In the current digital era, it is critical to comprehend the cybersecurity threat scenario. This article explores the “Must Know Top 10 Hacking Attacks,” illuminating some of the most well-known and significant cyber events that have affected society globally.
Readers can learn important lessons about the dynamic nature of cyber threat and the value of preventative security measures by investigating these incidents. Let’s get straight to the topic!
What is Hacking?
Hacking is the term for the unlawful use, manipulation, or exploitation of networks, data, or computer systems, usually for malevolent or personal gain. It includes a broad range of tasks, including as finding and taking advantage of flaws as well as breaking into secure systems.
Depending on the purpose and legality of the actions involved, hacking may be considered ethical when done with authorization, unlawful, or somewhere in between.
Types of Hacking Attacks?
- Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks entail tricking people into divulging private information, including usernames, passwords, or bank account information, by using false emails, messages, or websites that impersonate reliable organizations.
2. Malware Attacks
Attackers can obtain unauthorized access, steal data, or interfere with operations by using malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, to penetrate and corrupt systems.
3. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
Attacks known as denial of service overload a target server or network with a large amount of traffic, making it impossible for authorized users to access services and taxing its resources.
4. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS assaults use a number of hacked devices, frequently arranged into botnets, to flood a target with traffic and make it even harder to stop and recover from the attack.
5. SQL Injection Attacks
By manipulating input fields on websites to insert malicious SQL code, SQL injection attacks have the ability to allow unauthorized access to databases and compromise or exfiltrate sensitive data.
6. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
MitM attacks involve the interception and possible modification of communication between two parties by an attacker without their knowledge, with the potential to obtain sensitive information that is being shared.
7. Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks use psychological manipulation to trick people into divulging private information or doing actions that jeopardize security.
8. Brute Force Attacks
Brute force assaults, which are frequently used to obtain unwanted access to accounts or systems, entail continuously attempting every possible combination of username and password until the right one is found.
9. Zero-Day Exploits
Because there are no patches or fixes available when they are exploited, zero-day exploits focus on software or hardware vulnerabilities that the vendor is unaware of. This makes them especially dangerous.
10. Ransomware Attacks
Attacks using ransomware encrypt a victim’s data, making it unusable until the attacker is paid a ransom for a decryption key. This frequently results in major disruption and monetary loss for both individuals and businesses.
Difference Between Hacking and Ethical Hacking
| S.No. | Factors | Hacking | Ethical Hacking |
| 1. | Intent and Legality | The goal of hacking is to obtain unauthorized access, steal data, or interfere with systems by the use of unauthorized and frequently unlawful actions. | Legal and carried out with express consent, ethical hacking aims to improve system security by finding and addressing security flaws. |
| 2. | Authorization | Because hacking is done without the target’s consent, it is illegal. | Ethical hackers are permitted to evaluate and test system security with legal authorization. |
| 3. | Motivation | Malicious intent, financial gain, or personal gain are the usual motivations behind hacking. | The goal of improving cybersecurity, safeguarding data, and fortifying an organization’s defenses drives ethical hacking. |
| 4. | Methods and Tools | Hackers can be disruptive or dangerous, and they employ a range of tools and strategies to take advantage of weaknesses. | When identifying vulnerabilities, ethical hackers employ comparable methods and resources without causing harm; their activities are well-recorded and non-destructive. |
| 5. | Outcome | Data leaks, financial loss, and legal repercussions for the hacker are all possible outcomes of hacking. | Better security, lower risks, and a safer online environment for people and businesses are the outcomes of ethical hacking. |
Top 10 Hacking Attacks
- Stuxnet (2010)
The highly intelligent computer worm known as Stuxnet was found in 2010 and is thought to have been created by a nation-state. It marked a new chapter in cyber warfare by striking at supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, especially those of Iran’s nuclear facilities, severely disrupting their operations.
2. Heartbleed (2014)
A significant number of websites and servers were impacted by the OpenSSL cryptographic library’s serious security flaw, known as Heartbleed. It may have jeopardized user security and privacy on the internet by giving hackers access to private keys and other sensitive data.
3. Sony Pictures Hack (2014)
A cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment was the cause of the 2014 Sony Pictures hack, which led to the theft and disclosure of confidential company information, staff emails, and unreleased motion pictures. The attack was ascribed to North Korea and was perceived as a reaction to a movie that presented the nation’s leader unfavorably.
4. WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017)
A Windows vulnerability was used by the ransomware outbreak known as WannaCry, which spread quickly throughout the world. It affected hundreds of thousands of machines and caused severe disruption, especially in healthcare companies, by encrypting user files and demanding payment in Bitcoin as a ransom.
5. Equifax Breach (2017)
Millions of consumers’ personal and financial information was compromised in the 2017 Equifax data leak. Due to a flaw in Equifax’s web application software, there was a significant data breach that had serious repercussions for those who were impacted.
6. NotPetya Attack (2017)
NotPetya, also called ExPetr or Petya, was a damaging ransomware campaign that first looked to be a ransomware attack but was ultimately discovered to be a wiper malware that severely corrupted systems and data. It has an impact on many organizations worldwide.
7.Operation Aurora (2009)
Operation Aurora was a cyberespionage effort that was allegedly led by a Chinese organization with state sponsorship. It was directed towards big internet businesses, like Google, and led to the theft of private data and intellectual property.
8. Yahoo Data Breach (2013-2014)
Hundreds of millions of Yahoo users’ personal information was compromised in one of the biggest data breaches in history at Yahoo. In two different breaches that occurred in 2013 and 2014, hashed passwords and email addresses were among the stolen data.
9. Target Stores Data Breach (2013)
During the holiday shopping season, millions of Target customers’ credit cards and personal information were stolen in the 2013 Target data breach. It brought attention to how susceptible point-of-sale systems are to hacks.
10. EternalBlue Exploit (2017)
A significant vulnerability in Microsoft Windows known as the EternalBlue exploit was used in the 2017 WannaCry ransomware and NotPetya attacks. It made it possible for malware to propagate quickly throughout networks, highlighting how crucial it is to apply security updates and patches on time.
How to Prevent Hacking Attacks?
- Keep Software Updated: Update your operating system, apps, and software frequently to fix vulnerabilities that are known to exist.
- Strong Passwords: Make sure each account has a complex, one-of-a-kind password, and use a reliable password manager to keep track of them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To provide your accounts an additional degree of security, enable 2FA whenever you can.
- Educate and Train: To identify and prevent phishing and other social engineering attacks, educate yourself and your team on them.
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: Control network traffic entering and leaving the system with firewalls, and identify and handle any unusual behavior with intrusion detection systems.
- Encryption: To prevent unwanted access, encrypt sensitive data both while it’s in use and while it’s at rest.
- Penetration Testing: Do penetration tests on a regular basis to find and fix security holes in your networks and systems.
- Endpoint Security: Use endpoint security solutions to defend specific devices from ransomware, malware, and other dangers.
- Access Control: Strict access control procedures should be put in place to limit who has access to sensitive information and systems.
- Security Policies and Incident Response: To direct your company’s cybersecurity procedures and incident response, create thorough security policies and an incident response strategy.
Conclusion
Finally, the top ten hacking attacks discussed in this article serve as sobering reminders of the constant and changing risks associated with using digital technology. They emphasize how crucial it is to have strong cybersecurity procedures, ongoing attention to detail, and a proactive strategy to protect sensitive data and vital systems.
People and organizations can better equip themselves to fend against the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks by taking the lessons learned from these instances. However, if you want to learn how to protect yourself from such attacks, you can get in contact with Bytecode Security which offers the “Best Ethical Hacking Course in Delhi.” Bytecode Security offers best online ethical hacking training with job assistance.
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