Cyber Attack is an issue that has created commossion for the global population. Moreover, we have learned how to avoid cyber attacks if the attempt is now that critical. However, some of us, even now, don’t know how to prevent a cyberattack on our own if we confront it.
For that, we need to prepare ourselves confidently with the available resources and skills needed to prepare security solutions for better prevention and protection. Moreover, if you own a company, then you can hire professional cybersecurity experts to deal with the latest cybersecurity issues.
However, if you still want to learn them by yourself, you can learn from the available resources such as – books, ebooks, online videos, coaching, or joining a specially customized training & certification course. Before that, let’s talk about cyber attacks. Let’s continue!
What is Cyber Attack?
It’s a malicious attempt by hackers/ unauthorized individuals to access resources such as networks, servers, systems, or the company’s databases. In that case, the company’s data could go into the hands of a malicious hacker who could use it to their advantage and blackmail the victim to give ransom money. Let’s move forward to its types.
Cyber Attack Types
Well, several types of cyber attacks exist due to the malicious attempts of online hackers. Some of them are as follows:
| S.No. | Attack Types | Define |
| 1. | Malware | Malware comprises:
a) Trojan Horses, b) Spyware, c) Ransomware, d) Worms, and e) Viruses. Malware destroys computers by infecting them or stealing data. |
| 2. | Phishing | Fake websites, emails, or messages that tempt visitors to provide private information, includes
a) Passwords, b) Credit Card Details, or c) Personal Data. |
| 3. | DoS and DDoS Attacks | Saturate a target’s network or website with traffic to the point where users cannot access it. |
| 4. | Man-in-the-Middle Attacks | Without the other party’s knowledge, intercept and listen in on their conversations to potentially change or steal data. |
| 5. | SQL Injection | Use malicious SQL queries to alter a database by exploiting online application flaws. |
| 6. | Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) | Inject harmful scripts into websites that other users view, possibly jeopardizing their data or experiences. |
| 7. | Brute Force Attacks | Until the right one is discovered, try to guess passwords or encryption keys numerous times. |
| 8. | Zero-Day Exploits | They are particularly harmful since they focus on software or hardware flaws that the vendor is unaware of. |
| 9. | Social Engineering | Utilizing psychological tricks, impersonation, or deception, trick someone into disclosing private information. |
| 10. | Ransomware | The victim’s data is encrypted, and a ransom demand is made for the decryption key. |
| 11. | Insider Threats | Employees, independent contractors, or trustworthy persons working for a company are the ones who start malicious behavior or data breaches. |
| 12. | Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) | Attacks that last a long time and are covert are carried out by well-funded and well-organized groups, frequently for political or commercial reasons. |
| 13. | IoT Attacks | Target Internet of Things (IoT) device vulnerabilities to compromise networks or launch additional attacks. |
| 14. | Cryptojacking | Illegally mines cryptocurrencies using the processing power of victims. |
| 15. | Eavesdropping and Wiretapping | Intercepting communications without authorization, frequently across phone or data lines. |
| 16. | Credential Stuffing | Use usernames and passwords that have been stolen or leaked to log into several accounts without authorization. |
| 17. | Physical Attacks | Interfering with hardware directly, such as stealing or harming servers or networking devices. |
| 18. | Watering Hole Attacks | Targeting websites that a particular user group frequents and infecting them with malware. |
| 19. | Fileless Attacks | Exploiting memory flaws on a system, frequently without leaving a trace on the file system. |
How to protect computers from cyber-attacks?
- Install Antivirus Software:
- To find and get rid of malware, use reliable antivirus software.
2. Keep Software Updated:
- To fix known vulnerabilities, update your operating system, programs, and antivirus software frequently.
3. Enable Firewalls:
- To keep an eye on incoming and outgoing network traffic and prevent unwanted access, use a firewall.
4. Strong Passwords:
- For every account, make a complex, one-of-a-kind password, and, if available, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
5. Email Safety:
- Use spam filters, be wary of email attachments and links, and double-check the sender’s identity.
6. Regular Backups:
In order to recover in the event of ransomware or data loss, constantly backup your data to secure cloud services or external devices.
7. Awareness Training:
Learn about cybersecurity threats and best practices for both you and your staff.
8. Network Security:
Change the router and Internet of Things (IoT) device default passwords, and encrypt your Wi-Fi network with strong encryption (WPA3).
9. Web Browsing:
Use safe, up-to-date online browsers, turn on pop-up blockers, and avoid shady websites.
10. Regular Security Audits:
Conduct regular security audits to find vulnerabilities and quickly fix them.
How to protect yourself from cyber-attacks? (kindly write 10points)
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
For each online account, make a strong password by combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
To create and save passwords securely, think about using a trusted password manager.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Enable MFA for your online accounts whenever you can to increase security.
3. Keep Software and Devices Updated:
- Update your mobile devices, software programs, and operating systems frequently to fix known vulnerabilities.
4. Beware of Phishing Attempts:
Never provide personal information or login credentials in response to unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls.
Contacting the groups directly will allow you to confirm the validity of their requests.
5. Use Reputable Security Software:
Install and maintain current antivirus and anti-malware programs on your devices.
6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network:
For your Wi-Fi network, utilize strong encryption (like WPA3) and change the default router password.
If not required, disable remote management.
7. Practice Safe Web Browsing:
Be careful while downloading files from untrusted sources or clicking on links.
Use browser extensions to stop harmful scripts and advertisements.
8. Regularly Back Up Data:
- Keep regular backups of your crucial files on a secure online service or an external device.
9. Educate Yourself About Cybersecurity:
Keep up with the most recent cybersecurity dangers and recommended procedures.
Become familiar with phishing and other common hacks, such as social engineering.
10. Monitor Financial and Online Accounts:
Check your online account activity and financial statements frequently for any unapproved activities.
Create account alerts for ominous behavior.
How do you protect the iPhone from a cyber attack? (Kindly write points)
1. Keep iOS Updated:
Maintain the most recent operating system on your iPhone because updates frequently come with security patches.
2. Enable Passcode and Face ID/Touch ID:
For an additional layer of security, set up a strong passcode and activate biometric authentication techniques like Face ID or Touch ID.
3. Activate Find My iPhone:
- To assist in locating your device if it is lost or stolen, turn on this function in the iCloud settings.
4. Download Apps from Trusted Sources:
Use the official App Store to download apps only because Apple evaluates and certifies them for security.
5. Review App Permissions:
Avoid giving apps too many rights, and check them in the Settings app.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
To prevent unwanted access to your account, enable 2FA for your Apple ID.
7. Secure iCloud Account:
To protect your data stored in the cloud, use a strong, one-of-a-kind password for your iCloud account and enable 2FA.
8. Beware of Phishing and Spam:
Be wary of any shady pop-ups, emails, or texts that can try to deceive you into disclosing personal information.
9. Use a VPN for Public Wi-Fi:
- Use a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your internet connection when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
30. Regular Backups:
- To protect your data in the event of theft or ransomware, make sure your iPhone is frequently backed up to iCloud or a PC.
Cyber Security Awareness
It is necessary for a number of reasons, including the critical role it plays in defending people, businesses, and society at large against online threats and attacks. In order to understand cybersecurity, it is important to know the following:
- Protection Against Cyber Threats: Malware, phishing scams, ransomware, and other cyber threats are all over the digital world. The ability to notice these risks and take preventative action to defend against them is made possible by cybersecurity awareness.
- Data Privacy: Online storage and transmission of personal and sensitive data is rising. Individuals and organizations can protect this information by following cybersecurity best practices, which reduce the risk of data breaches and privacy violations.
- Financial Security: Cyberattacks can have serious economic repercussions. Individuals and businesses can avoid suffering financial losses by being aware of prevalent online scams and fraud strategies.
- Business Continuity: A cybersecurity breach can cause severe operational disruption, reputational harm, and financial losses for enterprises. For business continuity to be maintained, knowledge of cybersecurity threats and best practices is essential.
- Protection of Intellectual Property: For their competitive edge, many businesses rely on confidential information and intellectual property. To protect these assets from theft or espionage, cybersecurity awareness is crucial.
- Compliance Requirements: Organizations must abide by a variety of industry- and region-specific cybersecurity laws and compliance requirements. To avoid fines and other consequences, it’s essential to be aware of these rules.
- National Security: Cyber risks can endanger national security and pose problems for individuals and organizations. Awareness at all societal levels can reduce these dangers and safeguard vital infrastructure.
- Reputation Management: Reputational harm from a cybersecurity breach can be done to a person or an organization. In the digital world, being proactive about cybersecurity can help maintain credibility and confidence.
- Human Element: The weakest link in cybersecurity is frequently human interaction. Many cyberattacks use social engineering techniques to prey on human weaknesses. Awareness of cybersecurity helps people to spot and thwart these deceptive tactics.
- Education and Training: Initiatives to raise cybersecurity awareness give people and employees the chance to learn and grow. The abilities and knowledge required to secure oneself and one’s organization adequately are helped by these programs.
- Responsibility and Accountability: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility of individuals and businesses in an interconnected digital environment. A sense of duty and accountability for one’s online behavior and any potential repercussions is fostered by awareness.
- Prevention is Cost-Effective: Dealing with the fallout after a hack is typically more expensive than investing in cybersecurity awareness and training. It is frequently less expensive to prevent breaches and incidents than to recover from them.