Cyberattacks come in many forms, each with its own method and goal. Some steal data, others block access, and some cause chaos just to disrupt. Knowing how these attacks work helps people and organisations spot trouble early and act quickly. Here are some of the most common types of cyberattacks:

Common Types of Cyberattacks -infographic

Phishing

Phishing is a trick where someone pretends to be a trusted source, often through email or text, to get personal information. They might ask you to click a link or open a file that looks real but isn’t. These messages often look like they’re from your bank, a delivery service, or even your boss. If you fall for it, they can get your passwords, bank details, or other private data.

Phishing Prevention

  • Double-check who the message is from. Look at the email address closely.
  • Don’t click links or download attachments from unexpected messages.
  • Use spam filters and security software that flag suspicious emails.
  • If you’re unsure, contact the sender directly through another method.

Malware

Malware stands for “malicious software.” It includes viruses, worms, and spyware. This software is created to sneak into computers or networks without permission. It can delete files, steal information, or even let someone take control of your device. Malware often hides in downloads, fake apps, or websites that seem harmless.

Malware Prevention

  • Keep all devices and software updated—old versions often have gaps attackers use.
  • Avoid downloading files or software from unknown websites.
  • Use antivirus tools and run scans often.
  • Don’t plug in USB drives you don’t recognise or trust.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your files or system and demands money to unlock it. Victims usually see a message asking for payment, often in cryptocurrency, with a deadline. If the demand isn’t met, the files may be lost forever. This kind of attack has hit schools, hospitals, and businesses hard, sometimes shutting them down for days or weeks.

Ransomware Prevention

  • Back up your files regularly on a separate system or cloud storage.
  • Be careful with email attachments and links.
  • Don’t download from untrusted websites or open suspicious files.
  • Use antivirus tools that include ransomware protection.

DDoS Attacks

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack floods a website or service with too much traffic, making it crash or become very slow. It’s like hundreds of people trying to cram through one door at the same time. The goal isn’t to steal anything—it’s to cause a delay or stop access altogether. These attacks can be used to distract from other threats or simply to cause harm.

DDoS Attack Prevention

  • Use DDoS protection tools, often offered by website hosts.
  • Set up network firewalls and traffic filters.
  • Have a response plan in place so action can be taken quickly if an attack starts.
  • Monitor traffic for sudden changes that might signal a problem.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)

In a Man-in-the-Middle attack, a hacker secretly places themselves between two people or systems that are communicating. They can then listen, change, or steal what’s being sent. This can happen through unsafe Wi-Fi networks or when a website doesn’t use secure connections. You might think you’re speaking to your bank, but someone else is watching the whole time.

Man-in-the-Middle Prevention

  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for things like banking or logging into accounts.
  • Use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
  • Make sure websites you visit use HTTPS (look for the lock symbol).
  • Log out of accounts when finished and avoid saving login info on shared devices.

Other Threats to Watch For

SQL Injection

This targets websites that use databases. The attacker tricks the site into giving up private data.

SQL Injection Prevention

  • Website owners need to check user inputs and block harmful code.
  • Developers should follow secure coding practices.
  • Use tools that test for security weaknesses regularly.

Zero-Day Exploits

These attacks hit weaknesses that developers haven’t fixed yet. Because there’s no patch, they can be hard to stop.

Zero-Day Exploit Prevention

  • Keep all software updated.
  • Use tools that watch for strange behaviour, even in trusted apps.
  • Limit access to sensitive systems and information.

Credential Stuffing

If people use the same password everywhere, attackers use stolen login details to break into multiple accounts.

Credential Stuffing Prevention

  • Use different passwords for each account.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible.
  • Use a password manager to store and create strong passwords.

Most cyberattacks work because someone made a mistake or didn’t notice a weak spot. While no system is perfect, being careful and using basic protections goes a long way. Strong passwords, updates, backups, and awareness are the first steps to staying safer online.

Investing in cybersecurity can save your business time and money.