EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Across the past few years, network security attacks have increased in volume, highlighting the importance of network defenders and strong network security strategies. Get insights into network security attack types and network security technologies that can help you mitigate threats.

As enterprises embrace the hybrid work workplace and build remote work cultures, the risk to network technologies expands. Reliance on older models of computing and legacy architecture mean that organizations may need to rethink how to secure network technologies.

The role of the CISO and the roles of security staff are changing. Extensive quantities of organizational data, trade secrets and data that’s continually in-motion translates to a vast and varied threat landscape.

Understanding common network threats can help you and other decision-makers ensure that you can defend against the latest attack types and implement effective, efficient and automated tools.

Network attack information

Network security attacks interrupt organizational processes, and may involve the theft of data, or extortion attempts. Network security technologies and roadmaps must be in place to position organizations to make a stand against these cyber intrusions.

Organizations also need skilled security professionals who can design network security policies that can offer comprehensive protection across an organizations’ assets. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the most common network security threats can yield improved security outcomes.

Common networking attack types

1. Computer worms. Computer worms are another form of malware, which spreads from one device to the next via cloned copies of itself. Computer worms can propagate at alarming speeds, rendering computer systems unusable. Some worms are programmed to automatically infect any device on a shared local network. These types of threats can allow the implantation of malware for the purpose of information theft, or they can help criminals launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, among other functions.
2. Computer viruses. Attacks involving computer viruses can wreak havoc on enterprise systems. Computer viruses infect 16% of the world’s computers. They can lead to corruption of files, and can spread to connected devices. Secure network technologies that can prevent computer viruses include firewalls, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and anti-malware software, among other technological solutions.
3. Phishing. Ninety percent of cyber attacks start with a phishing email. Your network security technologies should include tools that can identify and prevent phishing schemes. Attackers who leverage phishing campaigns often masquerade as a trusted enterprise, or a known person, persuading people to open attachments and to click on malicious links.
4. Ransomware. Intrusions involving ransomware can also result in corrupted files and data. In the last decade, malware infections and thereby, ransomware infections, have increased extensively and have grown more sophisticated due to machine learning capabilities and creative phishing threats. In 2021, the world witnessed several ruthless ransomware campaigns, reflecting the need for improved network detection tools and techniques.
5. Botnets. These types of attacks are designed to help hackers harvest data, which is then used for nefarious purposes. Botnet attacks can be deployed across websites and networks, which may be referred to as Distributed Denial of Service attacks. To prevent a botnet from bursting your bubble, you can keep software current, protect all internet-connected devices, use security software to scan external media, and ensure that you’re using secure network technologies.

In summary

The majority of cyber attacks occur over the network. Strong network-level defenses are key. When it comes to modern network security threats, traditional, signature-based detection methods are often ineffective. Network Detection and Response (NDR) solutions can help you advance your network-level security, offering the prevention capabilities that modern businesses require.

Network Detection and Response solutions can integrate automated response capabilities into security systems, allowing for the prevention of attacks ahead of any damage done. Network Detection and Response technologies also leverage machine learning and data analytics to help organizations respond to novel cyber threats.

For more information about securing networks and secure network technologies, see CyberTalk.org’s past coverage. Looking for more insights, analyses and resources? Sign up for the CyberTalk.org newsletter.