8 Most Common Cybersecurity Threats | Types of Cyber Attacks | Cybersecurity for Beginners | Edureka

Aria introduces the session on cybersecurity threats, explaining that the video will cover eight common cyber threats, how they work, and how to protect against them. A live demonstration of ongoing cyberattacks using 'threat cloud' shows the real-time scale of these attacks globally, emphasizing the need for education on cyber threats.

Malware is an umbrella term for malicious software designed to steal data or destroy computer systems. Different types include viruses (infect clean files), Trojans (disguise as legitimate software to create backdoors), worms (infect networks), and botnets (networks of infected computers controlled by an attacker). Prevention involves avoiding suspicious links or attachments, maintaining updated firewalls, and keeping operating systems and software current with security updates.

Phishing attacks involve emails that mimic trusted entities to trick users into revealing personal data. These attacks are sophisticated and follow a five-step process: planning, setup, execution (sendingphony messages), data recording, and identity theft/fraud. The speaker demonstrates a Facebook phishing page, showing how attackers collect credentials. Prevention tips include recognizing generalized greetings, inspecting sender email addresses, hovering over links to check their true destination, and reporting suspicious emails.

Password attacks aim to obtain or decrypt user passwords for illegal use. Common methods include brute-force attacks (trying numerous combinations), dictionary attacks (using common words), and keylogger attacks (recording keystrokes). Strong passwords offer limited protection against keyloggers, highlighting the importance of multi-factor authentication. Prevention focuses on best practices: regular password updates, using alphanumeric combinations, avoiding dictionary words, and opting for 'garbage words' to increase security.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm a network with high volumes of traffic, disrupting service. Attackers use multiple compromised computers (botnets) for these attacks. While large companies are primary targets, any system connected to a targeted network can be affected. Prevention involves keeping systems secure with regular software updates, online security monitoring, and observing data flow for unusual spikes. Physical security of network connections is also emphasized.

Man-in-the-Middle attacks involve an attacker intercepting communication between two parties by impersonating both, thereby obtaining sensitive information. These attacks often occur through unencrypted wireless access points. Attackers use techniques like address resolution protocol (ARP) spoofing. Prevention includes using encrypted wireless access points (WEP, WPA), checking for HTTPS in website addresses to ensure secure connections, and investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Drive-by downloads occur when malicious code is installed on a device simply by visiting a compromised webpage, without user interaction. These attacks exploit outdated browsers, apps, or operating systems with security flaws. The initial small code downloads further malicious components. Prevention includes avoiding dangerous websites (e.g., adult content, file-sharing sites), keeping browsers and operating systems updated, using safe search protocols, and installing comprehensive security software.

Malvertising refers to criminally controlled advertisements that infect users with malware, often appearing on legitimate sites. The malicious code hidden within ads redirects users to criminal servers to inject malware. Prevention requires using ad blockers, regularly updating browser software, and exercising caution with suspicious ads (e.g., those offering free money). Rogue software is a form of internet fraud that tricks users into believing their computer has a virus, then manipulates them into paying for fake removal tools. These scams use ads, pop-ups, and manipulated search engine rankings to trick users into downloading the malicious software. Protection involves updated firewalls, trusted antivirus/anti-spyware software, and a general distrust of unexpected security warnings online.