7 Types of Cyber Security Threats

Cyber security professionals constantly defend computer systems against different types of cyber threats. Cyber attacks affect businesses and private systems every day, and the variety of attacks has grown rapidly. According to former Cisco CEO John Chambers, "There are two types of companies: those that have been hacked and those that do not yet know they have been hacked."

There are many reasons behind cyber attacks. Financial reasons are among them. An attacker may take a system offline and demand payment in order to restore its functionality. Today, ransomware is more sophisticated than ever, requiring payment to restore services.

Cyber attacks can affect not just corporations, but also individuals, who store personal information on their mobile phones and use insecure public networks.

Monitoring evolving and increasing cyber attacks is a key to better cyber security. An online cyber security master's degree can prove invaluable for cyber security professionals looking to expand their knowledge of threats and cyber security information. Graduates of the University of North Dakota's online Master of Science in Cyber Security program will gain a deep and nuanced understanding of cyber attack methods.

What Is a Cyber Security Threat?

Cybersecurity threats are defined as any attempted malicious attack aimed at unlawfully accessing data, disrupting digital operations or damaging information. Cyber threats can originate from a variety of sources, such as corporate spies, hacktivists, terrorist groups, hostile nation-states, criminal organizations, and disgruntled employees.

Numerous high-profile cyber attacks have exposed sensitive data in the past few years. In 2017, Equifax breached the personal data of roughly 143 million consumers, including birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers. Marriott International revealed in 2018 that hackers breached its servers and stole the data of approximately 500 million customers. In both cases, the organization failed to properly implement, test, and retest technical safeguards, such as encryption, authentication, and firewalls, which enabled the cyber security threat to occur.

Individuals and companies can have their sensitive data used by cyber attackers to steal information or access their financial accounts, among other potentially damaging actions, which is why cyber security professionals are vital to protecting private data.

7 Types of Cyber Security Threats

Professionals in the field of cyber security should be familiar with the following types of cyber threats.

1. Malware

The term malware refers to malicious software such as spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms. Clicking on malicious links or attachments activates malware, which then installs dangerous software on the user's computer. Once activated, malware can:

prevent the user from accessing critical network components (ransomware)
Install more malicious software
Receiving information by secretly accessing a computer's hard drive (spyware)
Disrupt individual parts, making the system inoperable

2. Emotet

Emotet is described by CISA as a "modular, advanced banking Trojan that primarily serves as a dropper or downloader of other banking Trojans.". The malware remains among the most expensive and destructive.

3. Denial of Service

A denial of service (DoS) is a type of cyberattack that floods a computer or network so it cannot respond to requests. A distributed denial of service attack (DDoS) accomplishes the same thing, but they originate from a network. Cyber attackers often conduct DoS attacks by using flood attacks to disrupt the "handshake" process. Cyber attackers may also use other techniques, and some use the time when a network has been disabled to launch other attacks. A botnet is a type of DDoS in which millions of computers can be infected with malware and controlled by a hacker, explains Jeff Melnick of Netwrix, an information technology security software company. Botnets, sometimes called zombie systems, target and overtake a target's processing power. Botnets are in different geographic locations and hard to trace.

4. Man in the Middle

Hackers insert themselves into a two-party transaction when they launch a man-in-the-middle attack. They can filter and steal data after interrupting traffic, according to Cisco. Visitors often use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks for MIM attacks. Using malware, attackers are able to install software and access data maliciously by putting themselves between the visitor and the network.

5. Phishing

Phishing attacks use fake communication, such as an email, to fool the recipient into opening it and following the instructions inside, such as providing a credit card number. As Cisco reports, the goal of these attacks is to steal sensitive data, such as credit card and login information, or to install malware on the victim's machine.

6. SQL Injection

A Structured Query Language (SQL) injection occurs when malicious code is injected into a server that uses SQL. This causes the server to release information. A vulnerable website search box can be used to enter the malicious code.

7. Password Attacks

Cyber attackers have access to a wealth of information with the right password. As defined by Data Insider, social engineering is a type of password attack that relies heavily on human interaction and often involves tricking people into breaking standard security practices. Other forms of password attacks include accessing a password database or guessing the password outright.

Evolution of Cyber Security

As the internet and digitally dependent operations develop and change, cyber security practices will continue to evolve. According to Secureworks, people who study cyber security tend to focus on the following two areas.

The Internet of Things

Hackers can gain access to individual devices connected to the internet or other networks. Cybereligence reports that in 2019, hackers increasingly targeted smart homes and internet of things (IoT) devices, such as smart TVs, voice assistants, connected baby monitors and smartphones. A hacker who successfully compromises a connected home not only gains access to users' Wi-Fi credentials but also their data, such as medical records, bank statements, and login information for websites.

The Explosion of Data

Cyber attackers are more likely to access networks through personal devices, such as laptops and cellphones, since they store data on them. According to the May 2019 book Exploding Data: Reclaiming Our Cyber Security in the Digital Age, former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff warns that personal information is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

In order to protect their data and operations, companies and government agencies need maximum cyber security. It is essential for cyber security professionals to be familiar with the latest evolving cyber threats.

The University of North Dakota offers a Master of Science in Cyber Security program.

Selecting the right online master's degree program in cyber security is important. Today's cyber security issues and concerns are addressed in the best cyber security programs.

UND prepares students for careers in cyber security with concentrations in Autonomous Systems Cyber Security, Cyber Security and Behavior, Data Security and General Cyber Security. Learn more about UND's online Master of Science in Cyber Security program.