A cyber-attack is an IT security issue that involves launching an attack on a particular computer. Similarly, it can be a network from a different computer operating remotely from the place cyber-attacked.
Cybercriminals are responsible for launching cyber-attacks utilizing one or many computers. Also, the attack is often against one or several computers or linkages.
Cyber-attack, which is often via cyberspace, is malicious. It is often intent on causing the following:
- disruption
- deactivation
- termination of computing environs
- wickedly utilizing a compromised computer or network as a base for instituting additional attacks.
Moreover, cybercriminals steal data and often use it to scam people. They do it by trading back such data by threatening to expose them, for money.
Quick Overlook
Methods Used to Launch Cyber-Attacks
Cybercriminals are fond of using numerous methods to launch cyber-attacks. The common methods include the following:
1. Malware
This is malicious software. It is undesirable software that cybercriminals install into your system that you don`t know. For instance, such unwanted malicious software pegs itself to authentic code and proliferate. A great example of malware is ransomware.
It is often characterized by the malware causing blockage of vital data. Such that the victim is unable to access it unless a certain amount of ransom is delivered to the cybercriminal causing it.
2. Phishing
Phishing involves pretending to be someone trustworthy while attempting to obtain sensitive data from a victim. Most times, cybercriminals like to pose as bank or service providers. Cybercriminal impersonates trustworthy figures and often operate through phones or emails.
3. Hacking
Involves obtaining access to an organization’s IT system operating outside the organization. The most targeted data where hacking is concerned, include:
- bank accounts data
- credit card databank
- intellectual property.
4. Denial of Service Attack
This is where a cybercriminal causes the system not to perform as normal. It is unable to deliver the required services. With such an attack, the system’s resources are overwhelmed.
That makes it impossible to provide any response to all service demands.
5. Password Attack
They utilize passwords in authenticating users. Thus, they want to access an information structure. Hence, cybercriminals find access to passwords as the most efficient tactic of attack.
The above methods of launching cyber-attacks are just but a few of the numerous methods of cyber-attacks.
Recent Examples of Cyber-Attacks
The year 2020 has recorded a surge in cyber-attack cases. The covid-19 pandemic has caused cybercriminals to take advantage of the chaos.
Even with increased remote working, the organization’s IT system has been the greatest target for hacks.
Most organization’s IT structures have been hacked and crippled through cyber-attack. Here you will get to know more about some of the latest cyber-attacks.
1. Telegram Hijack
This happened in September 2020. Hackers were able to gain access to not only telegram messenger. But also email information of some large organizations specialized in cryptocurrency business.
The hackers utilized the signaling system 7. They often use it to create connections among mobile networks globally, to steal the data.
Cybersecurity specialists are of the thought that the hackers wanted to get a hold of the two-factor authentication codes the hackers used to log in.
Thus, the hackers were able to access contacts to high profile individuals and sent them requests to update their locations. In other words, they believe the attack was intent on getting hold of the cryptocurrency.
2. Carnival Corporation Data Breach
It happened in August and was ransomware. The target was Carnival Corporation, one of the leading cruise line operatives. At the moment of attack, private and crucial information, including those of customers, workers, plus crew members, got stolen.
The hackers via the ransomware were able to launch an attack by encrypting one of the corporation’s brand IT infrastructure.
3. Software AG Ransomware Attack
It occurred in October 2020 and targeted Germany’s second-leading software supplier. The ransomware responsible is the Clop Ransomware, and the cybercriminal behind the attack demanded a ransom amount exceeding $20 million.
In addition, this ransomware attack crippled the company’s operations and is still struggling to get back to its original way of operation.
4. Sopra Steria Ransomware Attack
Happened on the 20th of October 2020, in the evening hours, to the French IT guru, Sopra Steria. The virus is Ryuk ransomware’s novel version. They spotted it two days after its attack. The company claims it was successful in confining the attack to a small section of its IT network.
After that, further investigations showed that no data has leaked, nor had any of its customers suffered from the attack.
5. Seyfarth Shaw Malware Attack
This attack occurred on the 10th of October 2020, targeting Seyfarth Shaw LLP, which is one of Chicago’s leading law firms. The attack was serious and severe that it resulted in a complete breakdown of the company’s email system.
There was no unauthorized data access or withdrawal. As result, there is the company’s whole system encryption.
Methods of Protecting Yourself From Cyber-Attacks
There are numerous ways that companies and businesses can use to stay safe from cyber-attacks. They include:
- Antivirus or anti-malware protection: This is where a business installs. Also, it maintains a decent and antivirus plus malware security software. Thus the antivirus helps in detecting and blocking any virus attempting to attack your computers or network systems. However, always be careful of the antivirus you choose to use. For example, some viruses often disguise as antivirus. You can choose antivirus like Kaspersky. It is entirely effective in wading off cyber-attacks.
- Staff awareness: Train and educate employees on how to prevent, identify, and deal with cyber-attacks.
- Software updates: Maintain your software and other applications to-date.
- Install a firewall: Creates a barrier between the business’s data from the criminals’ acts.
- Data back-ups: Store company data somewhere else. Above all, it will facilitate easy recovery in the event of the business losing all of its data through a cyber-attack.
Conclusion
From the above, you can see for yourself that cyber-attack is real, has been happening and will continue to happen.
However, the best way to overcome it is to stay vigilant. Also, be aware of such attacks and ensure the system is completely protected from the attacks.
Therefore, companies ought to implement and take the necessary precaution to stay safe.