Types of Cyber Threats and Their Effects

Last Updated on 5 months by Touhid

A cyber security threats is a malicious code or programs that tries to access a computer system without authorization from the owners and damage data, steal data, or disrupt digital life. In this post we will discuss different types of cyber threats and their effects.

Types of cyber Threats and their Effects

In cyber world, cyber threats has negative impact on individuals or organizations. There are different types of cyber threats and their effects which are described as follows:

1. Phishing
2. SQL Injection
3. Cross Site Scripting (XSS)
4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
5. Zero-day-attack
6. Trojans
7. Data diddling
8. Keylogger
9. Spoofing
10. Cyberstalking
11. Data Breach
12. Cybersquatting
13. Malware
14. Ransomware

1. Phishing

What are the types of cyber threats and their effects in computer system? Phishing is the most common types of cyber threats that attempt to gain sensitive and confidential information such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, network credentials, and so more.

In a phishing attack, an attacker sends phishing emails to victims in order to steal of login credentials and account information.

Learn more about Phishing.

Learn more about How to prevent phishing attack?

2. SQL Injection

SQL injection is one of the most common types of security threats that allows attacker to control an application’s database to change or delete data.

It is the placement of malicious code in SQL statements, via web page input. These types of attack occur when an application fails to properly sanitize the SQL statements then attacker can include their own malicious SQL commands to access the database.

3. Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting also known as XSS is a types of cyber threats and client-side code injection attack. It aims to execute malicious scripts in a web browser of the victim to including malicious code in a legitimate web page or application.

So, the actual attack occurs when the victim visits the untrusted web page or application that executes the malicious code.

4. Denial-of-Service Attacks

A Denial-of-Service or DoS attack is a types of cyber threats that shut down a system and making it inaccessible to the users. It occurs when an attacker prevents legitimate users from accessing specific computer systems, devices or other resources.

In addition, DoS attack typically flooding a targeted system with requests until normal traffic is unable to be processed, resulting in denial-of-service to users.

5. Zero-day-attack

Zero day attack is the application based types of cyber attacks which is unknown security vulnerability in a computer software or application. It is either patch has not been released or the application developers were unaware of or did not have sufficient time to fix the vulnerability.

However, if the vulnerability is not solved by the developer then it can affect on computer programs, data, or a network.

6. Trojans

A Trojan horse or Trojan is a type of malicious code or program that developed by hackers to disguise as legitimate software to gain access to victim’s systems. It is designed to delete, modify, damage, block, or some other harmful action on your data or network.

Learn more Different types of Trojan Virus.

7. Data diddling

Data Diddling is unauthorized process where the attacker altering data before or during entry into a computer system. In this technique, the attacker can modify the expected output and which is difficult to track.

8. Keylogger

Keylogger is a type of spying technology or system monitor software that recording user keystrokes to steal passwords and other sensitive information. It can record instant messages, email, and capture any other information at any time using keyboard.

A Keylogger installed on a computer system and it has the capability to record every keystroke made on that system.

9. Spoofing

Spoofing is a type of cyber threats where an attacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to a user’s system or information by pretending to be the user. The most common forms spoofing are IP spoofing, email spoofing, and DNS spoofing.

Its main purpose is to spread malware, stealing user’s sensitive information such as bank account details, personal information, login credentials, credit card details etc.

10. Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is technological harassment in which refers to the crime of using the Internet, email, or other types of electronic communications to stalk, harass, or threaten to a targeted user.

It involves sending harassing emails, text messages, social media posts, tracking apps, monitoring movements using GPS or creating websites for the sole purpose of tormenting the victim.

11. Data breach

A data breach is a security incident where information is accessed from a system without authorization of the system’s owner. So, the information may involve sensitive, proprietary, or confidential such as credit card numbers, customer data, trade secrets etc.

12. Cybersquatting

Cybersquatting is a criminal offense related to website domains which registering, selling or using a domain name with bad-faith intent to profit. When a cyber squatter buys a domain, it is inaccessible and states the site is under construction, uses it to advertise, or has information about how to buy the domain.

It is also known as domain squatting.

13. Malware

Malware is short for “malicious software” that typically consists of software program or code. It is developed by cyber attackers which are designed to extensive damage to data and systems or to gain unauthorized access to a computer network.

The malware is delivered in the form of a link or file over email and it requires the user to click on the link or open the file to execute the malware. This type of attack includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware.

Learn more about Malware.

14. Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of types of cyber threats that blocks to access computer system and demands for bitcoin in order to access the system. The most dangerous ransomware attacks are  WannaCry, Petya, Cerber, Locky and CryptoLocker etc.

Above all types of attack typically installed in a computer system through the following ways:

• When download and open a malicious email attachment
• Install an infected software or apps
• User visit a malicious website or link
• Click on untrusted web link or images

Learn more about How to detect Ransomware?

Effects of Different Types of Cyber Threats

A cyber threats can cause major damage to your business and your personal life. The major effects of different types of cyber threats are as follows:

• You can lose your sensitive corporate information.
• Cyber threats can disrupt your business activities.
• It can steal your Personal information.
• Damage your company’s reputation.
• Loss or Damage to Electronic Data.
• Loss both income and customers.
• It may shutdown your network system.

Conclusion

In cyber world, cyber threats can hack or damage your sensitive information and it has negative impact on individuals or organizations. We have discussed different types of cyber threats and their effects. Hope the article will be helpful for you.