A cyber attackalso known as cyber attack or cyber attack (for cyber), is a malicious action carried out via computer networks (mainly the Internet) with the aim of compromising the security, confidentiality, integrity or availability of a system, network or data.
These attacks can target individuals, businesses and critical infrastructures.
π Types of cyber attacks
Cyber attacks take many forms, including :
- Malicious software (malware)
Virus, Trojan horsesworms, spyware, ransomware: malicious software that spreads to damage, steal or spy on others
- Phishing (phishing) / Harpooning (spear phishing)
Phishing attempts by e-mail or messaging service, aimed at deceiving the user in order to obtain sensitive information (identifiers, bank details, etc.).
- Attacks by denial of service (DoS/DDoS)
Saturation of a server or network to interrupt normal operation.
- Operation of vulnerabilities (Zero-day)
Attacks that take advantage of security flaws not yet corrected by developers.
- Injection (e.g. SQL injection)
Exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to access, modify or destroy data.
- Social engineering
Psychological manipulation to encourage people to divulge sensitive information or make security errors.
- APT (Advanced Persistent Threat)
Sophisticated and prolonged attacks, often carried out by state actors or organised groups, which remain concealed for long periods in order to extract sensitive data.
- Attacks by theman in the middle (MitM)
Interception of communications between two parties to steal or modify information.
π― Objectives of cyber attacks
The motivations behind cyber attacks are manifold and can include :
- Financial gain : theft of financial information, extortion (ransomware), fraud, etc.
- Industrial or political espionage : theft of commercial secrets, strategic information and government data.
- Sabotage : disruption or destruction of critical systems and infrastructures.
- Activism and ideology: actions carried out for political, social or ideological reasons.
- Reputation and destabilisation : damage an organisation's reputation, sow chaos and destabilise institutions.
- Simple vandalism or a challenge : In some cases, the aim may simply be to expose a security flaw or cause disruption without any specific financial or ideological motivation.
