7 Common Cyber-Attacks In The Us | Threat Advice
In recent years, the United States has been bombarded by an ever-increasing number of cyber-attacks, with a nearly 60% increase in attacks in 2022. As technology continues to advance, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, making it essential for individuals, businesses, and government institutions to familiarize themselves with the most prevalent types of cyber-attacks.
This article looks at 7 of the most common types of cyber-attacks in the United States and offers insights into what can be done to prevent them.
1. Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks are perhaps the most well-known and widespread form of cyberattack. The Internet Crime Complaint Center received 300,497 reports from victims of phishing in 2022.
Phishing attacks involve cybercriminals tricking victims into disclosing sensitive information by impersonating trustworthy entities, often through deceptive emails. These cybersecurity attacks exploit human psychology and our inclination to trust familiar sources, making them highly effective.
Safeguard against phishing by scrutinizing unsolicited emails, verifying sender details, and avoiding suspicious links or attachments. Strengthen security with multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available.
Education and awareness are key to combating phishing attacks. By training employees and family members to recognize and report phishing attempts, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.
2. Ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks are a particularly insidious form of cybercrime, wherein the attacker encrypts the victim's files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. These attacks have seen a dramatic rise in recent years, targeting individuals, businesses, and even government institutions. In the United States, companies face the highest risk of ransomware attacks, with 47% of such incidents impacting them.
The best defense against ransomware attacks is to maintain regular, secure backups of your data. By doing so, you can quickly restore your files in the event of an attack, effectively nullifying the threat.
Additionally, it is critical to deploy a multi-layered approach to security using antivirus software, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication. Proactive detection is also an effective defense strategy that can thwart ransomware, with continuous vulnerability scanning able to detect suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading unknown attachments, and visiting untrusted websites, as these actions can expose your system to ransomware. Finally, educate yourself and others about the importance of cybersecurity and the signs of potential ransomware attacks to help prevent these devastating cybercrimes.
3. DDoS attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve overwhelming a target website or online service with a flood of traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. These attacks can be especially damaging to businesses and organizations that rely on their online presence for revenue or communication. In 2022, the number of DDoS attacks in the US increased by 212% compared to 2021.
Defending against DDoS attacks requires employing strategies like utilizing CDNs, implementing rate limiting, and using protection services to manage overwhelming traffic. Monitoring network activity for unusual patterns, such as traffic spikes or increased errors, is also crucial.
4. Malware attacks
Malware, short for "malicious software," is a broad term encompassing various types of software designed to infiltrate, damage, or otherwise compromise a victim's computer system. Examples of common malware types include viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. In the United States, the most common malware programs are Trojans, followed by viruses.
Malware attacks lead to various negative consequences, including data theft and system crashes. To prevent them, adopt a multi-layered security approach, regularly update your operating system and software, and use an up-to-date reputable antivirus program to detect and remove threats.
Be cautious when downloading software or files from unknown sources and avoid clicking on suspicious links or email attachments that could install malware. Additionally, educate yourself and others about the dangers of malware and the importance of maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene to help minimize the risk of infections.
5. Password attacks
Password attacks are a common method used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to a victim's accounts or devices. Password attacks, often used by cybercriminals for unauthorized access, involve multiple methods like brute force, dictionary attacks, or advanced techniques like keylogging. Problematically, users make password attacks easy for cybercriminals by reusing the same, simple-to-guess password across all their accounts.
To protect against password attacks, it is essential to use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and devices. Steer clear of utilizing simple-to-predict details like names, birth dates, or ordinary words; rather, choose a blend of alphabets, numerals, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and securely store complex passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts whenever possible, as this adds an extra layer of security beyond your password. Additionally, be cautious when entering your password on public computers or networks, as these environments may be more susceptible to keylogging or other forms of password theft.
6. Man-in-the-middle attacks
Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks involve an attacker intercepting and potentially altering communications between two parties without their knowledge. This type of attack can be used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data, or to inject malicious content into a conversation or data transfer. The IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index reveals that 35% of exploitation actions are linked to MITM attacks. A significant factor contributing to the prevalence of MITM as a widespread attack method is the susceptibility of Wi-Fi technology.
Protecting against MITM attacks requires a combination of good security practices and user vigilance. Use encrypted connections, such as HTTPS, whenever possible to help prevent eavesdropping on your communications. Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your traffic and protect your data from potential interception.
Verify the security certificates of websites you visit, particularly those that handle sensitive information, to ensure that your connection is secure and private. Finally, stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices, as this knowledge can help you identify and avoid potential MITM attacks.
7. Insider threats
Insider threats refer to individuals with authorized access to a company's resources who, either intentionally or accidentally, inflict damage on the organization. These threats are not limited to existing employees; they can also include ex-employees, contractors, or associates with access to the organization's systems or confidential information.
Usually, insiders are aware of the location of critical information in the company and frequently possess higher levels of authorization. Consequently, a data leak instigated by an internal individual proves to be substantially more expensive for businesses compared to breaches initiated by external intruders. The average expense for an insider threat is around $11.45 million, compared to the average cost for a data breach of $3.86 million.
The first effective way to prevent insider threats in your organization is to block access to sensitive data unless it is required to perform duties and deploy multi-factor authentication across your systems to gain access. To efficiently identify internal risks, companies must initially eliminate visibility gaps by consolidating security information within a central monitoring system. Detecting and recognizing threats requires identifying individuals with concerning behavior that may risk the organization. As part of your cybersecurity strategy, monitor network activity for abnormalities such as non-business hour access, remote connections, and external actions. Maintain current baseline system snapshots and procedure inventories, consistently comparing systems to these snapshots to identify potential compromises.
Get the best protection against cyber-attacks
As cybercriminals continue to develop new and more sophisticated tactics, it is crucial to stay informed and proactive in the defense against cyber-attacks. Leverage the expertise of ThreatAdvice's comprehensive security services and offerings to guarantee your company stays a stride ahead in combating cyber risks.