Common Cyber Attack Types and How to Protect Your Computer System

A cyber attack is an offensive action by a cyber criminal on a computer network, systems, or data. This is usually done to disrupt, disable, or gain unauthorised access to private information. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting businesses, organisations, and even individuals. 

As we increase our reliance on technology, we get more vulnerable. Cyber attacks exist in various forms, each with its own execution methods and goals. However, despite their number and sophistication, you can take certain measures to protect your computer system. 

This article explains the most common types of cyber attacks and what you can do to prevent them.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)

In a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) cyber attack, the attacker tries to prevent users from accessing a system by flooding and overwhelming the servers with traffic from many sources. Criminals usually use this method to disrupt online services.

This can be prevented by implementing high-level security measures such as firewalls and anti-virus software. Conduct regular security audits on your system to identify and remove vulnerabilities.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack where criminals send emails to victims pretending to be an entity or direct them to websites that appear legitimate. The aim of this is to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. The attackers use the information to access the victims’ accounts and commit fraud.

To avoid phishing scams, never click on links in emails or messages from unknown senders. Don’t trust emails or websites that look unusual or contain typos. If you’re unsure, verify the legitimacy of an email or website by getting in touch with the company directly.

Malware

Malware is malicious software installed on a victim’s computer without their knowledge. Cybercriminals can use this type of cyber attack to steal information, damage data, or take control of a system. A malware attack can cause a system to crash, corrupt data, or allow attackers to gain access to sensitive information.

To avoid malware, keep your computers and software up to date, install anti-malware and anti-virus protection, and have firewalls in your network. Also, refrain from clicking on suspicious email attachments or installing suspicious software. 

Man-in-the-middle (MITM)

A man-in-the-middle attack is when an attacker inserts themselves into communication between two parties to eavesdrop, intercept data, or even impersonate one party. Attackers use this method of cyber attack to gain access to sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial information, or trade secrets.

To be safe, always verify the identity of the person you are communicating with, even if you think you know who they are. If possible, use a secure communication method, such as encrypted email or a VPN, to protect your data from being intercepted.