Top 8 Cyber Attack Vectors and How to Protect Against Them

Cyber attack vectors are the pathways that cybercriminals use to target and compromise computer systems, networks, and digital assets. These vectors include a wide range of techniques and technologies employed by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities, gain unauthorized access, steal data, disrupt operations, and cause harm. 

In the sections below, we'll explore 8 different types of cyber attack vectors and offer tips on how to prevent them. Businesses that understand these risks and take a proactive approach to cybersecurity can improve their defenses, ensure customer trust, and reduce the damage should an attack occur. 

Insider Attacks

Insider attacks occur when individuals who have access to a company's resources misuse or damage sensitive data, systems, or networks. These individuals can include company staff, contractors, vendors, or anyone with authorized access. Insider attacks can also be unintentional or intentional.

For example, an employee may unintentionally put an organization at risk by losing a storage device with sensitive data. Sending an email with private information to the wrong person or allowing a friend through a secure checkpoint are other scenarios that could lead to insider threats.

Intentional threats, on the other hand, occur when an individual purposely misuses their access to intercept data or harm a company's resources. For example, an employee could use their access to steal client payment information and sell it for personal gain. Some insiders may even engage in sabotage, targeting critical systems, applications, or infrastructure to disrupt operations.

To prevent such attacks, organizations should adhere to the following best practices:

• Security Policies: Create comprehensive security protocols for detecting insider attacks and handling security incidents. 
• Access Controls: Implement strict access controls that only allow employees to access the resources needed for their roles. 
• Employee Training: Make sure all staff are trained on today's security threats and how to report suspicious activities. 
• Threat Detection: Implement a threat detection program that proactively spots unusual or malicious activities within the organization's network and systems. 
• Regular Audits: Conduct periodic assessments to identify weaknesses, spot unusual patterns, change access controls, and terminate access to employees who have left the organization.

Compromised Credentials

Compromised credentials occur when an unauthorized individual gains access to an organization's username and password. Attackers who obtain these credentials can navigate through an organization's systems, access sensitive data, and potentially partake in malicious activities like data theft, system manipulation, or even identity impersonation.

Depending on the level of access obtained and the attacker's intentions, such attacks can have far-reaching consequences for businesses. This can include halted operations, legal fines, financial losses, deterioration of customer trust, and much more.

To keep credentials safe, organizations should consider these best practices:

• Strong Passwords: Make sure all employees create unique passwords that include a combination of symbols, letters, and numbers and are at least 12 characters long. All passwords should be updated regularly and not include personal information. 
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA across all systems and applications whenever possible. This method requires two or more forms of verification to prevent unauthorized access.
• Employee Education: Educate all staff on password policies and the importance of not sharing passwords. 

Phishing

Phishing attacks are online scams that trick users into sharing sensitive information through email, text, or sometimes phone calls. These fraudulent messages appear to come from reputable businesses and deceive individuals into divulging personal information, login information, or financial data, which can be exploited by cybercriminals.

For example, an employee may receive an email from a seemingly legitimate bank asking to verify their account information urgently. If the employee provides the business's information, the cybercriminal could gain access to their bank account and carry out fraudulent transactions.

The following tips can help prevent phishing attacks:

• Hover Before Clicking: Do not click on any links or files in suspicious emails. Hovering over the link with your cursor can reveal the actual web address it leads to.
• Enable Spam Filters: Use email and messaging platforms that have built-in spam filters to help identify and prevent phishing emails before they reach your inbox.
• Report Suspicious Emails: Train your staff to report any suspicious emails to your organization's IT department. This helps in identifying and taking action against such attacks. 

Malware

Malware is a form of software designed to gain unauthorized access, disrupt, or harm a computer, server, or network. This software is typically dispersed through malicious files, software, websites, or emails and can unknowingly be downloaded by clicking on suspicious links. 

Once downloaded, malware can perform a variety of harmful actions, such as stealing sensitive data, taking control of the infected system, or encrypting files. It can even turn the compromised computer into a piece of a larger network of infected machines used for coordinated cyberattacks.

Malware can be prevented through the following measures:

• Regular Software Updates: Keep your IT systems, software, and applications updated to patch vulnerabilities.
• Beware of Email Attachments: Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links from suspicious or unknown email senders.
• Use Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and keep it updated.
• Safe Browsing Habits: Be cautious when visiting websites, especially those offering downloads or requiring personal information.
• Download from Trusted Sources: Only download software and apps from reputable sources.

Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

Denial-of-Service (DDoS) threats are attacks that try to shut down a computer or network, making the service unavailable to users. These attacks are executed by flooding the network with traffic until it cannot respond or crashes.

DDoS attacks can be carried out for many reasons, including extorting money or seeking retaliation against perceived wrongdoers. They can also serve political causes and be used strategically to gain a competitive edge by disrupting rival businesses.

Organizations can help prevent DDoS attacks by following these practices: 

• DDoS Protection Services: Use DDoS protection services to detect abnormal traffic and direct traffic away from your network. 
• Disaster Recovery Planning: Create protocols for mitigation, communication, and recovery in the event of an attack. 
• Firewalls: Implement firewalls and set them to restrict the inflow of traffic into your network. 
• Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software from reputable sources on all devices and make sure they stay up-to-date. 

Misconfiguration

Misconfigurations are errors in the settings of software, hardware, or network devices. These misconfigurations can create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit, leading to security breaches or other cyber threats.

An example of a misconfiguration is using default settings. Not changing default configurations on routers, firewalls, or other network devices can expose networks to a number of threats. Failing to enable encryption or configuring it incorrectly can also lead to data breaches if sensitive information is transmitted or stored in an insecure manner.

The following tips can help businesses prevent misconfigurations: 

• Configuration Protocols: Create a configuration management process to make sure that all systems are configured following security best practices. Regularly review and update configurations.
• Automation: Use automation tools and scripts to configure systems consistently and reduce the risk of human error.
• Patch and Update: Keep software, apps, and IT systems updated with new security patches to prevent cyber attacks.

Vulnerabilities in Software or Systems

Vulnerabilities are weaknesses or flaws in computer software, applications, operating systems, or hardware that can be exploited by cybercriminals. These vulnerabilities can exist for various reasons, including coding errors or design flaws, and they create significant risks to the security of an organization's digital assets.

Follow the tips below to address vulnerabilities: 

• Patch Management: Regularly update and apply security patches for all software, applications, and operating systems to address known vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and scans to spot and address vulnerabilities within your systems.
• Secure Coding Practices: If your business develops software in-house or relies on third-party applications, ensure that your development teams and vendors adhere to security standards.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of harmful software that encrypts your computer files. To regain access to your files, victims are required to pay a demanded ransom. When the ransom has been paid, cybercriminals will then provide a decryption key to the victim that unlocks the files or data.

The impact of ransomware can be severe and far-reaching. Victims may face hefty financial losses due to the ransom payment, data recovery, and system restoration. Additionally, the downtime caused by ransomware attacks can halt business operations, leading to lost productivity and revenue. 

To prevent ransomware attacks, businesses should consider the following best practices: 

• Data Backup: Regularly backup your important data and systems. Ensure backups are stored offline or in a secure environment to prevent them from being compromised.
• Antivirus Software: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and keep it updated to block ransomware threats.
• Email Filtering: Enable email filtering to block malicious attachments and links in phishing attacks that often lead to ransomware infections.
• Patch and Update: Keep your operating system, software, and applications fully patched and updated to reduce security vulnerabilities that ransomware may exploit.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that entails continuous education, diligence, and a commitment to best practices. By understanding the common threats outlined in this blog and following the tips and strategies provided, organizations can protect their data, preserve customer trust, and minimize the impact of potential attacks on their operations. As the digital landscape evolves, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is not just a best practice; it's a necessity.