Common Categories of Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks come in many forms, and threat actors continually develop new techniques to compromise systems and steal sensitive data. Knowing the main categories of attacks can help organizations quickly identify threats and respond effectively to them.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most common cyberattack categories:

Malware

Malware is short for “malicious software”. This includes any program designed to harm, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a system. It’s one of the most widely used tools in a threat actor’s arsenal.

Common types of malware:

• Ransomware
• Trojans
• Worms
• Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
• Fileless viruses
• Logic bombs
• Command and Control (C2) malware
• Spyware
• Keyloggers
• Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
• Rootkits 

To learn how malware fits into a larger defensive strategy, check out: 

What Is Ransomware?

Defense in Depth: What It Is and Why You Need It

Password Attacks

These attacks are designed to crack or steal user credentials. Gaining access to an account, especially one with elevated privileges, can expose sensitive systems and data.

Common password attack types:

• Password spraying
• Dictionary attacks
• Brute force attacks
• Rainbow table attacks
• Plaintext/unencrypted password leaks

Physical Attacks

Physical attacks involve exploiting or tampering with a company’s hardware, devices, or access points. These are often overlooked but can be highly effective.

Examples:

• Malicious flash drives 
• Cloned access cards 
• Skimming devices on card readers 
• Malicious USB cables

For more on reducing physical risks, see:

What Is Device Hardening?

Cryptographic Attacks

These attacks target encryption and hashing algorithms, aiming to weaken or bypass the protections they provide. They often require advanced technical skills.

Common types:

• Birthday attacks
• Collision attacks
• Downgrade attacks

Supply Chain Attacks

Supply chain attacks target third-party vendors and service providers who have access to the target organization. As businesses outsource more services, attackers exploit these extended trust relationships.

Company examples that experienced this attack:

• SolarWinds
• Kaseya
• Target 
• 3CX
• Discord

Cloud-Based Attacks

With more businesses migrating to cloud infrastructure, attackers are adapting their methods. Cloud-based attacks focus on misconfigured environments, weak access controls, and vulnerable APIs.

Key risks:

•  Data breaches 
•  Unauthorized access
•  Privilege escalation
•  Service disruption

Final Thoughts

Threat actors employ a diverse range of methods to compromise systems and steal sensitive data. Understanding these common attack categories is a crucial part of building a resilient cybersecurity strategy.

Want to delve deeper into the threat actors themselves? Check out:

Types of Threat Actors in Cybersecurity