Network security has taken a different shape since the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Many workers have opted for remote work options, and organizations have had to instate a hybrid workforce to keep the system running.
However, while this hybrid system became a saving grace for many organizations, it also created many loopholes in network security. Cyberattacks skyrocketed, resulting in the failure of many businesses.
IBM reported a breach cost of $4.24 million in 2021 — a 9.8% rise in the average total cost of a data breach. Which is also the highest margin hit in the past seven years!
So, What is Network Attack?
A network attack is when a company network is accessed without proper permissions. Usually, the culprit takes actions such as stealing sensitive information, disrupting adequate system operations, and hijacking sensitive data for ransom to destabilize the organization’s functionality.
These cyberattack actors tend to target the perimeters of an organization to hijack the network when they infiltrate. They may also carry out other activities that could cause devastating consequences to an organization.
Network attacks are of two major categories — they can either be active or passive. Active network attacks involve leaving back profound effects such as encrypting, modifying or damaging data.
On the other hand, passive network attacks are when malicious parties successfully gain access to a network, steal data, and monitor network activities without alterations.
However, there are some common types of networking attacks you should know.
As people rely on digital communication technologies, cyber thugs also leverage these technologies to carry out their nefarious activities. The types of networking attacks you may experience can take any of the following forms:
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1. Phishing
A widespread social engineering attack is phishing. And it is a method of tricking users into clicking links that are designed to appear authentic but are fraudulent. These links can be attached to emails or other virtual items. When clicked, it downloads malware into the target’s device and helps the attacker siphons sensitive information such as banking passwords, credit card numbers, and others.
2. Computer Virus
Computer viruses are designed codes that move from device to device to cause damage or disrupt the process. Researchers say that 32% of computers in the world are infected with viruses, and a considerable number are set to lose a significant amount of money due to it.
3. Adware and Spyware
Adware is designed to curate information from data gotten on the internet and display adverts relevant to you. The adware clause is often present in the ‘User Agreement, and the adware’s availability on your computer can slow down network speed.
However, adware that finds its way into your device without your consent is malicious. And just like adware, Spyware is used to spy on your network activities to steal sensitive information such as credit card details, email addresses, and passwords. It can contain keyloggers that record what you type into your computer.
4. Man-in-the-middle (MIM) Attacks
MIM attacks position an attacker so that they can eavesdrop on private conversations between potential victims. A typical MIM attack situation would mean that a target sends their account details to another target. Still, the attacker quickly intercepts the information and forges the same message to the recipient with his own replaced information.
MIM attacks position an attacker so that they can eavesdrop on private conversations between potential victims. A typical MIM attack situation is when a potential target sends their account details to another target for service payment. The attacker quickly intercepts the message and forges the same message to the target recipient.
The message forged has the attacker’s account details instead of the original sender’s and is delivered to the target recipient. Again, when the recipient receives the message and replies, it is intercepted and forged. Furthermore, the interceptor likely carries out the same tactics when the recipient responds. Hence, the name man-in-the-middle.
Some widespread MIM attacks are ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, Wi-Fi hacking, HTTPS spoofing, SSL hijacking, and IP spoofing.
5. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attackers often operate at the network level. They compromise devices and build botnets to send fake traffic to your servers or network.
An instance of DDoS is when SYN/ACC packets are directed in considerable volumes to burden your server or passed through complex SQL queries carried out on your application level to overwhelm the database.
6. Trojan Horse
Trojan horse is commonly used to explain the process of a target being tricked into inviting an attacker into a secure area. The attacker’s presence within the protected area helps carry out planned nefarious activities there.
The trojan horse is used in computing to explain a similar situation. It is malicious software or code that hides behind a legitimate program and tricks a target to run it on a computer.
They are often implemented through emails. Usually, they are presented as an email from a known source, and when you open it with its attachment, they find their way into your computer.
Trojans can also move around by clicking a false advertisement display. And once they are on your computer, they can execute various cyber crimes such as recording sensitive information from you, hijacking your webcam, and disrupting your network activities.
Conclusion
Network security must be a priority for organizations that want to thrive in any industry. You can find modern network solutions here: https://nordlayer.com/network-security/
In addition, you can identify threats and vulnerabilities by using threat intelligence and network surveillance services, managing permissions, and implementing firewalls.