A cyber attack is the process of attempting to steal data or gaining unauthorized access to computers and networks using one or more computers. A cyber attack is often the first step an attacker takes in gaining unauthorized access to individual or business computers or networks before carrying out a data breach.
The goal of a cyber attack is either to disable the target computer and take it offline or gain access to the computer’s data and infiltrate connected networks and systems. Cyber attacks also differ broadly in their sophistication, with cyber criminals launching both random and targeted attacks on businesses. Attackers deploy a wide range of methods to begin a cyber attack, such as denial of service, malware, phishing, and ransomware.
An example is CMA CGM, one of the largest container shipping companies in the world. The firm suffered a cyber attack that originally targeted its servers, which then led to a data breach. The September 2020 attack occurred as malware was used to target the firm’s peripheral servers, which led to CMA CGM taking down access to its online services.
What are examples of a cyber attack?What is a cyber attack within the context of a business’s daily operations? The prevailing cyber attack definition can be very broad, depending on the kind of assault criminals decide to launch. Here are a couple of example scenarios:
Malware: A company does not take the appropriate cyber attack prevention steps and allows its employees to visit any website they like. An employee goes to a fake site that automatically downloads malware onto their computer. The malware sets up a backdoor for a future ransomware attack.Phishing: A phishing email, one of the most common cyber attack types, gets sent to an employee telling them they need to update their bank account password. They are led to a fake site, and a hacker collects all the information they put in.These cyber attack examples are fairly simple—not the sophisticated types some criminal syndicates unleash—but they are still some of the most common methods malicious actors use to exploit companies and their employees.
How can a cyber attack be prevented?Cyber attacks will continue to increase in frequency and sophistication. The good news is there are several things organizations can do to minimize their exposure, such as:
Taking a proactive stance instead of merely detecting attacks and reacting to themProtecting all possible attack vectors in your organizationUsing the latest threat response and prevention technologiesEnsuring you have an up-to-date cyber threat intelligence systemMaking sure employees understand the methods hackers can use to try to breach your system