Cyber Security Attacks Types

Types of Cyber Security Attacks

• Malware Attacks:
  • Viruses: self-replicating code that attaches to programs or files
  • Worms: self-replicating code that travels from system to system
  • Trojans: malicious code disguised as legitimate software
  • Ransomware: encryption-based attacks demanding payment
• Network Attacks:
  • Phishing: social engineering attacks via email or messaging
  • Spear Phishing: targeted phishing attacks on specific individuals
  • Denial of Service (DoS): overwhelming network traffic
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): coordinated DoS attacks
• Password Attacks:
  • Brute Force: automated password guessing
  • Dictionary Attack: using word lists to crack passwords
  • Rainbow Table Attack: precomputed tables for hash cracking
• Insider Threats:
  • Authorized personnel misusing access
  • Negligent employees falling victim to social engineering
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
  • Sophisticated, targeted attacks by nation-states or organizations
  • Often involve multiple vectors and exploits
• Zero-Day Attacks:
  • Exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities
  • Attackers have a "window of opportunity" before patches are released

Stages of a Cyber Attack

1. Reconnaissance: gathering information about the target
2. Initial Compromise: initial entry point, often via exploit or phishing
3. Establish Foothold: establishing a persistent presence on the system
4. Escalation of Privileges: elevating access and control
5. Lateral Movement: moving laterally within the network
6. Data Exfiltration: stealing sensitive data
7. Command and Control: communicating with the attacker's server
8. Covering Tracks: hiding evidence of the attack

Types of Cyber Security Attacks

• Malware Attacks:
  • Viruses attach to programs or files and self-replicate
  • Worms self-replicate and travel from system to system
  • Trojans are malicious code disguised as legitimate software
  • Ransomware uses encryption to demand payment in exchange for data
• Network Attacks:
  • Phishing uses social engineering via email or messaging to trick victims
  • Spear Phishing targets specific individuals with personalized attacks
  • Denial of Service (DoS) overwhelms network traffic to disrupt systems
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) coordinates multiple DoS attacks
• Password Attacks:
  • Brute Force attacks use automated password guessing
  • Dictionary Attacks use word lists to crack passwords
  • Rainbow Table Attacks use precomputed tables for hash cracking
• Insider Threats:
  • Authorized personnel can misuse access for malicious purposes
  • Negligent employees can fall victim to social engineering
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
  • Sophisticated, targeted attacks by nation-states or organizations
  • Often involve multiple vectors and exploits to achieve a goal
• Zero-Day Attacks:
  • Exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities
  • Attackers have a "window of opportunity" before patches are released

Stages of a Cyber Attack

Initial Attack Stages

- **Reconnaissance**: gather information about the target
- **Initial Compromise**: gain initial entry point via exploit or phishing

Establishing a Presence

- **Establish Foothold**: establish a persistent presence on the system
- **Escalation of Privileges**: elevate access and control

Moving Laterally

- **Lateral Movement**: move laterally within the network
- **Data Exfiltration**: steal sensitive data

Controlling and Covering

- **Command and Control**: communicate with the attacker's server
- **Covering Tracks**: hide evidence of the attack