Cyberattacks rarely look like Hollywood. They are usually quiet and persistent. They are designed to deceive people, exploit minor errors, or to monetize access as swiftly as they can. This guide explains the most popular attack types, what is their purpose, the way they operate as well as warning indicators to look for, and practical methods to minimize the chance of being a victim. Make it a reference for security awareness training, planning, or for quick refreshers prior to tabletop exercises.
1) Phishing (Email), Smishing (SMS), and Vishing (Voice)
What does it mean: Social-engineering messages that encourage users to click on malicious hyperlinks, opening attachments or sharing payment details/credit card credentials.
What it does: Attackers spoof brands employees, vendors, or colleagues. Common themes include “invoice due,” “account suspended,” “missed delivery,” “urgent approval.”
Signs to beware: Odd sender domains unannounced attachments, unclear URLs or unusual urgency, credit card requests, or modifications to bank account information.
How to minimize risk
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Make sure to turn off MFA for all accounts that are critical (email VPN, SSO, and email).
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Use forceful security for email (SPF DKIM, SPF, DMARC) and implement advanced phishing security.
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Train employees to check out-of-band prior to paying or changing bank details.
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Make use of safe-link Sandboxing and rewriting, as well as stop file types with high-risk (e.g., .exe, .iso).
2) Business Email Compromise (BEC)
What is it: Targeted social engineering by using fake or authentic corporate accounts in order to redirect money, or gather sensitive data, often without spyware involved.
The most common scenario: “CEO” requests urgent wires and the vendor “changes” banking details; the attacker is residing in a mailbox through forwarding rules.
How to minimize risk
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MFA for email and turn off old protocols (IMAP/POP) when it is possible.
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Mandatory callback confirmation for bank/payment changes.
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Monitor and alert on rules of the mailbox and travel sign-ins that are not allowed.
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Use role-based payment approval (two-person integrity).
3) Malware (Trojans, Worms, Fileless, Spyware)
What is it? malicious software that steals information, offers an interface for remote controls, and propagates across other platforms.
What it does: Phishing attachments, drive-by downloads cracks, USB sticks with cracked software or other vulnerable services.
How to minimize risk
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EDR/next generation AV on servers and endpoints that block in real time.
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Application allows-listing on critical servers.
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Update operating system, browsers and plug-ins quickly.
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Disable execution of macros by default. Make use of signed macros if you need to.
4) Ransomware (Including Double/Triple Extortion)
What is it: Malware that encrypts files, and frequently removes data in order to increase the leverage (extortion).
Common entry points are Phishing or compromised RDP VPNs that are vulnerable, unpatched servers or third-party tools that are infected.
How to minimize risk
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Keep offline backups that are immutable in addition to testing restores frequently.
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Segment networks; limit RDP/VPN and enforce MFA across the board.
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Monitor for the possibility of lateral movement (e.g. or unusual usage of admin tools).
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Make an incident response (IR) runbook and play tabletop exercises.
5) Credential Attacks: Brute Force, Password Spraying, and Credential Stuffing
What exactly is it? Methods to try and identify or reuse passwords (often from data breaches that have occurred in the past).
How to minimize risk
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Enforce MFA + strong password standards; prefer SSO.
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Then, block common and compromised passwords, and monitor the logins for suspicious activity.
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Rate-limits or shut down when failures are repeated (with alarms).
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Encourage password managers; ban password reuse.
6) Web Application Attacks (OWASP Top 10)
Types that are common
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SQL Injection Unsanitized inputs alter SQL queries in databases.
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Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injected scripts are executed in the browser used by the user.
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Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Tricks an account holder into taking unintentional actions.
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SSRF/Deserialization/Auth Logic Flaws: Server-side and logic vulnerabilities.
How to minimize risk
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Make use of query parameters for input validation, input, and output encryption.
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Incorporate Add WAF (web application firewall) and CSP (Content Security Policy).
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Perform safe code reviews SAST/DAST, as well as regularly scheduled pentests.
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Maintain software bills of materials (SBOMs) and patch frameworks/libraries.
7) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
What is it: Your site or API with traffic until users who are legitimate cannot access it.
How to minimize risk
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Place apps behind an secure CDN that is DDoS aware/edge service.
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Make use of rate-limiting, auto-scaling and challenge responses.
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Maintain an organized Playbook for DDoS (contacts cutsover steps and communications).
8) Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) & Session Hijacking
What does it mean: Interception or manipulation of the flow of information between users and services (e.g. malicious Wi-Fi APs) or the taking session tokens or cookies.
How to minimize risk
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Implement all HTTPS sites (HSTS) Secure cookies, and tokens with short durations.
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Prefer VPN on untrusted networks; use WPA3 on corporate Wi-Fi.
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On the the TLS inspection carefully (privacy/legal exam).
9) Supply-Chain & Third-Party Attacks
What does it mean: Compromising a vendor update, software, or integration to connect with you.
Example: Trojanized installers, poisoned MSP/RMM tools harmful browser extension.
How to minimize risk
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Vet vendors; demand the submission of security questions and a minimum number of security measures.
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Make use of the code signing and verify checksums and pin the source of packages.
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Restrict access to third parties by using the least access or just-in time credentials.
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Monitoring integrations, and check audit logs frequently.
10) Insider Threats (Malicious or Negligent)
What is it: Employees or contractors are able to steal data, abuse access, or make dangerous errors.
How to minimize risk
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The least privilege IAM and quarterly access reviews.
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DLP for sensitive data, the watermarking and logging of exports.
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Outboarding checklists as well as recordings of sessions with privileged access.
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A clear acceptable-use guidelines and education.
11) Cloud Misconfigurations & IAM Abuse
What does it mean: Public buckets, open databases, a lot of roles, lost keys or access controls that are weak.
How to minimize risk
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Make use of the CSPM to check for errors in configurations (S3/Blob ACLs Security groups Public endpoints, security groups).
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Apply most privileges and credentials that are short-lived Rotate keys.
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On Cloud Audit Logs (e.g. CloudTrail / Activity Log) and then monitor.
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Encrypt data in transit and while in transit; handle keys/KMS correctly.
12) IoT & OT Attacks
What does it mean: Compromise of cameras sensors, badge system or industrial controls, usually with weak or default credentials as well as rare patches.
How to minimize risk
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Segment IoT/OT networks; refuse the direct access to internet.
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Make changes to the default password and maintain an inventory of assets.
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Install firmware upgrades and limit the management interfaces.
13) DNS Attacks (Hijacking, Cache Poisoning, Tunneling)
What is it: Manipulating name resolution to redirect traffic, transfer data, or enact the use of phishing.
How to minimize risk
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Make sure you use trusted DNS resolvers Enable DNSSEC when it is it is.
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Be on the lookout to look for unusual requests and domain age or typosquats.
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Stop the tunneling and apply filtering for egress.
14) Watering-Hole & Drive-By Compromise
What does it mean: Attackers compromise a site that you trust your users to visit and visit in silence, delivering malware or exploits your browser.
How to minimize risk
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Make sure that your browsers and plug-ins are completely updated.
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Use browser isolation/application control for risky categories.
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Limit admin rights; turn off any unnecessary plugins.
15) Zero-Day Exploits
What is it: Attacks on previously undiscovered vulnerabilities, with no patch available yet.
How to minimize risk
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Reduce the attack surface (remove unneeded software/services).
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Utilize patches that are virtual (WAF/EDR regulations) along with use exploit mitigation controls.
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Advisories for track; patch fast when you have fixed the issue.
Quick Reference: Common Attacks & Core Defenses
| Attack Type | Fastest Wins |
|---|---|
| Phishing/BEC | MFA in all places Callbacks for payment-change calls |
| Ransomware | Offline backups; EDR; network segmentation; IR playbook |
| Credential Stuffing | MFA; breached-password checks; SSO; rate limiting |
| Web App (SQLi/XSS) | Parameterized queries; WAF; code reviews; SAST/DAST |
| DDoS | CDN/edge protection; rate limiting; DDoS vendor on retainer |
| MitM/Session Hijack | HTTPS/HSTS, secure cookies; VPN on untrusted Wi-Fi |
| Supply-Chain | Vendor due diligence; least privilege access Code signing |
| Cloud Misconfig | The CSPM, IAM sanitation; monitoring/logging security |
| Insider Threat | Least privilege Access reviews; DLP Offboarding |
Building a Defense Plan That Actually Works
12 High-Impact Controls (Do These First)
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Multi-Factor authentication for VPN, email admin accounts,, and SSO applications.
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Management of patches with specific SLAs (e.g. crucial within 7 days).
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EDR on servers and endpoints with 24 hour alerts.
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Email security: phishing detection, attachment sandboxing, DMARC enforced.
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Backups Offline/immutable and verified restores (file-level and complete system).
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The lowest privilege Access based on role; eliminate the rights of a standing administrator.
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The network segmentation to isolate important backups and systems.
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Secure configuration baselines (CIS/industry benchmarks).
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Training in security awareness through realistic phishing simulators.
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Centralized recording as well as alerts (SIEM/SOAR and managed services).
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Web app security: WAF + secure SDLC (SAST/DAST/pentests).
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Incident response plan: contacts, decisions, legal/comms; run tabletop exercises.
30-60-90 Day Roadmap (Example)
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Day 1-30 Switch on MFA and block legacy authentication and inventory assets; fast wins with backups and email.
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Days 31-59: Deploy EDR; make sure you tighten IAM Roll out patching SLAs, segment important networks.
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Day 61 to 90: Install WAF, code scanning and CSPM on cloud; finalize the IR plan and implement an interactive tabletop.
How to Spot Trouble Early
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Sign-ins that are unusual (geo/time/device oddities) and mailbox regulations that appear “out of nowhere.”
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sudden surges in authentication problems as well as outbound traffic.
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EDR Alerts on tools for privilege escalation or changes to files in mass.
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Afflicted with unexpected encryption Backups are not available or security tools that are disabled.
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DNS anomalies or connections to brand-new/low-reputation domains.
Final Thoughts
Attackers usually tend to take the most straightforward route: fool humans, re-use an account password, or attack an unprotected system. Concentrate on layers of security that block these easy wins — MFA and patching, EDR, backups, security for email, and the least privilege–and back them up with solid monitoring and a well-practiced incident management plan. The combination of these controls stops the majority of common attacks, and reduces the harm when something happens to slip through.
