We can’t deny that digital devices and technology have made our lives more comfortable.
We have gotten used to using tech in our daily lives, which can sometimes make things so much easier.
We are grateful for that, but we should also be prepared to face the risks that come with these benefits.
Hackers don’t have just one strategy to access other people’s information.
Plus, they are not all the same, and they don’t pursue the same goals.
This makes it more complex to face their threat.
But we do know for sure that hacker attacks increase with time, during 2023 there was a 72% increase in data breaches since 2021.
We’ll guide you into the world of cyber-attacks and learn how you can safeguard your online presence in 2024.
What Are Cyberattacks?
Before explaining the different types of cyberattacks, you should know what a cyber attack looks like.
A cyberattack is a malicious attempt to corrupt or steal a computer system, network, or device. These attacks can go from simple phishing emails to malware infections.
It is important to understand the different types of cyber-attacks, it can help you recognize and respond to potential threats more effectively.
Types of Cyber Attacks
Phishing Attacks
This is one of the most common types of cyberattacks nowadays.
During these kinds of circumstances, hackers will try to fool people through email, text messages, and other forms of communication.
Their goal is to obtain private data such as financial information, passwords, and all types of sensitive data they could find useful.
Phishing attacks involve psychological manipulation; their strategy is based on tricking people and impersonating official entities and institutions.
In the past, attackers impersonated renowned brands like Microsoft and Google.
They’ll encourage people to take action and click links, download files, or share private information.
It is relatively easy to protect from these attacks because you’ll mostly only need to stay cautious when clicking links.
Make sure to double-check the senders and to be suspicious of odds messages.
Malware Attacks
Malware is a short form of malicious software, and it can occur in many different ways. Hackers use malware to stay hidden and to control devices.
One of their usual ways of proceeding is stealing people’s information to use it to send links and messages on their behalf.
Their friends and family will believe the link is harmless, and once they click on it, they can accidentally download malware, causing the cycle to go on and on.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks are usual within websites with poor security systems. When data is not well encrypted and moves from the user to the servers directly, it is a very dangerous situation.
That’s the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS sites if you ever wondered about it. HTTPS is the safest version of them so far but remember: the tech environment is always changing.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
This tip is especially useful for people who own websites or platforms.
If you own a website and ever notice a sudden increase in your website’s traffic, you might have experienced an attempt of Dos Attack.
It’s key here to check the source of these visitors, they can be genuine but if they seem suspicious, a hacker can be trying to collapse your server.
Some website servers have limited resources when it comes to website traffic. An unexpected and high volume of requests can cause it to crash and that’d be the gateway door for hackers.
Protecting Yourself from Cyber Attacks
The Obvious (Not So Obvious) Tip: Passwords Are Key
Using the same password for many accounts is a huge red flag. Of course, it is more comfortable and practical, but it is the less safe practice.
You should avoid using personal information for your passwords; that kind of information could be easily researched by hackers.
Here are some tips for strong passwords:
- Use a good combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Use random information no one would guess as your password.
- Use a trustworthy password manager if you have problems remembering all your codes.
Have You Heard of 2FA?
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA is a security tool that’ll request a second form of verification every time you try to login to your accounts.
This could be through a text message, email, or authentication app.
Benefits of 2FA:
- Even if your password is compromised, the attacker faces a dead-end.
- It provides an additional security measure against phishing attacks.
VPNs are Here to Help
Imagine being in the middle of a sensitive transition or meeting and realizing or doubting if your phone has been hacked.
All your data, photos, videos, and private conversations could be at risk. VPNs are good allies, not only for computers but also for phones.
They’ll encrypt the internet connections you access, making it difficult to intercept your data. This could be especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Conclusion
We don’t aim to make you feel scared but both high and low-level security measures are demanded in today’s digital landscape.
Think about how much time you spend online, and how it would seem like a good idea for criminals to also attack in the digital world.
Let’s be honest: most of us have online accounts and sensitive data in the cloud.
We should also comprehend that, unlike a few years ago, some of the biggest threats related to scamming and blackmailing are not common scams or regular robberies anymore.
It’s not hard to implement security measures, you might need resources and time but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Cybersecurity is a continuous process that will require you to be constant. Get involved in all the ways you can to ensure your safety; this article could be a good start.