The Techniques of A Cyber Attacker

A cyber attack is when a computer system is accessed in an unauthorized manner with the goal of sizing, modifying, or stealing data. It’s important to be aware of the techniques of a cyber criminal because, if you understand their tactics, you can better protect yourself and your business. 

Cyberthreats come with varying degrees of sophistication. A cyber criminal might install malicious software (malware) or launch a ransomware attack on a small business. Or, on a larger level, they might target a large government agency like the FBI. No matter the size of the attack, the most common byproduct of a cyber attack is data breach – during a data breach, personal data or other such information is leaked and exposed.

We are in the middle of a digital age, and technology is only growing more present in our everyday lives. That means a growing number of businesses are putting their sensitive data online, which calls for adept security and knowledge surrounding how to safeguard information. 

Why Cyber Attacks Occur 

Cyber criminals could be motivated by a number of things. In many cases, cyber attacks are nation-state attacks launched by cybercriminals representing a nation. During these attacks, critical infrastructures are often targeted because cybercriminals know they can do the most damage there. 

The threat of nation-state attacks is only growing as time goes on, which is why it’s so crucial to have a security network in place and a cybersecurity company like Barricade Cyber Solutions on your side. 

 

Inside vs. Outside Threats

There are two places in which a cyber attack can come from: inside your organization or outside of it. 

Inside Cyber Attacks:

• • Are initiated from inside an organization’s security perimeter
  • Are often carried out by someone who has access to sensitive data and is motivated to steal that data

Outside Cyber Attacks:

• • • Are initiated from outside the security perimeter 

Hacking Techniques

Becoming targeted by cybercriminals is easier than you would think. All it takes is an employee clicking on a link that they assume is innocent. Then, suddenly, your entire system is infected and the future of your business is at stake. 

To follow is a list of hacking techniques that you and your employees should know about. 

Phishing

This is the most common hacking technique. It’s likely that you’ve received a phishing message to your phone or email as recently as the past week. Such messages are disguised as trusted providers (like Amazon or Netflix) or as someone that you know. They’ll try to trick you into clicking a link or opening an attachment by telling you that someone has been trying to log in under your credentials, that there’s a problem with your account, or by asking you to confirm personal information. With these messages, they might include a fake invoice, let you know that you are eligible for a federal or state refund, or offer free items. 

Bait and Switch Attack

Attackers can trick you into visiting malicious sites using valid, paid-for advertising. These attackers purchase website space when it’s up for sale, and will replace a legitimate advertisement with a bad link that can be used to download malware, lock your browser, and compromise your systems. 

Keylogger

A keylogger is something downloaded onto your computer to record every keystroke you make. It will log every username, password, credit card number, and more, exposing your personal data and information to whoever is behind the attack. 

Denial of Service Attacks

A Denial of Service attack will flood your web server with a number of requests – so many that the web server will overload and crash. 

ClickJacking Attacks 

ClickJacking attacks trick you into clicking something other than what you thought you were clicking, or what you meant to click. This might be a button on a website that performs a different function than what you clicked on it for, which allows another user to take control of the computer. The website that you’re on might not even be aware that there is a clickjacking element on their site. 

Fake W.A.P.

When a hacker uses software to impersonate a wireless access point (W.A.P.), they can connect it to the official public W.A.P. that you’re using. When you connect to the fake W.A.P., the hacker has access to your personal data. 

Viruses and Trojans

When viruses or trojans are installed on your computer, they send data straight to the hackers. They also have the ability to lock your files and spread the infection to every computer in your network. 

Staying Informed, Staying Safe

At Barricade Cyber Solutions, it’s our mission to keep you safe from cyber criminals. Now that you know about their most common techniques, you can operate your systems wisely. For help on preventing data breaches and other such cyber attacks, get in touch with Barricade today.