more every day. Cybersecurity is an aspect which needs to be taken care of to avoid unpleasant and harmful situations for any organisation. The reality is that these dangers present themselves in a sophisticated and incisive way. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions on a larger scale. 

Not only do we have to face the common types of cyber attacks, but also other alternatives in which pirate computer engineers are exploiting to fulfil their intentions. Which stand out from the ones that are spoken about lately? 

Firstly, hackers are using channel devices used extensively by companies. An example? The printer. These machines, which now need internet to function, can be vulnerable and at the same time easy to use to spread a virus. 

However, there are other devices which can be infected and harmed by a cyber attack. In this case, from a smartphone to even the fridge and a router. 

Finally, another technique is the use of drones. In this case, the consequence is way more practical and direct. Drones can enter private spaces, film and get data without consent, and on many occasions, they commercialise in the black market. 

What is the best solution?

The answer to this growing problem should be based on educating, research, and innovation. Companies should be up to date with cybersecurity material, not only to find better protection tools, but to also know how to renew and update their security shield, and most importantly to dispose of the necessary information to anticipate and prevent cyber attacks. Will companies be able to reach the compromise of being well protected against virtual threats?