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Different Types of Cyber Attacks—What to Look Out For
By Cale Boniface
A report from NAB states that almost two-thirds of Australians have fallen victim to a cyber-attack or data breach in the last 12 months, however, according to CPA Australia only 41% of Australians can correctly identify a cyber threat. In this article we’ll explain some common cyber attacks to look out for, and how you can protect yourself.
Phishing Attacks
Probably one of the most experienced digital threats, phishing attacks are when a bad actor pretends to be someone they’re not. For example, this could look like a text from an unknown number insisting that you update your address to receive your package.
What to Look Out For
A lot of phishing attacks can be correctly identified by the following characteristics:
- An abundance of spelling and grammar mistakes, including the substituion of letters for numbers
- Unrealistic or ‘too good to be true’ offers
- An overwhelming sense of urgency
How to Deal With Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are designed to get you hooked by any means necessary, so the best way to combat them is to be skeptical of everything you find online, regardless of how authentic it looks. If you receive a message claiming to be from your bank or any other critical organisation, you can always reach out to them yourself (using their actual contact numbers, not what is in the message) to verify the authenticity of the message.
Phishing attacks alone aren’t usually enough to steal your information, but they open the door to other attacks and leave you vulnerable throughout cyberspace.
Malware
The term ‘malware’ refers to malicious software that’s designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised acces to your computer or network. Common forms of malware include viruses, worms, spyware, trojans and adware. Malware is typically hidden within seemingly harmless files or software downloads.
Phishing attacks alone aren’t usually enough to steal your information, but they open the door to other attacks and leave you vulnerable throughout cyberspace.
What to Look Out For
A lot of phishing attacks can be correctly identified by the following characteristics:
- Unexpected computer slowdowns or crashes
- Pop-up ads, browser toolbars or notifications
- Suspicious new programs or files appearing on your device
How to Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself from malware is to keep your software and operating systems up to date, as outdated software often carries bugs and exploits used by bad actors to gain hold of your system. Similarly, never download files from an untrusted source as what can appear to be a simple text or image file can carry malicious software.
Come and see us in one of our stores for a full security checkup.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of attack where a program encrypts all files on the computer and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key, usually in the form of bitcoin or other shady cryptocurrencies.
As scary as this sounds, not all attacks are legitimate, some attacks merely pretend to have full control of your computer, in the hopes of frightening you into paying for a useless decryption key. If you’re ever unsure if you’re the victim of a ransomware attack, come see one of our friendly staff members in either our Penrith or Richmond stores.
What to Look Out For
- Sudden inability to access files
- Ransom notes demanding payment, typically in cryptocurrency
How to Protect Yourself
Follow best online practices to protect yourself, as prevention is the best technique to evade ransomware. Be especially wary of what pages you’re really visiting and remain ever vigilant about where you go on the web.
Man-in-the-Middle
A man-in-the-middle attack (MiTM) involves a cybercriminal secretly intercepting your communications between another party, usually to steal information or credentials.
These attacks are almost always invisible and can only be mitigated before they happen.
What to Look Out For
- Unexpected security warnings or connection issues
- Unusual account activities or logins
How to Protect Yourself
- Ensure all websites you visit use encrypted connections via HTTPS – web browsers these days will throw a warning at you if you visit a website that does not use HTTPS so if you see such a warning, it’s best not to ignore it
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially for sensitive activities
- Regularly update passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA)
Final Thoughts
Awareness is your first line of defense against cyber-attacks. Second is prevention. By knowing the signs and taking proactive measures, you’re significantly reducing your risk of becoming a victim. Always be aware and ensure your online safety and security.