Network attacks are unauthorized attacks on digital assets and information within an organization. These attacks are carried by malicious parties who aim to steal, destroy or manipulate private data. Cybercriminals may also carry out other hacking activities such as spreading malware or endpoint attacks on private networks. As technology advances, network attacks are becoming more sophisticated.
This article will discuss the different types of network attacks as well as the ways to prevent them. Before we get to that, let’s look at how hackers attack networks.
How can hackers attack a network
Footprint analysis: This is the first step to hacking a network. Reconnaissance is another name for it. Hackers can gather information about the target network including addresses, devices, operating systems, and applications. This allows hackers to exploit the weaknesses in the target network.
Launch attack: Once hackers have all the information they need about the target network and any vulnerabilities, they can launch an attack against the network.
Elevate their privilege: Once hackers gain access to the network, they will be in the position of an unprivileged user. They then attempt to elevate their user status. To gain central access to the network, they change their user level from a normal user account into an administrator-level account.
Hackers gain access to other servers and devices: The hackers now have access to other devices and networks, passwords and operating systems, as well as IDs and passwords.
Install backdoors: After hackers have collected all the information they need, they can install a backdoor that will allow them remote control over the compromised network in future. They will be able return to the compromised network by installing a backdoor.
Hide their tracks: Hackers might try to conceal their tracks from administrators in order to avoid being caught. They can do this by deleting logs.
Use the network: Hackers now have full control of the network. They can steal, modify, and destroy network information.
Types of Network Attacks
Cybercriminals use a variety of network attacks. Here are some of the most common cyberattacks and what you can do about them.
1. Browser attacks
Browser attacks are one of the most common network attacks. The hacker disguises malware as a program or update, and tricks the user to download it. This corrupts the browser. Hackers may also target operating system vulnerabilities.
Prevention: Browser attacks can often be prevented or reduced by regularly updating the browser and any related applications.
2. Brute force attacks
A brute force attack is when a hacker attempts to break into the network using a hit-and-run method. Automated software can crack weak passwords. Brute force attacks are time-consuming and require a lot of effort. They are most successful because of weak passwords and strong computing prowess.
Prevention: You can prevent brute force attacks by regularly changing passwords and using unusual combinations of letters, symbols and numbers.
3. Attacks on Denial of Services (DoS).
DoS attacks target computer network that a particular computer is trying use. These networks often include email addresses, online banking sites, and other commercial websites. When an attacker overwhelms a server with more data or requests than the server can process, users are prevented from using that network.
DDoS, or Distributed Denial of Service, is an email overload that contains many messages or a website with large data blocks.
Prevention: Use antivirus software, firewalls and email filters to prevent DoS attacks.
4. SSL attacks
SSL, or secure sockets layer, is a standard technology that creates an encrypted link between the sender (or receiver) and the receiver. This allows sensitive information to be sent securely. SSL begins with HTTPS. An SSL attack is when hackers take control of encrypted data before it can be encrypted. This gives them access to sensitive information such as credit card details.
Prevention: Use a configured SSL certificate to encrypt all HTTPS connections. Next, add your domain to the HSTS Preload List, a global search engine list. Encourage your users to use the HTTPS Everywhere extension. It allows browsers to only send information over HTTPS sites. Opt for private networks instead of public Wi-Fi.
5. DNS attacks
Domain Name System, or DNS, is a directory that contains domain names and translates them into IP addresses. This type of network attack uses weak DNS. DNS spoofing is when data is introduced to the domain name system cache. This causes the name server return an incorrect IP address. This redirects traffic to hacker’s computer. DNS hijacking is when the attacker redirects traffic to his computer.