Cybersecurity Threat Definitions

Malware, phishing, ransomware… so many terms.  Do you know what they all mean?

We all know that our computers are under attack, and we most likely know many of the types of these attacks.  But there are probably several types that you are not aware of, leaving you vulnerable.

Please review this short list of cybersecurity threats to make sure you know many of the ways bad actors try to trick you.

For more information, please read the rest of this article

Below are listed several of the common types of cybersecurity attacks:

 

MALWARE ATTACKS:

Malware refers to malicious software designed to harm or exploit computer systems. It includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can infiltrate systems through infected files, emails, or malicious websites.

 

SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS:

These attacks manipulate human psychology to gain unauthorized access. Examples include phishing, where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to trick users into revealing sensitive information, and pretexting, where false scenarios are created to deceive victims.

 

PHISHING ATTACKS:

Phishing is a cyberthreat where scammers attempt to deceptively obtain sensitive information or data from individuals by posing as trustworthy sources. They use various communication methods, including email, text messages, phone calls, and more.  Typically, bad actors use fake emails or phony webpages which mimic familiar ones to lure victims into clicking links to reveal sensitive information and/or credentials.

 

ADVANCED PERSISTANT THREATS (APTs):

APTs are sophisticated, long-term attacks by well-funded adversaries. They aim to infiltrate and remain undetected within a network for extended periods. Nation-state actors often use APTs for espionage.

 

RANSOMWARE:

Ransomware is a type of malware that holds a victim’s data or device hostage, threatening to keep it locked—or worse—unless the victim pays a ransom to the attacker.

 

MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE (MitM) ATTACKS:

In MitM attacks, an attacker intercepts communication between two parties, often without their knowledge. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop, modify, or inject malicious content.

 

PASSWORD ATTACKS:

These involve unauthorized attempts to gain access to user accounts by guessing or cracking passwords. Techniques include brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and credential stuffing.

 

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Protecting yourself from cybersecurity attacks is crucial in today’s digital world. Here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your security:

 

SET STRONG AND UNIQUE PASSWORDS:

• Use complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using common words, phrases, or personal information.
• Consider using a Password Manager.

KEEP SOFTWARE UP TO DATE:

• Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, antivirus software, and other critical applications.
• Security updates and patches are essential for protecting against known vulnerabilities.

BE CAUTIOUS WITH EMAILS AND LINKS:

• Phishing attacks often come via email. Be skeptical of unexpected emails, especially those requesting sensitive information.
• Verify the authenticity of requests by contacting the company or individual directly (*not* by replying to the email).
• Pay close attention to website URLs before clicking on links.
• Disable automatic attachment downloads in email clients.

LIMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION SHARING:

• Be mindful of what you share online, especially on social media platforms.
• Adjust privacy settings and avoid using location features unless necessary.

USE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE:

• Install reputable antivirus software to detect and prevent malware.
• Keep your antivirus software up to date.

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND STAY INFORMED:

• Learn about common attack methods, such as phishing, ransomware, and social engineering.
• Stay updated on cybersecurity news and best practices.
• Read your HDF InfoLine articles (yes, this is a little self-promoting).

If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,