Hacking refers to gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network for malicious purposes. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, it‘s critical to understand the different hacking techniques hackers use and how to guard against them. This article provides an overview of 15 common hacking types, real-world examples of each, and tips to help you boost your cybersecurity.
1. Phishing
Phishing is a social engineering attack where hackers send fraudulent emails or texts, pretending to be a trustworthy source. The messages typically contain links or attachments that install malware if clicked on or contain forms asking for sensitive information.
Examples: Emails pretending to be from banks asking you to verify account information or reset your password. Social media notifications mimicking sites like Facebook or Twitter asking you to log in to see new messages.
Prevention Tips:
- Check that email addresses and links are legitimate before clicking
- Use multifactor authentication where available
- Keep software updated to patch vulnerabilities
- Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts
2. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm websites and online services by flooding them with more traffic than they can handle, rendering them inaccessible. These attacks are often powered by botnets – networks of infected devices hackers control remotely.
Examples: The Dyn cyberattack in 2016 used an IoT botnet to take down major sites like Twitter, Spotify, Reddit, and Paypal for hours. More recently, DDoS attacks have targeted banks and other financial institutions.
Prevention Tips:
- Use networking monitoring to detect traffic anomalies
- Work with your hosting provider to enable DDoS mitigation
- Maintain strong perimeter security measures like firewalls
- Educate staff to identify unusual activity
3. Malware Attacks
Malware refers to malicious software programs designed to infiltrate devices and systems and cause damage, steal data, or gain access to networks. Ransomware, spyware, viruses, and worms are common examples of malicious code.
Examples: WannaCry ransomware spread quickly in 2017 using a Windows vulnerability, locking user files unless a ransom was paid. Formjacking injects malicious JavaScript code into retailer websites to steal credit card data from customers.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep all software updated
- Install reputed antivirus and anti-malware tools
- Backup data regularly
- Avoid downloading from unverified sources
- Disable macros in Office files from unknown senders
4. Password Attacks
Password attacks aim to crack account passwords by guessing common dictionary words or using brute force to try all possible combinations. Access to one compromised password can also allow hackers to try it on other platforms.
Examples: Credential stuffing uses large numbers of leaked account details from previous breaches to break into other online accounts protected by the same passwords. Brute-force attacks can crack weak WiFi network passwords in hours.
Prevention Tips:
- Enforce strong password policies – longer with special characters
- Use multifactor authentication
- Utilize password managers
- Limit login attempts before locking accounts
- Monitor for suspicious authorization activity
5. SQL Injection Attacks
SQL injection attacks take advantage of vulnerabilities in web application code to inject malicious SQL code and gain access to the backend database. Hackers can view, steal, destroy, or modify sensitive data.
Examples: A 2018 Saks Fifth Avenue breach exposed customer payment data using an SQL injection flaw on its ecommerce site. Other instances have seen hackers deface websites using SQL injection vulnerabilities.
Prevention Tips:
- Input validation and sanitization
- Prepared SQL statements
- Restrict database permissions
- Keep frameworks and libraries updated
- Test for code vulnerabilities
6. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MitM)
In MitM attacks, hackers insert themselves into communications between two parties and surveil or even alter the conversations without either party realizing it. Unsecured public Wi-Fi makes these attacks easier to pull off.
Examples: Hackers setting up fake Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas to sniff out sensitive information of users who connect is a prime example. Cybercriminals also leverage MitM attacks to steal account or credit card details during online transactions.
Prevention Tips:
- Encrypt network traffic
- Verify security certificates
- Use VPN when on public networks
- Enable HTTPS inspection on firewalls
- Educate staff on risks
7. Cross-Site Scripting Attacks (XSS)
XSS attacks inject malicious scripts, usually JavaScript, into vulnerable web apps and sites. When other users later visit the compromised site, the scripts execute malware or steal browser history and session data.
Examples: Stored XSS flaws on retailer sites have allowed hackers to create fake login pages leading to theft of account credentials and payment info. Reflected XSS vulnerabilities have been leveraged to install info-stealing malware.
Prevention Tips:
- Input validation and sanitization
- Enable XSS protection in browsers
- Limit browser privileges
- Perform penetration testing
- Training to avoid high-risk actions
8. Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks infiltrate networks and systems by compromising third-party vendors, suppliers, or partners an organization trusts and regularly interacts with. From there, attackers move laterally through networks.
Examples: The SolarWinds hack in late 2020 saw Russian hackers compromise software updates to breach government agencies and major companies by first hacking SolarWinds itself. The Codecov breach similarly impacted customers of the tool.
Prevention Tips:
- Vet suppliers and partners
- Use authentication safeguards for third parties
- Segment internal networks
- Monitor supplier access
- Establish incident response plans
9. Physical Access Breaches
Gaining physical access to facilities, servers, or devices allows bad actors to steal data, install malware to establish remote access, or compromise company networks.
Examples: Instances of tampering with POS systems to scrape credit card data, unauthorized devices plugged into networks to steal data, and theft of devices containing sensitive files.
Prevention Tips:
- Entry access controls like locks and security staff
- Surveillance cameras
- Keep servers in secured rooms
- Equipment logs and audits
- Employee security training
10. Fake WAP Attacks
In fake wireless access point attacks, hackers set up malicious Wi-Fi hotspots impersonating legitimate networks. Users mistakenly connecting to these networks allow hackers to view any unencrypted communication between their device and the internet.
Examples: Setting up fake hotspots with names similar to public Wi-Fi found in airports, hotels, cafes. Attackers are then able to see all browser activity, account credentials entered, credit card numbers used on unsecured sites, etc.
Prevention Tips:
- Verify expected Wi-Fi network names
- Use cellular data instead of unknown public networks
- Avoid sensitive logins or transactions on public Wi-Fi
- Use VPN and avoid auto-connecting to networks
11. DNS Tunneling
DNS tunneling embeds malware command and controls or stolen data within DNS queries, allowing hackers to avoid traditional network security monitoring and controls.
Examples: Active attacks have included using DNS tunneling proxies to set up botnet command infrastructure. Chinese APT threat groups were also found using this technique to hide data being exfiltrated from exploited networks.
Prevention Tips:
- Monitor DNS traffic patterns
- Inspect SSL certificates
- Block unauthorized DNS requests
- Enable DNS response rate limiting
- Follow principle of least privilege
12. Rogue Devices & Evil Twins
Attackers physically connecting rogue devices disguised as legitimate computers, Wi-Fi routers, or hotspots to compromise private networks or trick users into connecting to evil twin impersonator networks instead.
Examples: Network penetration testers use this technique to demonstrate risks, but hackers leverage rogue devices to pivot between air-gapped internal networks. Evil twin attacks also frequently set up fake Wi-Fi to surveil connected users.
Prevention Tips:
- MAC address whitelisting
- SSID & certificate verification
- Network segmentation
- Physical security controls
- Disable hotspot connections
13. Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking refers to exploiting victims’ devices and networks to mine cryptocurrency without consent. Thousands of devices can be infected at once with mining malware for better payouts.
Examples: The Coinhive mining script was embedded into YouTube ads in 2018 to leverage viewer devices for profit. Recently, cryptojacking malware has also spread through phishing campaigns and drive-by downloads.
Prevention Tips:
- Browser extensions to block mining scripts
- Next-gen AV tools
- Firewall rules preventing access to mining domains
- Inspect SSL traffic for anomalies
- Prompt patching and upgrades
14. Fileless Malware Attacks
Fileless malware exploits legitimate system tools and software already on devices to carry out malicious actions without installing malicious executable files. This makes detection much harder for traditional security tools.
Examples: Fileless techniques used to deliver ransomware payloads. APT groups have also leveraged fileless attacks to infiltrate networks and steal data from government agencies and tech companies.
Prevention Tips:
- Behavioral analysis tools
- Memory injection prevention
- Script logging and monitoring
- System tool restrictions
- Staff training on suspicious activities
15. BEC Attacks
BEC stands for business email compromise attacks. Attackers study organization structures and communication patterns before spoofing executive emails to finance staff directing urgent and convincing transfer orders.
Examples: Law firms, hospitals, and retailers commonly targeted. Over $43 billion lost to BEC attacks since 2016, with a 65% annual increase in 2021 alone. Most aim to initiate fraudulent wire transfers.
Prevention Tips:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Verify unusual payment orders
- Block spoofed domains
- Staff training on social engineering
- Ongoing security awareness education
Implementing strong technical controls is imperative, but regularly training your staff to recognize telltale signs of different hacking techniques makes them a strong last line of defense against even the most sophisticated attacks. No organization can prevent every breach, but staying vigilant, transparent about risks, and prepared to respond quickly can hugely impact outcomes.
