10 Example of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly common as digital activities expand across various sectors. In an era where almost all data and services are connected to the internet, the risk of cybercrime continues to rise. These threats do not only target large corporations but also affect individual users and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Understanding the most common types of cyber threats is crucial to help anticipate and protect both systems and data more effectively.

What Are Cyber Threats?

Cyber threats are any form of digital attack or attempt aimed at damaging, stealing, or disrupting information systems, computer networks, or personal and corporate data. These attacks can be carried out by individuals, groups, or organizations with various motives, ranging from data theft to system sabotage.

Cyber threats can impact multiple layers of technology, including software, hardware, and even human error. Therefore, recognizing these threats is essential to take preventive measures as early as possible.

Examples of Cyber Threats

Below are 10 of the most common and frequent cyber threats in today’s digital world:

1. Phishing

Phishing is a fraudulent practice using emails, text messages, or fake websites that impersonate legitimate institutions to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or login credentials.

2. Malware

Malware (malicious software) refers to harmful programs such as viruses, worms, spyware, or trojans designed to damage or take control of computer systems.

3. Ransomware

A type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data and demands a ransom for its release. Ransomware is particularly harmful to organizations without reliable backup systems.

4. DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

An attack that floods a server or network with fake traffic, causing services to slow down or become unavailable.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)

This occurs when a third party intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge, often through unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

6. SQL Injection

Attackers insert malicious SQL commands into a website’s input fields to gain unauthorized access to or manipulate its database.

7. Credential Stuffing

This technique uses stolen username and password combinations from one site and tries them on others, which is dangerous if users reuse the same credentials across multiple accounts.

8. Zero-Day Exploit

Exploits vulnerabilities in software that are unknown or not yet patched by developers.

9. Social Engineering

A psychological manipulation technique used to trick individuals into giving access to information or systems they should not reveal.

10. Insider Threat

A threat originating within an organization, such as employees misusing their access to steal data or sabotage systems.