Recognizing Digital Attacks That Organizations Must Be Aware Of

Cyber threats evolve quickly, using multiple attack vectors to cause damage. It is especially true as digital transformation is eroding traditional network perimeters and increasing the ubiquity of mobile devices.

Cybercriminals launch various attacks ranging from data theft to system disruption. These attacks often involve phishing, which uses social engineering to trick an unsuspecting user into clicking on a malicious link or opening an attachment.

Malware

Malware is invasive software or computer code that can damage, infect, steal and gain access to computer systems. Malware attacks target sensitive data, including financial information and identity details.

Viruses, trojans and worms are examples of malware, but other types include spyware, botnets, adware, keyloggers and crypto mining. Malware can encrypt data, carry out DDoS attacks and more.

Spyware, for example, collects user information without their knowledge or consent and transmits it back to hackers. Hackers can use this information to compromise user accounts or steal personally identifiable information (PII).

Even though ransomware has traditionally topped the list of malicious malware types, recent research reports indicate that cybercriminals focus on more targeted attacks. This shift is partly due to the decline of cryptocurrency values, but it also reflects a trend toward information stealing, which is more lucrative than crypto mining.

Web Attacks

Web attacks in digital crime can include using malware to access sensitive information, such as user passwords or credit card details. These types of attacks are a common threat to businesses.

Cybercriminals launch attacks for various reasons, including financial gain or disabling computer systems. They can also be used for espionage, in which hackers exploit vulnerabilities to steal data or other sensitive information, especially from organizations.

Hackers now find it simpler to attack networks thanks to the growth of cloud computing and mobile devices. In addition, security breaches are becoming more complex as cybercriminals adopt new ways to circumvent traditional defenses. Organizations are protected from expensive losses brought on by a data breach or other security incident, and their overhead costs are reduced by well-designed security services network security. Lawful access to systems, apps, and data is necessary to run businesses and provide consumer services and goods.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks involve a threat actor inserting himself between a user and a trusted application or website, allowing them to steal sensitive information. They are mainly aimed at users of financial applications and SaaS businesses, as well as online e-commerce sites and websites that require login credentials or store personal data.

To conduct a MITM attack, an attacker installs a packet sniffer that intercepts network traffic between the victim and the site they want to access. They then redirect the victim to a fake site that mimics the original one, collecting their user information.

The attacker then decrypts the intercepted information, allowing them to use it. It may include identity theft, unapproved fund transfers or an illicit password change.

BEC Attacks

Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are one of the most prevalent types of cybercrime that impact organizations of all sizes. Ransomware and other types of malicious software are easy to recognize and stop, but BEC is harder to detect.

BEC involves social engineering techniques and impersonation that traditional cyber defenses cannot detect. It makes them difficult to investigate and remediate manually.

During BEC attacks, hackers send fraudulent emails to executives, finance department staff or partners designed to glean sensitive information or extract money from them. They often pose as the company’s CEO or an executive within a finance department.

Once the target employee responds to the email, they may be asked to transfer money to an account controlled by the attacker. They may also be asked to provide passwords or log in credentials for a legitimate business account.

Keylogger Attacks

Keyloggers are activity-monitoring software programs that record and send your keyboard strokes to a cybercriminal. These malicious tools give hackers access to sensitive data such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Hackers can also use a keylogger to monitor emails, text messages, and web pages users visit on their devices. This information can be used to gather personal details or to scam contacts.

There are two main types of keyloggers: hardware and software. The latter can be installed on a device without physical access and is more commonly used in digital attacks.

A keylogger is often detected by antivirus software or by checking the task manager for suspicious processes. However, a highly complex keylogger may be seen because it hides behind legitimate computer processes.

Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks

DoS attacks are a standard method used by criminals to disrupt online services. They typically rely on malware or botnets to flood target servers with fake requests.

Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks are often motivated by revenge, blackmail or hacktivism. They can slow down or even shut down online systems and websites.

Malvertising Attacks

Malvertising is a relatively new cyberattack technique that injects malicious code into digital ads served to internet users. It’s difficult for consumers and publishers to detect and can spread across many reputable websites.

Criminals increasingly leverage malvertising to target U.S. federal government employees, scientists, and other high-value targets. They often use social engineering tactics to lure victims into clicking on bad ads. They may also leverage drive-by download methods that infect computers without users clicking on the ad.