What Is a Cyber-Attack? Recent Examples

Hey people, In this article we will share detailed guide on what is cyber attack and how to prevent it. So, keep reading.

What Is a Cyber-Attack?

A cyber-attack is an IT security issue that involves launching an attack on a particular computer or network from a different computer operating remotely from the place cyber-attacked. Cybercriminals are responsible for launching cyber-attacks utilizing one or many computers. Also, the attack is often against one or several computers or linkages.

Cyber-attack, which is often via cyberspace, is malicious and is often intent on causing disruption, deactivation, termination of a computing environs, or wickedly utilizing a compromised computer or network as a base for instituting additional attacks. Moreover, cybercriminals steal data and often use it to scam people by trading back such data by threatening to expose them, for money.

Methods Used to Launch Cyber-Attacks

Cyber criminals are fond of using numerous methods to launch cyber-attacks. The common methods include the following.

1. Malware

This is a malicious software, undesirable software that cybercriminals install into your system, not known to you. Such unwanted malicious software pegs itself to authentic code and proliferate. A great example of malware is ransomware. It is often characterized by the malware causing blockage of vital data, such that the victim is unable to access it, unless a certain amount of ransom is delivered to the cybercriminal causing it.

2. Phishing

Phishing involves pretending to be someone trustworthy while attempting to obtain sensitive data from a victim. Most times, cybercriminals like to pose as banks or service providers. Cybercriminals impersonate trustworthy figures and often operate through phones or emails.

3. Hacking

Involves obtaining access to an organization’s IT system operating outside the organization. The most targeted data where hacking is concerned include bank accounts data, credit card databank, plus intellectual property.

4. Denial of service attack

This is where a cybercriminal causes the system not to perform as normal such that it is unable to deliver the required services. With such an attack, the system’s resources are overwhelmed making it impossible to provide any response to all service demands.

5. Password attack

Passwords are utilized in authenticating users wanting to access an information structure. Hence, cybercriminals find access to passwords as the most efficient tactic of attack.

The above methods of launching cyber-attacks are just but a few of the numerous methods of cyber-attacks.

Recent Examples of Cyber Attacks

The year 2020 has recorded a surge in cyber-attack cases. The covid-19 pandemic has caused cybercriminals to take advantage of the chaos resulting from the pandemic. Even with increased remote working, the organization’s IT system has been the greatest target to hacks. Most organization’s IT structures have been hacked and crippled through cyber-attack. Here you will get to know more about some of the latest cyber-attacks.

1. Telegram Hijack

This happened in September 2020. Hackers were able to gain access to not only telegram messenger but also email information of some large organizations specialized in cryptocurrency business. The hackers utilized signaling system 7, which is often used to create connections among mobile networks globally, to steal the data.

Cyber security specialists are of the thought that the hackers wanted to get a hold of the two-factor authentication’s codes used to log in. The hackers were able to access contacts to high-profile individuals and sent them requests to update their locations. It is believed the attack was intent on getting hold of the cryptocurrency.

2. Carnival Corporation data breach

It happened in august and was ransomware that targeted Carnival Corporation, one of the leading cruise line operatives. At the moment of attack, private and crucial information, including those of customers, workers, plus crew members, got stolen.

The hackers via the ransomware were able to launch an attack by encrypting one of the corporation’s brand IT infrastructure.

3. Software AG Ransomware Attack

It occurred in October 2020 and targeted Germany’s second-leading software supplier. The ransomware responsible is the Clop Ransomware, and the cybercriminal behind the attack demanded a ransom amount exceeding $20 million.

This ransomware attack crippled the company’s operations and is still struggling to get back to its original way of operation.

4. Sopra Steria Ransomware Attack

Happened on the 20th of October 2020, in the evening hours, to the French IT guru, Sopra Steria. The virus is Ryuk ransomware’s novel version, and was spotted two days after its attack. The company claims it was successful in confining the attack to a small section of its IT network.

Further investigations showed that no data has leaked, nor had any of its customers suffered from the attack.

5. Seyfarth Shaw Malware Attack

This attack occurred on the 10th of October 2020, targeting Seyfarth Shaw LLP, which is one of Chicago’s leading law firms. The attack was serious and severe that it resulted in a complete breakdown of the company’s email system. There was no unauthorized data access or withdrawal. But resulted in the company’s whole system encryption.

Methods of Protecting Yourself From Cyber-Attacks

There are numerous ways that companies and businesses can use to stay safe from cyber-attacks. They include:

  • Antivirus or antimalware protection: This is where a business installs plus maintains a decent and antivirus plus malware security software. The antivirus helps in detecting and blocking any virus attempting to attack your computers or network systems. Always be careful of the antivirus you choose to use since some viruses are often disguised as antivirus. You can choose antivirus, which is entirely effective in wading off cyber-attacks.
  • VPN software – VPN will hide your IP address, so you will be protected in network. Always use a good VPN provider for your Windows.
  • Staff awareness: Train and educate employees on how to prevent, identify, and deal with cyber-attacks.
  • Software updates: Maintain your software and other applications to-date.
  • Install firewall: Creates a barrier between the business’s data from the criminals’ acts.
  • Data back-ups: Store company data somewhere else, which will facilitate easy recovery in the event of the business losing all of its data through a cyber-attack.

Also read – AT&T APN Settings Guide.

Conclusion

From the above, you can see for yourself that cyber-attack is real, has been happening and will continue to happen. However, the best way to overcome it is to stay vigilant and aware of such attacks, and ensure the system is completely protected from the attacks. Companies ought to implement and take the necessary precaution to stay safe.