As we enter 2025, cybersecurity is no longer an option. Cyberattacks can have motives other than financial gain. Some cyberattacks focus on destroying or gaining access to critical data.
All businesses and individuals must be aware of the following types of typical cyberattacks:
1. Malware
Cyber attackers use harmful software such as spyware, viruses, ransomware, and worms known as malware to access your system’s data. When you click on a malicious attachment or link, the malware can install itself and become active on your device.
2. Phishing
Phishing attacks rely on communication methods like email to convince you to open the message and follow the instructions inside. If you follow the attackers’ instructions, they may gain access to critical data, such as credit cards, and they may also install malware on your device.
3. Spoofing
Cyber attackers will sometimes imitate people or companies to trick individuals into giving up personal information. This can happen in different ways. A common spoofing strategy involves using a fake caller ID, where the person receiving the call does not see that the number is falsified. Other spoofing methods include subverting facial recognition systems, using a fake domain name, or creating a fake website.
4. Backdoor Trojan
Backdoor Trojan attacks involve malicious programs that can deceptively install malware or data and open up what’s referred to as the “backdoor” to your computer system. When attackers gain access to the backdoor, they can hijack the device without it being known to the user of the device.
5. Ransomware
Ransomware is malicious software that cyber attackers can install on your device, allowing them to block your access until you pay the attackers a ransom. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee the removal of the software, so experts often advise individuals not to pay the ransom if possible.
6. Password attacks
Password attacks can be as simple as someone correctly guessing your password or other methods such as keylogging, where attackers can monitor the information you type and then identify passwords. An attacker can also use the aforementioned phishing approach to masquerade as a trusted site and try to fool individuals into revealing their account credentials.
7. Internet of Things attack
Communication channels between connected IoT components can be susceptible to cyberattacks and the applications and software found on IoT devices. Since IoT devices are in connection with one another through the internet and may have limited security features, there is a larger attack surface that attackers can target.
8. Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking involves gaining unauthorized use of a computer system, usually through malware that allows the attacker to use the computer’s resources for mining cryptocurrency. Mining cryptocurrency can come with significant operational costs, so cryptojacking provides attackers with a way to avoid these expenses.
9. Drive-by download
Drive-by download attacks occur when you download malicious code to your device through an app, website, or operating system with flawed security systems. This means you could do nothing wrong and still be a victim of a drive-by download since it can occur due to a lack of security measures on a site you believe to be safe.
10. Denial-of-service attack
A denial-of-service attack causes an entire device or operating system to shut down by overwhelming it with traffic, causing it to crash. Attackers do not often use this method to steal information. Instead, it costs the victim time and money to get their systems up and running again. Cybercriminals typically use this method when the target is a trade organization or government entity.
For more information regarding Oberman Law Firm’s Cybersecurity Practice Group, please contact Stuart Oberman, Managing Partner, at (770) 886-2400 or st****@ob********.com.
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