🔐 Cybersecurity Attacks – Complete Introduction

🔴 1️⃣ What is a Cybersecurity Attack?

A cybersecurity attack is an attempt to steal, damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data.

Goals:

• Steal data (passwords, credit cards)
• Disrupt services
• Spy on users
• Take control of systems

🧠 2️⃣ Types of Cybersecurity Attacks

🟢 A. Malware Attacks

Malicious software designed to harm systems.

🔹 Types:

• Virus – Attaches to files, spreads when opened
• Worm – Self-spreads across networks
• Trojan – Disguised as legitimate software
• Ransomware – Encrypts data and demands money
• Spyware – Steals user information
• Adware – Displays unwanted ads

📌 Example: WannaCry Ransomware

🟢 B. Phishing Attacks (Very Common)

Social engineering attacks to trick users.

🔹 Types:

• Email phishing
• Spear phishing (targeted)
• Whaling (CEO / executives)
• SMiShing (SMS phishing)
• Vishing (voice phishing)

📌 Goal: Steal usernames, passwords, OTPs

🟢 C. Password Attacks

Attacks targeting login credentials.

• Brute Force – Try all password combinations
• Dictionary Attack – Uses common passwords
• Credential Stuffing – Uses leaked credentials
• Keylogging – Records keystrokes

🟢 D. Network Attacks

Target network infrastructure.

• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)
• ARP Spoofing
• DNS Spoofing
• IP Spoofing
• Packet Sniffing

📌 Tools attackers use: Wireshark, Ettercap (ethical labs only)

🟢 E. Denial of Service (DoS / DDoS)

Overloads systems so legitimate users can’t access services.

• DoS – Single attacker
• DDoS – Multiple systems (botnets)

📌 Example: Website traffic flood

🟢 F. Web Application Attacks

Target websites and applications.

• SQL Injection
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
• File Inclusion (LFI/RFI)

📌 Common targets: Login forms, search boxes

🟢 G. Insider Attacks

Threats from within the organization.

• Malicious employee
• Accidental data leak
• Misconfigured systems

🟢 H. Zero-Day Attacks

• Exploit unknown vulnerabilities
• No patch available yet
• Very dangerous