Types of cyber Attacks | Web-based attacks,System-based attacks

 What is cyber Attacks

A cyber attack is an attempt by individuals or organizations to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or devices for malicious purposes. These attacks can take many forms, including malware, phishing scams, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, ransomware, and more.

The motivations behind cyber attacks can vary widely, from financial gain and theft of sensitive information to political espionage and sabotage. Cyber attacks can be carried out by a range of actors, including individual hackers, criminal organizations, nation-states, and hacktivist groups.

The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be severe, ranging from financial losses and reputation damage to the compromise of sensitive information and even physical harm. As our reliance on technology continues to grow, the threat of cyber attacks is only increasing, making it crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments to take steps to protect themselves from these threats.

Classification of cyber Attacks

Two types of cyber Attacks,Web-based attacks,System-based attacks

Web-based attacks

Web-based attacks are a type of cyber attack that target vulnerabilities in web applications, websites, and web browsers. These attacks can take many forms, including

Injection attacks

Injection attacks are a type of cyber attack that exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, particularly web applications, by injecting malicious code into user input fields. The most common types of injection attacks are:

(i)SQL Injection (SQLi): In this type of attack, an attacker injects malicious SQL code into a web application's input fields, which can give them unauthorized access to the database and sensitive information stored within it. The attacker can use this information to steal data or perform other malicious actions.

(ii)Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): This is a type of attack where the attacker injects malicious code into a website, which then executes when a user visits the website. The code can steal sensitive information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.

(iii) Command Injection: In this type of attack, an attacker injects malicious code into an application's input field, which can execute operating system commands on the server hosting the application. The attacker can use this access to steal data, modify or delete files, or install malware.

(iv)LDAP Injection: This is a type of attack that exploits vulnerabilities in applications that use the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) to authenticate users. An attacker can use this vulnerability to access sensitive information, such as passwords and other user data.

Injection attacks can have serious consequences, including the theft of sensitive information, financial losses, and damage to the reputation of the affected organization. To protect against these types of attacks, it's important to keep your applications and software up to date, use input validation to ensure that user input is safe and free of malicious code, and implement access controls to limit the ability of attackers to move laterally within your network.

DNS Spoofing

DNS Spoofing, also known as DNS Cache Poisoning, is a type of cyber attack where an attacker manipulates the Domain Name System (DNS) cache of a victim's device or network to redirect traffic to a malicious website. The DNS is responsible for translating domain names (such as www.example.com) into IP addresses (such as 192.168.1.1) that computers can use to communicate with each other.

DNS Spoofing involves the attacker compromising a DNS server or intercepting DNS traffic to inject false DNS responses into the cache of the victim's device or network. This can lead to the victim's device or network being directed to a malicious website or phishing page, where they may unknowingly enter sensitive information or download malware.

DNS Spoofing attacks can be carried out for various reasons, such as to steal sensitive information, conduct phishing scams, or launch a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack. It can be difficult to detect and prevent DNS Spoofing attacks, as they can be initiated through various methods, such as by compromising a DNS server, intercepting network traffic, or through malware.

To protect against DNS Spoofing attacks, it is recommended to use secure DNS servers, such as those offered by reputable providers like Google or Cloudflare. Additionally, implementing Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) can help prevent DNS Spoofing attacks by providing cryptographic validation of DNS responses. It's also important to keep software and firmware up to date and to educate users about the risks of clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources.

Types of DNS Spoofing

There are several types of DNS Spoofing attacks that attackers can use to manipulate the DNS cache and redirect traffic to malicious websites. Some of the most common types of DNS Spoofing attacks are:

(i) Cache Poisoning: In this type of attack, the attacker sends a fake DNS response to a DNS server, which is then cached and distributed to other devices on the network. This can lead to all devices on the network being redirected to the attacker's malicious website.

(ii) DNS Spoofing with ARP Cache Poisoning: In this type of attack, the attacker modifies the ARP cache of the router to associate their own MAC address with the IP address of the victim's DNS server. This allows the attacker to intercept DNS requests and send fake DNS responses.

(iii)DNS Spoofing with DHCP Spoofing: In this type of attack, the attacker spoofs a DHCP server to provide the victim's device with a fake DNS server address. When the victim's device sends a DNS request, it is sent to the fake DNS server controlled by the attacker, who then responds with a fake DNS response.

(iv) DNS Spoofing with Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker intercepts the DNS request and response messages between the victim's device and the DNS server, and modifies them to redirect the victim to a malicious website.

Session Hijacking

Session hijacking is a type of cyber attack where an attacker steals a valid session ID (Session Identifier) to gain unauthorized access to a web application or system. A session ID is a unique identifier that is generated when a user logs into a web application or system, and it is used to identify the user's session while they are actively using the application or system.

There are several ways in which session hijacking can occur:

Network-level attacks: In this type of attack, the attacker intercepts network traffic between the victim's device and the server hosting the web application. The attacker can use tools such as packet sniffers to capture the session ID and use it to impersonate the victim.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): In an XSS attack, the attacker injects malicious code into a web application, which is then executed when a victim visits the application. The code can steal the victim's session ID and send it back to the attacker.

Session fixation: In this type of attack, the attacker tricks the victim into using a predetermined session ID, which the attacker already knows. Once the victim logs in using the predetermined session ID, the attacker can use it to access the victim's account.

Session hijacking can have serious consequences, including the theft of sensitive information, financial losses, and damage to the reputation of the affected organization. To protect against session hijacking, web applications and systems should implement secure session management practices, such as using session IDs that are difficult to guess, setting short session timeouts, and encrypting session data. It's also important to keep software and firmware up to date and to educate users about the risks of clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources.


Types of Session Hijacking

There are several types of session hijacking attacks that attackers can use to steal a valid session ID and gain unauthorized access to a web application or system. Some of the most common types of session hijacking attacks are:

(i) IP Spoofing: In this type of attack, the attacker spoofs the victim's IP address to gain access to the victim's session. The attacker sends packets with the spoofed IP address, and the server hosting the web application or system associates the attacker's requests with the victim's session.

(ii) Session Sniffing: In this type of attack, the attacker intercepts network traffic between the victim's device and the server hosting the web application or system. The attacker can use tools such as packet sniffers to capture the session ID and use it to impersonate the victim.

(iii) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): In an XSS attack, the attacker injects malicious code into a web application, which is then executed when a victim visits the application. The code can steal the victim's session ID and send it back to the attacker.

(iv) Session Fixation: In this type of attack, the attacker tricks the victim into using a predetermined session ID, which the attacker already knows. Once the victim logs in using the predetermined session ID, the attacker can use it to access the victim's account.

(v) Session Sidejacking: In this type of attack, the attacker intercepts the victim's session ID, which is often stored in a cookie on the victim's device. The attacker can then use the stolen session ID to access the victim's account.

Phishing attacks 

Phishing is a type of cyber attack where an attacker impersonates a legitimate entity or organization, such as a bank or a social media platform, to trick a user into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal data. Phishing attacks are typically carried out through email, instant messaging, social media, or other forms of communication.

There are several types of phishing attacks:

(i) Email phishing: In this type of attack, the attacker sends an email that appears to come from a legitimate organization and asks the recipient to click on a link or open an attachment that contains malicious code.

(ii) Spear phishing: This is a targeted form of phishing where the attacker focuses on a specific individual or organization. The attacker gathers information about the target, such as their name, job title, and email address, to make the phishing attempt more convincing.

(iii) Clone phishing: In this type of attack, the attacker creates a fake copy of a legitimate email or website and asks the recipient to click on a link or provide sensitive information.

(iv) Whaling: This is a type of spear phishing that targets high-level executives and other senior members of an organization.

(v) Smishing: In this type of attack, the attacker uses SMS or text messaging to trick the recipient into clicking on a link or providing sensitive information.

 Brute force attacks 

Brute force is a type of cyber attack where an attacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to a system or application by trying every possible combination of usernames and passwords until the correct combination is found. The attacker typically uses automated software tools to generate a large number of login attempts in a short period of time.

Brute force attacks are often used against systems with weak passwords or those that have not implemented password policies, such as length and complexity requirements. The attacker can use a list of commonly used passwords, a dictionary of words, or a combination of both to increase the chances of success.

There are several types of brute force attacks, including:

(i) Dictionary Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker uses a list of commonly used passwords or a dictionary of words to try every possible combination of words and phrases until the correct password is found.

(ii) Hybrid Attack: This is a combination of a dictionary attack and a brute force attack. The attacker combines words and phrases from a dictionary with numbers, symbols, and other characters to increase the likelihood of success.

(iii) Reverse Brute Force Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker uses a known password and tries it with different usernames until the correct combination is found.

(iv) Credential Stuffing: This is a type of brute force attack where the attacker uses a list of known username and password combinations obtained from previous data breaches to try to gain access to other accounts.

Denial of Service attacks 

Denial of Service (DoS) is a type of cyber attack where an attacker attempts to disrupt the normal functioning of a website or online service by overwhelming it with traffic, requests, or data. The goal of a DoS attack is to make the website or service unavailable to legitimate users.

There are several types of DoS attacks, including:

(i) Network-based DoS attacks: In this type of attack, the attacker floods the network with traffic or requests, overwhelming the bandwidth and causing the network to slow down or become unavailable.

(ii) Application-layer DoS attacks: In this type of attack, the attacker targets specific applications or services on a server, sending malformed or invalid requests that cause the server to crash or become unresponsive.

(iii) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: This is a type of DoS attack where the attacker uses a network of compromised devices, known as a botnet, to flood the target with traffic or requests from multiple sources, making it difficult to block the attack.

(iv) Amplification attacks: In this type of attack, the attacker uses vulnerable servers or devices to amplify the traffic or requests directed at the target, making the attack more powerful.

Dictionary attacks

A dictionary attack is a type of brute force attack in which an attacker uses a list of words, phrases, or commonly used passwords to try to gain unauthorized access to a system or application. The goal of a dictionary attack is to try every word in the list until the correct password is found.

In a dictionary attack, the attacker uses a software tool that automates the process of generating passwords from a dictionary or word list. The tool tries every word in the list as a potential password for the target account or system. If the correct password is not found, the tool can modify the words in the list by adding numbers, symbols, or other variations, and continue trying until the correct password is discovered.

Dictionary attacks are successful when the target uses a weak password that is easily guessed or found in the dictionary. For example, a password like "password" or "123456" is very common and easily guessed, and can be quickly discovered through a dictionary attack.

To protect against dictionary attacks, it's important to use strong passwords that are not easily guessed and to avoid using common words or phrases as passwords. Passwords should be complex and include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. It's also important to use different passwords for different accounts and to change passwords regularly. Additionally, implementing measures such as account lockouts and two-factor authentication can help to prevent dictionary attacks.

There are several types of dictionary attacks that cyber attackers can use to gain unauthorized access to a system or application:

(i) Simple Dictionary Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker uses a list of words from a dictionary to try every word as a potential password until the correct password is found. This is the simplest type of dictionary attack and is often used when the attacker has access to a known list of passwords or is trying to guess a weak or common password.

(ii) Reverse Dictionary Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker takes a known password and tries to find the original word from which the password was derived. The attacker uses a dictionary or a list of commonly used passwords and tries every word until they find the word that matches the password.

(iii) Hybrid Dictionary Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker combines words from a dictionary with numbers, symbols, or other characters to create a list of potential passwords. The attacker can use automated tools to generate different combinations of words and characters until they find the correct password.

(iv) Customized Dictionary Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker creates a custom dictionary based on information they have about the target, such as their personal information, interests, or hobbies. The attacker can use this information to create a targeted list of potential passwords that are more likely to be successful.

(v) Rainbow Table Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker uses precomputed tables of password hashes to quickly crack passwords. The attacker can generate a list of password hashes from a known set of passwords and use a rainbow table to look up the original password for each hash.

URL Interpretation

It is a type of attack where we can change the certain parts of a URL, and one can make a web server to deliver web pages for which he is not authorized to browse.

File Inclusion attacks

File inclusion attacks are a type of web-based attack in which an attacker can manipulate a web application to include a file from a remote server or from the local file system. There are two main types of file inclusion attacks: Local File Inclusion (LFI) and Remote File Inclusion (RFI).

(i)Local File Inclusion (LFI) Attack:
In an LFI attack, the attacker exploits a vulnerability in the web application to include a file from the local file system. This type of attack is often possible when the application allows user input to be passed to a file include statement without proper validation or filtering. The attacker can then use directory traversal techniques to navigate to sensitive files on the local file system, such as configuration files, password files, or other system files.

(ii)Remote File Inclusion (RFI) Attack:
In an RFI attack, the attacker exploits a vulnerability in the web application to include a file from a remote server. This type of attack is often possible when the application allows user input to be passed to a file include statement without proper validation or filtering. The attacker can then use a remote URL to specify a file to include, which can be a malicious script or code.

System-based attacks

Malware attacks

Malware, short for "malicious software," is a type of software designed to cause harm to computer systems, networks, or devices. Malware is a broad term that encompasses many different types of malicious software, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more.

Malware can be designed to perform a variety of malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive information, disrupting computer operations, gaining unauthorized access to systems or networks, and more. Malware is typically spread through infected email attachments, infected software downloads, malicious websites, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or hardware.

Here are some common types of malware:

1. Virus: A virus is a type of malware that is designed to spread from computer to computer by attaching itself to legitimate programs or documents. Once the virus infects a system, it can perform various malicious activities, such as deleting files or stealing data.

2. Worm: A worm is a type of malware that spreads from computer to computer without requiring user interaction. Worms typically exploit vulnerabilities in software or hardware to gain access to systems and networks.

3. Trojan: A Trojan is a type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software, but which performs malicious activities once it is installed on a system. Trojans can be used to steal data, monitor user activity, or gain unauthorized access to systems.

4. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware can cause significant damage to businesses and individuals by encrypting critical data and demanding a ransom for its release.

5. Spyware: Spyware is a type of malware that is designed to monitor user activity and steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware can be used for identity theft, corporate espionage, and other malicious activities.

6. Adware: Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted ads or pop-ups on a victim's computer. Adware can be used to generate revenue for the attacker by displaying ads or by redirecting users to malicious websites.

These are just a few examples of the many types of malware that exist. To protect against malware, it is important to keep software and hardware up to date with the latest security patches, use antivirus software, and exercise caution when downloading and opening attachments or clicking on links.

Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks

Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are types of cyber attacks that aim to disrupt the normal functioning of a computer system, server, or network by overwhelming it with traffic or requests.

A DoS attack involves flooding a single system or network with traffic or requests from a single source. This can cause the system to become overloaded and unresponsive, making it unavailable to legitimate users.

A DDoS attack, on the other hand, involves using multiple sources to flood a system or network with traffic or requests. The attackers typically use a network of compromised computers, called a botnet, to launch the attack. This can make it more difficult to mitigate the attack, as the traffic is coming from multiple sources.

Here are some common techniques used in DoS and DDoS attacks:

1. Ping flood: Ping flood attacks involve sending a large number of ping requests to a target system or network, overwhelming it with traffic and making it unavailable to legitimate users.

2. SYN flood: SYN flood attacks exploit a vulnerability in the TCP/IP protocol by flooding a target system with a large number of SYN requests, which can cause the system to become unresponsive.

3. UDP flood: UDP flood attacks involve sending a large number of UDP packets to a target system, overwhelming it with traffic and causing it to become unresponsive.

4. Amplification attacks: Amplification attacks involve using vulnerable servers or services to amplify the size of the attack. For example, attackers may use DNS servers or NTP servers to amplify the traffic they are sending to the target system.

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware attacks are typically carried out by cybercriminals looking to extort money from businesses or individuals.

Here's how a typical ransomware attack works:

1. Infection: The attacker delivers the ransomware to the victim's computer through a malicious email attachment, infected software download, or by exploiting a vulnerability in software or hardware.

2. Encryption: Once the ransomware is installed on the victim's computer, it begins to encrypt the victim's files, making them inaccessible to the victim.

3. Ransom demand: The attacker then displays a ransom demand on the victim's computer, demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key.

4. Payment: If the victim pays the ransom, the attacker will provide the decryption key, allowing the victim to regain access to their files.

There are several types of ransomware that cybercriminals use to extort money from victims. Here are some of the most common types of ransomware:

1. Crypto ransomware: This type of ransomware encrypts the victim's files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Crypto ransomware is the most common type of ransomware.

2. Locker ransomware: Locker ransomware locks the victim out of their computer, preventing them from accessing their files and demanding payment in exchange for the password to unlock the system.

3. Scareware: Scareware is a type of ransomware that displays fake alerts or warnings on the victim's computer, claiming that the system is infected with malware or that the victim has violated a law. The attacker then demands payment in exchange for removing the fake threat.

4. Doxware: Doxware, also known as leakware, is a type of ransomware that threatens to publish sensitive information stolen from the victim's computer, such as personal information or trade secrets, unless a ransom is paid.

5. RaaS (Ransomware as a Service): RaaS is a type of ransomware that allows cybercriminals to rent ransomware infrastructure and tools from other cybercriminals, making it easier for them to launch ransomware attacks.

6. Mobile ransomware: Mobile ransomware targets mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, encrypting data or locking the victim out of their device and demanding payment in exchange for restoring access.

7. MBR ransomware: MBR ransomware targets the master boot record (MBR) of a computer, preventing the system from booting up and displaying a ransom demand in exchange for restoring access.

Ransomware attacks can be extremely damaging to businesses and individuals, so it is important to implement security best practices to protect against them, such as backing up data, using antivirus software, and exercising caution when downloading and opening attachments or clicking on links.

Rootkit attacks

A rootkit is a type of malicious software that is designed to hide its presence on a computer or other device, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access and control of the system. Rootkits are often used as part of an advanced persistent threat (APT) attack, where an attacker gains access to a network or system and remains undetected for an extended period of time.

Here are some characteristics of rootkits:

1. Stealth: Rootkits are designed to be hidden from the user and most security software, making them difficult to detect.

2. Persistence: Rootkits are designed to remain on the system even after a reboot, ensuring that the attacker maintains control of the system.

3. Privilege escalation: Rootkits are often used in conjunction with other malware to gain escalated privileges, allowing the attacker to bypass security measures and gain access to sensitive data.

4. Remote access: Rootkits are often used to create a backdoor on the system, allowing the attacker to access the system remotely and control it from a remote location.

There are several types of rootkit attacks that cybercriminals use to gain unauthorized access and control of a system. Here are some of the most common types of rootkit attacks:

1. User-mode rootkits: User-mode rootkits operate at the application layer of the operating system, allowing attackers to hide their presence from the user and most security software.

2. Kernel-mode rootkits: Kernel-mode rootkits operate at the kernel level of the operating system, giving attackers deeper access to the system and allowing them to hide their presence from security software and even other kernel components.

3. Hypervisor rootkits: Hypervisor rootkits operate at the hardware level of the system, running on a virtual machine or hypervisor and giving attackers complete control over the system, including access to other virtual machines running on the same hardware.

4. Firmware rootkits: Firmware rootkits operate at the lowest level of the hardware, infecting the BIOS or firmware of the computer or other device and allowing attackers to gain persistent control over the system, even after the operating system has been reinstalled.

5. Bootloader rootkits: Bootloader rootkits infect the bootloader of the operating system, allowing attackers to gain control of the system during the boot process, before the operating system is fully loaded.

Password attacks

Password attacks are a type of cyber attack where an attacker tries to gain unauthorized access to a system or account by guessing or cracking the password. There are several types of password attacks, including:

1. Brute-force attack: A brute-force attack is a method where an attacker tries all possible combinations of characters until the correct password is guessed. This method can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, but can be effective if the password is weak or easily guessable.

2. Dictionary attack: A dictionary attack is a method where an attacker uses a list of known words and phrases to guess the password. This method is more efficient than a brute-force attack, as it only tries a limited number of combinations, but can still be effective if the password is weak or based on a dictionary word.

3. Rainbow table attack: A rainbow table attack is a method where an attacker uses precomputed tables of hashes to quickly crack password hashes. This method is effective against systems that use weak hashing algorithms or store passwords in plaintext.

4. Social engineering attack: A social engineering attack is a method where an attacker tries to trick the user into revealing their password, such as through phishing or pretexting.

Privilege escalation attacks

Privilege escalation attacks are a type of cyber attack where an attacker gains higher levels of access to a system or application than they are authorized to have. This type of attack can be used to bypass security measures and gain access to sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions on a system.

There are several types of privilege escalation attacks, including:

1. Vertical privilege escalation: Vertical privilege escalation involves an attacker gaining access to a higher level of privileges than they are authorized to have. This can be accomplished through exploiting vulnerabilities in the system or application, or through social engineering attacks that trick users into providing credentials or access.

2. Horizontal privilege escalation: Horizontal privilege escalation involves an attacker gaining access to the same level of privileges as another user, but on a different system or application. This can be accomplished through exploiting vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in the system or application.

3. Lateral movement: Lateral movement involves an attacker using an initial foothold on a system or application to gain access to other systems or applications on the same network or domain. This can be accomplished through exploiting vulnerabilities in network protocols or using stolen credentials to access other systems.

Backdoor attacks

Backdoor attacks are a type of cyber attack where an attacker gains unauthorized access to a system or network through a hidden or secret method of entry. Backdoors can be created intentionally by attackers, or they can be created inadvertently through software vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

There are several types of backdoor attacks, including:

1. Malware backdoors: Malware backdoors are created by attackers through the use of malicious software, such as trojans or rootkits, that provide remote access to a system or network.

2. Hardware backdoors: Hardware backdoors are created by attackers through the use of specialized hardware, such as modified firmware or hardware implants, that provide remote access to a system or network.

3. Software backdoors: Software backdoors are created by attackers through exploiting vulnerabilities in software or by inserting hidden code into legitimate software that provides remote access to a system or network.

4. Supply chain attacks: Supply chain attacks involve attackers inserting backdoors into software or hardware components during the manufacturing or distribution process, which can provide remote access to a system or network.