An attack vector is a way or method in which a hacker gains unauthorized access to a network or computer. Hackers deploy attack vectors to collect valuable and sensitive data like login credentials or financial information.
Commonly recognized attack vectors in cybersecurity include phishing attempts, malware, and viruses.
What Is The Difference Between An Attack Vector And An Attack Surface?
The terms “attack vector” and “attack surface” are commonly confused. An attack vector is a method in which a company or individual is attacked by a hacker. For example, a hacker may target a company by sending malware to the employees.
When exposing a company’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities, an attack surface can be considered the total surface area a hacker has to work with. The attack surface is all public and privately exposed vulnerabilities of the company’s networks and human resources.
Imagine a shark hunting a seal. The shark’s bite is the attack vector to kill the seal. The amount of flesh the shark can bite is the attack surface. The shark has a greater chance of success if the attack surface is large.
Who Are At Risk For Attack Vectors?
People often believe that hackers only target large companies or vulnerable individuals. However, this assumption couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Nowadays, hackers recognize bigger businesses often mean more robust cybersecurity defenses. In fact, 43% of cyber attacks targeted small businesses in 2021.
Moreover, hackers don’t just focus on the most “lucrative” industries, like the financial or technology sector. Hackers use attack vectors in all industries but especially companies in the legal, insurance, retail, financial, and healthcare sectors.
Businesses of all sizes are at risk for attack vectors. Unfortunately, not even individuals are not safe. Any company you have given your financial or personal information to could fall victim to an attack vector.
Every person and business should follow standard cybersecurity practices and purchase cybersecurity. Agency, a cybersecurity company, offers cybersecurity plans at both the business/enterprise and individual levels.
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How Do Hackers Implement Attack Vectors?
Hackers carry out cyber attack vectors in a variety of ways, but the general outline goes like this:
- Hackers identify a target. This could be a large corporation, a small mom-and-pop store, or an individual with weak network security.
- Hackers collect information and study their targets to determine the best attack vector. For example, hackers commonly search through the employees listed on a company’s website to target employees responsible for payroll information.
- Hackers will implement the most effective attack vector based on their available data. For example, if a company publicly displays many employee emails, a hacker may send company-wide phishing attempts.
- Once a foothold has been established, hackers install malicious software to steal information and/or damage the efficiency of the network.
What Are Common Attack Vectors?
Phishing
Phishing is a malicious attempt to gain personal or other valuable information by pretending to be someone else. The phishing attempt often impersonates a fellow coworker, boss, business partner, or government official. Phishing usually comes in the form of an email. If you or your employees fail to recognize a phishing email, they may expose confidential information.
Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is designed to damage your devices and gain access to sensitive information. Malware can steal or damage data, change how your device operates, and give hackers access to spy on your activity. Once downloaded, the malware presents a significant danger to your personal information and device.
Viruses
Hackers design viruses to steal or destroy data depending on their goals. A computer virus is a code that spreads from device to device and replicates itself. Depending on the virus, this cyber attack may harm your computer system’s software and corrupt files and data. Viruses can also be challenging to remove from the devices permanently.
Insider Threats
An insider threat is a cyber security risk that is initiated or aided purposefully by someone inside or affiliated with your business. A former employee, contractor, vendor, or partner can be responsible, and the consequences can be disastrous for the longevity of your small business.
Missing Or Weak Encryption
Encryption is the practice of privatizing the information that gets sent between your device and your targeted server. For example, your social security number should be encrypted when you file your taxes online. This encryption ensures that if a hacker intercepts your connection, he cannot understand the actual message.
Unpatched Applications Or Servers
Software developers design all the applications and servers you use. Software developers often update the application or server to “patch” security vulnerabilities. Once this patch is released, users can install it. If these applications’ and servers’ vulnerabilities are not patched up, hackers have an opportunity to use these vulnerabilities to their advantage.
Distributed Denial Of Service
A DDoS attack is a distributed denial-of-service attack that disrupts the regular traffic of a targeted server. This hinders your ability to access your network and connect to websites as you typically would. Hackers may interfere with your internet access to pressure you to pay a ransom.
How To Prevent Attack Vectors
There is no way to completely prevent attack vectors from occurring to you or your business. Still, there are cybersecurity practices you should follow to protect yourself as best as possible.
Use Strong Passwords
Using unique, strong passwords is the simplest yet most overlooked way to protect yourself from attack vectors. A single strong password for all your accounts is not enough since compromised credentials are increasingly common. Popular companies experience data breaches all the time. A strong password does not include personal information and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
Use A VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) connection hides your IP address and protects your data by establishing a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. A secure and encrypted connection makes it difficult for malicious actors to conduct DoS and DDoS attacks on you. Read our article on VPNs and everything you could ask about it.
Purchase Comprehensive Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity practices like using strong passwords and a VPN only go so far if you don’t use them harmoniously. Agency, a cybersecurity company, offers comprehensive, business-level cybersecurity that prevents, monitors, and mediates problems if they were to arise. Be protected by a team of cybersecurity experts that monitor and respond against cyber threats 24/7.
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- Active Security Monitoring & Response by US Pros
- VPNs
Cybersecurity attack vectors target every individual and company connected to technology, and it’s advisable to guard yourself and your information against malicious actors.
