5 Reasons Why Cybercriminals Attack
In today's interconnected world, cyber threats are a pressing concern for businesses of all sizes. Recent data underscores the severity of the issue:
- Prevalence of Cyberattacks: A significant number of businesses have faced cyber threats in recent years.
- Rising Concerns Among Leaders: A survey revealed that 68% of business leaders feel their cybersecurity risks are increasing. Cenet
The consequences of a successful cyberattack are far-reaching, potentially leading to financial loss, reputational damage, data breaches, and operational disruptions. For instance, in 2023, compromised business emails accounted for more than $2.9 billion in losses. Forbes
Given the evolving threat landscape, it's imperative for businesses to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. A foundational step is to educate oneself about the various types of cyberattacks. By understanding these threats, businesses can more effectively detect and prevent potential breaches.
Staying informed and proactive is essential in safeguarding your business against cyber threats.
6 Types of Cyberattacks
Phishing
The most popular type of cyberattack, phishing usually comes in the form of an email disguised as it was sent by someone you trust. These emails consist of fraudulent links and attachments that once you click them gives criminals access to your personal information.
Identity Theft
When a cybercriminal steals your identity, they take sensitive information like your credit card numbers or Social Security number and use them for fraudulent purposes. Most of the time, they put this information up on the dark web for other criminals to use.
Ransomware
Ransomware occurs when a cybercriminal breaks into database and extracts files or encrypts them so the owner no longer has access to them. They will then hold data for ransom, forcing payment in exchange for returning or unlocking compromised files. These attackers usually use cryptocurrency because its anonymous and unsecured. According to Verizon, ransomware is responsible for 10% of data breaches.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
DDoS occurs when multiple cyberattackers in different locations flood a network with requests, which then causes servers to crash and go offline. Because the attacks are so widely distributed, it makes it even harder to fight off the attack.
Malware Attacks
Malware attacks are designed to get into a system and perform malicious activity on behalf of a cybercriminal. A common attack is spyware, which is a type of malware that records the user’s activity without them knowing, while keyloggers keep track of each keystroke the victim makes on their keyboard.
Web Jacking
Web jacking is when a cybercriminal takes over an entire site or the traffic meant for it. This attack is usually performed by gaining access through fraudulent means and tampering with the domain to bring users to a malicious site. The site that these criminals use collects passwords, credit card numbers, and other types of sensitive information.
The FBI reported that the top three cybercrimes experienced were phishing scams, extortion, and non-payment scams. These cyber threats can be extremely damaging to your business, making it crucial to stay up to date on all your security measures.
Simple steps you can take to protect yourself include updating software, using strong passwords, and safeguarding your sensitive information. If this all seems overwhelming, partnering with an MSP is a great solution. An MSP can handle all your cybersecurity needs and provide tailored solutions to ensure your business stays protected against cybercriminals.
Here at TechGuard Security, we’re committed to keeping your business secure with top-tier cybersecurity solutions. Our experts are ready to help safeguard your company with industry-leading protection.
Schedule a security assessment today.