All about cyberattack: What occurs, types and forms of prevention
All about cyberattack: What occurs, types and forms of prevention
As technology advances, so does the sophistication of cyberattacks. Companies of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable to these threats, which can result in significant financial losses, data loss, and reputational damage.
Brazil is among the countries that suffer the most from this type of invasion and is the second most vulnerable to hacker attacks, according to a Trend Micro report, making it essential to invest in cybersecurity measures. Read on to identify what are the types of attacks and forms of prevention.
What is a cyber attack?
A cyberattack occurs when hackers or malicious groups exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, devices, or even people. These intrusions are aimed at obtaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, causing damage to systems, or interrupting company operations.
These actions can be performed in a variety of ways, often using viruses, malware, or social engineering techniques. Regardless of the method, the impact can be devastating for any organization, compromising essential data, disrupting operations, and causing financial losses.
The story
The history of cyberattacks dates back to the 1980s, when the first computer viruses appeared. Since then, attacks have become more frequent and sophisticated. In 1983, the Elk Cloner virus affected Apple II systems, marking the beginning of viruses as a real threat. In the 1990s, attacks such as the Chernobyl virus emerged, which destroyed data on thousands of computers.
In the 2000s, denial of service (DDoS) attacks and malware such as ILOVEYOU and Conficker highlighted the vulnerability of global networks. In 2017, the global WannaCry ransomware attack compromised companies in more than 150 countries, demonstrating the seriousness of these threats.
Today, hackers continue to develop increasingly innovative methods to invade systems, which reinforces the importance of being one step ahead in preventing and combating these attacks.
Main Types of Cyber Attacks
There are several forms of cyberattacks. Below, we list the most common ones so that your company can prepare properly:
- Ransomware: One of the most dangerous types, ransomware blocks system functionality or encrypts files, requiring payment for access to be restored.
- Phishing: This attack occurs when a person is tricked into clicking on fraudulent links, generally sent by email, which can lead to the theft of sensitive data.
- Man-In-The-Middle (MITM): In this modality, the hacker intercepts communication between two parties, such as a customer and a company, without those involved realizing it.
- Denial of Service (DDoS): A server receives a volume of requests far above what it can handle, interrupting the normal operation of online services.
- SQL injection: Occurs when a hacker inserts malicious code into a website, violating system security and accessing sensitive data.
- Zero-day exploration: By exploiting security flaws that have not yet been corrected, this type of attack is one of the most used to compromise systems.
What happens during a cyber attack?
During a cyberattack, hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the company's system to gain unauthorized access. They can block the functioning of systems, steal information, or interrupt operations. Malicious code is injected, compromising data and devices connected to the organization's network.
Meanwhile, the company's IT team is frantically working to identify the source of the invasion and mitigate the damage. In some cases, hackers demand ransom in exchange for releasing systems or encrypt essential data, paralyzing operations.
How to protect your company?
Prevention is the best way to protect your business against cyberattacks. Here are some effective measures:
- Two-factor authentication: Implementing two-factor authentication across all company systems significantly increases security.
- Robust internal controls: Control access to systems and constantly update the permissions of former employees to prevent sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized persons.
- Employee training: Educate your employees about security best practices and make them aware of the risks of attacks such as phishing.
- Regular backups: Perform frequent data backups to ensure that, in the event of an attack, the information can be recovered.
- Systems that are always up to date: Keep all software up to date to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by intruders.
- Antivirus and firewall installation: Make sure that all company devices and servers are protected by reliable antivirus software and an active firewall.
- Segregation of networks: Dividing the network into smaller, controlled parts can limit the impact of an attack and protect critical areas.
Cyber attacks are a real and increasingly frequent threat in the corporate environment. However, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce risks and protect your business against potential intrusions.
If you are looking to strengthen the security of your systems and ensure data protection, investing in robust security measures is essential to mitigate risks and ensure the continuity of operations. Also read:
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