Businesses today have become far more comfortable due to various digital devices and internet services. However, there is a flip side - although the internet and digital devices have brought about positive changes in businesses, there is also the enormous challenge of protecting data and various networks.
Over the years, many cyber attacks have caused the downfall of businesses, and these cyber attacks are getting more sophisticated and challenging to handle.
Businesses undoubtedly have to depend on connected endpoints. As much as this is good for better maintenance and good workflow, it also attracts the threat of security breaches and privacy violations. So many businesses are unaware of the types of network security attacks they could face. Knowing these various types of attacks makes it easier for you to protect your network.
A network security attack is an unauthorized attempt to gain access to an organization's network. This is done like any other form of robbery; to steal or perform any other act with malicious intentions. After infiltration, the malicious party gains the right to administrate unauthorized activities on the organization’s network.
Cyberattacks are one of the major technical problems businesses are facing. According to research in the U.S., more than 80% of firms say they have been hacked. As a result, companies now consider cybersecurity as a risk to businesses rather than perceiving it as an ordinary technical IT problem.
There are two main categories of network infrastructure attacks. The passive attack occurs when the attacker gains access to an organization’s network, monitors, or steals vital information without making any changes to the data, and the active attack whereby the attacker does not only gain access to an organization's network but also makes unwanted changes to the data by encrypting, deleting, or changing the format of data.
Network attacks can occur in several forms. There are various ways to boost the cybersecurity of an organization to reduce risk. However, there's a strong need for knowledge of types of attacks, to inform security strategies.
Malware is a generic term for all forms of dangerous and harmful software such as ransomware, spyware, trojans, and adware that hinder the proper functioning of a computer. A malware attack is injurious to businesses as it can erase substantial files, destroy computer operating systems and disrupt business activities.
Ransomware is a virus that prevents getting access to the key components of a computer. Spyware is software that steals all confidential information without the owner's permission. The trojan virus presents itself as genuine software while adware intrudes by displaying advertising services on the user's computer.
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standard coding language for classifying, manipulating, and retrieving data in the database. It works by manipulating the weakness of a website or a computer.
For instance, to carry out an SQL attack, the attacker injects an unprotected website search box or the log-in box to gain access and manipulate the system to show information that is restricted to the public. With this, the attacker could edit and delete data from the database or attain administrative rights which could cause setbacks to the business.
Phishing is the most familiar and most used cyberattack. Attackers who use phishing send their targets fake mail disguised as if it was sent from a genuine sender like a colleague from work, a relative, or a business partner.
The fake mail used in phishing contains a file attachment, which installs a malware virus on the receiver's computer. When clicked, the phisher, in turn, gains access to the user's confidential data and account information.
Just like SQL attacks, Cross-site Scripting attacks also use malicious code to gain access to vital information. However, as opposed to malware attacks, an attacker that uses an XSS attack gains access to the user's computer through other authorized parties rather than gaining direct information from the original user.
Many businesses underrate cross-site scripting attacks because the attacks are made indirectly through the use of malicious codes. As a result, the attack will not be discovered by the organization until a large number of users have been affected.
Although it is one of the simple types of Network Security Attacks, a Denial of Service attack is a major threat to organizations. To carry out a DoS, the attacker sends numerous false traffic to the server of a website to get its bandwidth and resources exhausted.
As a result of this intrusion, attending to the overflowing requests by the host gets intensely overwhelming, and the website server slows down or, when it has exhausted its limits, gets shut down. Therefore, genuine requests on the server get turned down or are left unattended. This attack is otherwise known as Distributed Denial Service (DDoS) Attack when it is orchestrated through multiple systems.
Protecting your network is essential to secure your business against attackers. Many protective measures can be put in place to ensure this.
Strong Passwords: Use an alphanumeric password and remember to change your password regularly. Avoid the use of the same password twice, and use a password manager to help remember unique, strong passwords.
Network Segmentation: Dividing the network into different zones by segregating the company's network from the general network on the internet reduces the chance of getting attacked.
Install Firewall: A firewall is an important tool designed to combat network security attacks. It is a tool that monitors and controls network traffic. It blocks unverified users from gaining access to network security.
Educate Employees: Another method to prevent cyberattacks is by enlightening the employees on how to avoid getting attacked. Creating cybersecurity awareness for the user of the network is critical.
At Vudu Consulting, we offer exceptional IT services and cybersecurity management to a wide range of business sectors, contact us to schedule a consultation.
