Stay Ahead of Hackers: Familiarize Yourself with Common Network Attacks

There are different forms of network security attacks that threaten the security, privacy, and accessibility of networks and the information they send.

Common types of attacks in network security

Among the most popular forms of network security threats are:-

1. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks

These attacks attempt to render a network or service unavailable by flooding it with traffic or resource requests, leaving it unavailable to legitimate users.

2. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks

DDoS assaults use a botnet of hacked systems to conduct a coordinated attack on a target network or service, expanding the attack’s impact.

3. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

A MitM attack hits when an attacker intercepts and modifies communication between two parties without their knowledge. It allows the attacker to eavesdrop in on conversations, modify data, or impersonate one of the parties involved.

4. Packet Sniffing

Packet sniffing is the process of collecting and analysing network traffic in order to steal sensitive information carried over the network, such as passwords, usernames, or financial data.

5. IP Spoofing

An attacker disguises their IP address to seem to be a trustworthy entity in IP spoofing. This allows them to circumvent network security and obtain unauthorised access to systems.

6. Port Scanning

Port scanning involves a target network for open ports that can be used by attackers. This aids in the identification of susceptible services or systems that can be exploited.

Phishing attacks use misleading methods, such as emails or websites that look authentic, to fool people into disclosing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information.

7. SQL Injection Attacks

By injecting malicious SQL statements into input fields, attackers exploit vulnerabilities in web apps to obtain unauthorised access to databases and potentially get sensitive data.

9. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks

XSS attacks include the injection of malicious scripts into websites, which are subsequently executed by the browsers of unsuspecting users. It enables attackers to steal data or take control of user sessions.

10. Network Eavesdropping

Network eavesdropping is the practise of intercepting sensitive data passed over a network, such as passwords, financial information, or intimate discussions.

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Bottom line

It is crucial for organizations and individuals to be aware of these various types of attacks and implement appropriate network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption protocols, and regular security audits, to protect their networks and data from potential threats.