What is a Cyber Attack? Types of Attacks and Prevention Methods

Data security against cyber attacks is always a challenging issue for every business during the deployment and operation of information technology infrastructure. So, how can we promptly detect and prevent the risk of attacks and data theft? Let's find the answers with Vcloudia through the following article.

What is a Cyber Attack?

A cyber attack is a form of unauthorized access to computer networks, databases, websites, information technology infrastructure, etc., of any individual or organization via the internet. The purpose of cyber attacks is often to steal, alter, encrypt, and destroy data systems, cause disruption, hinder services, or exploit resources to display malicious code, advertisements, etc.

Types of Cyber Attacks

The types of cyber attacks are quite diverse, including:

- DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service attack): This is one of the most common forms of cyber attacks today. DDoS can overload a target server with a flood of requests from many different devices, making the server unable to serve legitimate requests. This leads to system disruption, or even a complete shutdown.

- Malware (Malicious software attack): After infecting a computer system through fake websites, emails, USBs, etc., malware will take control, thereby stealing data and causing harm to the system. Common types of malware include trojans, viruses, spyware, and worms.

- Phishing attack (Spoofing attack): In this form of attack, scammers often impersonate reputable units and organizations and request users to download files or click on links containing malicious code, with the aim of stealing sensitive information such as bank PINs, login accounts, credit card information, etc.

- Ransomware (Data encryption attack): Hackers use programming languages to encrypt data and steal sensitive information. Then, they use this information to threaten and extort money from the victims.

- Zero day attack (Attack exploiting Zero-day vulnerabilities): Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws that have not been discovered and do not have an official patch. Hackers will exploit these vulnerabilities to easily infiltrate computer systems, steal information, spread malware, etc. If not prevented in time, a Zero-day attack can cause severe consequences for businesses and internet users.

- SQL Injection (Web application security attack): SQL Injection occurs when a web application does not handle user input correctly, leading to hackers infiltrating and inserting malicious SQL code into the database. From there, hackers will gain control of the data and can modify or delete sensitive data.

- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Scammers will insert malicious code into web applications. If a user accesses the website, the browser will automatically execute the installed malicious code. XSS includes three common forms of attack: DOM-based XSS, Reflected XSS, and Stored XSS.

- Attacks using AI and exploiting AI vulnerabilities: Scammers exploit artificial intelligence technology to automate the attack process or find new attack methods, such as deepfakes.

Some Recent Cyber Attacks

Currently, cyber attacks are taking place in a very sophisticated and complex manner. They not only cause serious financial damage but also stall the business and production activities of enterprises and affect millions of users.

Below are some cyber attacks around the world:

- Ransomware attack at VNDirect Securities Corporation on March 24, 2024: Disrupted all trading activities on the stock exchange, affecting the company's reputation and profits.

- Ransomware attack at PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) on April 2, 2024: Caused PVOIL's information technology system to stall, in which the electronic invoice issuance system for sales could temporarily not be implemented.

- Large-scale malware attack at Kadokawa Group (Japan) on June 8, 2024: Disrupted many online services, including Niconico - a video-sharing platform, and tracking press conferences of government officials.

- Cyber attack at Sibanye-Stillwater mining company (South Africa) on July 8, 2024: Crashed the company's servers and disrupted systems globally.

- Cyber attack at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) on August 24, 2024: Caused the information technology system to stop working, delaying many flights and forcing SEA-TAC to isolate critical systems to mitigate damage.

How to Prevent Cyber Attacks

To prevent cyber attacks, businesses should apply measures such as:

- Use security software such as Antivirus, firewalls, and Anti-malware.

- Back up regularly to promptly recover data in case of incidents.

- Monitor and update software and applications to the latest versions.

- Combine multi-factor authentication methods to control access activities.

- Train employees on cybersecurity knowledge within the business.

- Use data storage and security services from reputable providers.