Cybersecurity is like a marathon, not a sprint.
Quick fixes might offer temporary relief, but true security requires ongoing efforts. To protect your organization effectively, you need to invest in strategies that will stand the test of time.
Cybersecurity threats come in different forms and cyber-attacks are often executed in a multiprong approach.
15 Common Methods Cyber-Criminals employ:
1. Bill Fraud
Bill Fraud is a very common low-tech method for cyber criminals to steal funds. Cyber-criminals send bogus invoices for modest amounts to their potential victims. Some of these invoices then fall through the cracks and being treated as legit. If these invoices are paid through ACH, the attacker can potentially control and clean out the entire bank account.
2. Brute Force
One of the easiest methods to gain access to a user account is by brute force. A hacker gains access to the target account by trying a large number of password combinations. Hacking tools such as Aircrack or John The Ripper can crack simple passwords in seconds. The Brute Force method is particularly on the rise due to the increase of remote workers.
3. Drive By Attack
This is a common threat to users. In a drive by attack, a user unknowingly downloads malicious software by clicking on a malicious ad or link. It is easy to fall victim to a drive by attack because the malware is downloaded automatically.
4. Dumpster Diving
Confidential information is gained by physically sifting through the contents of trashcans, dumpsters or recycling bins. This old-fashioned method is used to get documents containing bank information, personnel and/or vendor information.
5. Insider Threat
A disgruntled former employee or contractor with access to confidential systems can pose a severe threat to critical systems. The motive for insider attacks range from malicious financial gain, retaliation and revenge. Unauthorized access to confidential data causes financial and productivity losses and exposes victims to liability claims from clients and employees.
6. IoT Threat
With the rapid increase of everyday electronics being connected to the Internet, these devices are often vulnerable to attacks. The increase of IoT devices is projected to double to 30B by 2030. Many of these devices lack the security infrastructure of computer and communication systems and are prone to cyber-attacks. Because IoT devices are often the weakest link on a network, they are vulnerable to sophisticated malware. By the time, the IoT device is breached, it can be abused as entry point to other systems.
7. Malicious PowerShell
Cyber-attacks based on Malicious PowerShell exploit Microsoft’s command-line and scripting tool. It is used by highly trained cyber-criminals to pass viruses through networks with reduced risk of detection.
8. Masquerade Attack
In a Masquerade Attack, the cyber-criminal uses a legitimate but stolen identity to gain access to their potential victims’ systems. The credentials can be obtained through spoofing, shoulder surfing or keylogging. Weak password habits and authentication processes increase the risk of masquerade attacks significantly.
9. Ransomware
The threat of Ransomware is no longer limited to government and major corporations. It is increasingly menacing smaller organizations that have less sophisticated network security standards. During a ransomware attack, cyber-criminals encrypt data and hold it hostage. The only options left for the victim is to either pay the ransom or lose access to the data. If confidential employee or client data is hijacked, part of the threat is the release of the confidential data to the public. Organized cyber-crime is behind most of the large ransomware attacks. However, less sophisticated wannabe cyber-criminals can now subscribe to RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) including 24/7 helpdesk.
10. Shadow IT
Shadow IT revers to any software and apps employees downloaded or subscribed to on their work computers without corporate IT approval. This is often done with no malicious intentions and the goal of being more productive. Remote workers are particularly at risk of inadvertently providing confidential information to bad actors. A common security risk is the unauthorized storage of company documents on unapproved devices or cloud storage sites.
11. Smishing
This is another form of social engineering attack. During a smishing attack, cyber-criminals send legit-looking SMS messages with the purpose of gaining access to login credentials. As in a phishing attack, the goal is for the target victim to provide login credentials, personal information or download malware.
12. Social Engineering
Social Engineering stands for a cyber security attack that relies on human interaction to gain access to the target network or account. It often starts with phishing e-mails. Sophisticated social engineering attacks can take months, and many people to penetrate the main target system. It ultimately relies on winning the trust of the victim.
13. Spear Phishing
A spear phishing attack targets a broad range of individuals in an organization that have access to confidential systems. The targets of spear phishing attacks receive fake e-mails that look legit. Their purpose is to lure them into loading malware or enter login and passwords. Phishing is the most common cyber-attack.
14. Whale Phishing (aka Whaling)
The target of whale fishing attacks are high value individuals such as business owners, celebrities and executives. By sending spoofed messages, such as bogus Teams invites the bad actors deploy malware to extract confidential information. Whale Phishing is the big brother of Spear Phishing.
15. WiFi Hacking
Public WiFi hotspots are often unencrypted and exchange data in plain text. This makes users extremely vulnerable to cyber-criminals that are using methods such as session hijacking where they can access your accounts and gain full control over them.
Next Step
Take the first step and contact us now to ensure long-term security for your business. Your future self will thank you for your commitment to a robust defense.