The top 8 types of networks security attacks

DotNek Software Development 11 minute(s) read

Last updated: Oct 03, 2020

In this article, you will learn the top eight types of network security attacks that are harmful to systems as well as networks.

The following are the top 8 types of network security attacks which cybercriminals use to attack your network:

1. Trojan Horse

The trojan is the most serious type of cyber-attack . It is malicious software or program which appears to be good and useful. It can be installed on a mobile device and computer. Users are encouraged and persuaded to press the link so that the software will be downloaded on a computer. Once the user installs this software, the cybercriminals stole your confidential information or manipulated your database.

2. Malware

Malware attacks are also one of the dangerous cyber attacks. It is specially designed to get unauthorized access to a targeted computer system. The most common malware attack is self-replicating. It not only harms the certain infected system but also infects and contaminates all the other computer systems which are connected to this system. It runs more quickly as compared to other malicious software.

3. Man in The Middle

In a man in the middle attack , the hacker is someone who tries to stand in between your network and the other network device. By being in the middle, the hacker may easily monitor, control, retrieved, and intercept the messages or communication. He usually does this by changing the network device IP address with a phony one, which allows the packets and messages being communicated to be retrieved and intercepted.

4. Packet Sniffer

When a passive receiver is being set up on the wireless transmitter's place, it will store the copies of every packet of transmission. Such packages might contain commercial secrets, private information, critical and sensitive information, etc. It will spread when you get through across a packet receiver. The receiver will act as a sniffer for packets, which sniffs all the packet's information that will transfer to the sector. The most effective prevention against sniffers is Cryptography.

5. Distributed Denial of Service

Distributed Denial of service attacks is also known as Denial of service attacks (DoS). In this cyber-attack, the hackers use thousands of multiple devices through which he sends messages to the user targeted network server. Eventually, when they reached, it overwhelmed the server and became unable to manage the flood of inbound traffic, resulting in a crash of the network server or system or websites.

6. Worm

Malware needs user interaction in order to infect any network or system. For instance, the user may require to plug an infected thumb drive into a machine, visit an infected website, or download or install a malicious email attachment.

But Worm attacks don't require any user support to infect the system. It is basically a self-propagating attack that spreads on its own. A worm attack will exploit the system if the user runs a network program that is vulnerable to malware.

7. Spyware

Spyware is basically a malicious software that cyber criminals install on targeted user devices, which will enable them to see all the online activities of the user. Hackers also use spyware software to log in to a user's system and then obtain confidential or private information such as credit card information and account credentials.

8. Phishing

This is the most well-known and common network attack, and the hacker sends an infected link in the email to the user. When the user presses the infected link, the email releases malware or virus that spread and infect the user device or system.