To help protect against cybercrime, we need the help of cyber security experts. Cyber security refers to the body of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cyber security may also be referred to as information technology security.
Types of Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, businesses, and government organizations, including monetary loss, identity theft, and reputational damage. They are classified by the method used to attack. While there are many types of cyberattacks, some of the most common include:1 2
Phishing
Phishing occurs when an email or text appears to be sent from a reputable source but is actually designed by cybercriminals to trick the recipient into sharing sensitive information, such as passwords. Phishing is one of the most common attacks on consumers.
Malware
Malware is malicious software intended to cause damage to a computer or network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware. Malware can find its way onto computers when a user clicks a link or email attachment that installs malicious software.
Eavesdropping attacks
An eavesdropping attack is a theft of information as it is transmitted over a network by a computer, smartphone, or another connected device. Cybercriminals take advantage of unsecured network communications to access data as it is being sent or received by its user.
Denial-of-service attacks
Denial-of-service attacks prevent the rightful user from accessing a system. A common method used in this type of cyberattack is entering an incorrect password enough times that the account is locked.