--- title: The 8 Most Common Cybersecurity Attacks to Be Aware of description: Learn about the 8 most common cybersecurity attacks, from malware to phishing, and how to protect your organization against these threats. image: https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/8%20Most%20Common%20Cyberattacks.png --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/the-8-most-common-cybersecurity-attacks-to-be-aware-of#main) [![cropped-Ascend-Technologies\_Vertical\_FullColor\_White](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png?width=150&height=118&name=cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png) ![cropped-Ascend-Technologies\_Vertical\_FullColor\_White](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png?width=150&height=118&name=cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) - [Show submenu for Services Services](http://teamascend.com/services/) - [Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/) - [Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/) - [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/) - [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/) - [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/) - [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/) - [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/) - [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/) - [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/) - [Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/) - [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/) - [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/) - [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/) - [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/) - [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/) - [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/) - [Show submenu for Cloud Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/) - [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/) - [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/) - [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/) - [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/) - [Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/) - [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/) - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/) - [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/) - [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/) - [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/) - [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/) - [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/) - [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) - [Show submenu for Industries Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/) - [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/) - [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/) - [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/) - [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/) - [Show submenu for Resources Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/) - [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/) - [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar) - [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - Show submenu for Company Company - [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/) - [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/) - [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Services Services - Services - [Services](http://teamascend.com/services/) - Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting - IT Consulting - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/) - Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/) - [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/) - [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/) - [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/) - [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/) - [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/) - [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/) - [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/) - Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure - IT Infrastructure - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/) - [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/) - [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/) - [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/) - [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/) - [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/) - [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/) - Show submenu for Cloud Cloud - Cloud - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/) - [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/) - [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/) - [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/) - [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/) - Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services - Microsoft Services - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/) - [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/) - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/) - [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce - Salesforce - [Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/) - [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/) - [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/) - [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/) - [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/) - [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) - Show submenu for Industries Industries - Industries - [Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/) - [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/) - [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/) - [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/) - [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/) - Show submenu for Resources Resources - Resources - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/) - [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/) - [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar) - [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - Show submenu for Company Company - Company - [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/) - [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/) - [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) Cybersecurity # The 8 Most Common Cybersecurity Attacks to Be Aware of ![Default Author](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Vertical_Blue.png) TEAM ASCEND February 7, 2023 - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/LinkedIn-color%20(1).svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-8-most-common-cybersecurity-attacks-to-be-aware-of) - [![Facebook](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%203%20(1).svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-8-most-common-cybersecurity-attacks-to-be-aware-of) - [![Email](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%20427320686.svg)](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EThe+8+Most+Common+Cybersecurity+Attacks+to+Be+Aware+of%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-8-most-common-cybersecurity-attacks-to-be-aware-of) ![](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/8%20Most%20Common%20Cyberattacks.png) A cyberattack is any malicious attempt by an individual or a group to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Usually, cyberattacks aim to disrupt, destroy or alter the victims' system or network. Cybercriminals also steal, expose, or destroy private data from organizations, which can be fatal for any business. Regardless of size, cybersecurity is a crucial area of focus for all organizations. This can be attributed to the increased number and frequency of cyber-attacks reported by companies worldwide. Since the pandemic struck in 2020, cyber-attacks have increased due to remote work. Statistics show that cyber crimes increased by[ 125%](https://aag-it.com/the-latest-cyber-crime-statistics/) in 2021 and continued to rise from 2022 to today. There are many different types of cyber-attacks. Below we look at the most common cybersecurity attacks facing organizations today. ## ![8 Most Common Cyberattacks](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Common%20Cyberattacks.png?width=1024&height=768&name=Common%20Cyberattacks.png) ## Malware Malware is the generic term for malicious software. Malicious software is created to identify vulnerabilities in the system or network and target them to breach the system or network. Malware disrupts, destroys, and alters the network of the victim. **Here are some of the common malicious software:** - **Viruses:** This is a self-replicating software that attaches to programs and files and is triggered when opened. They spread through your system without your knowledge, slowing it down and destroying your data. - **Ransomware:** Software that blocks access to some important components of your system until you pay the attackers a ransom. It encrypts files on your system and locks you out until the attackers meet their demands. - **Spyware:** This software spies on your system and network and sends this data to the attacker. - **Adware:** Adware software monitors users' online activities, determining what ads to display on their screens. - **Trojan:** A Trojan is malicious software that seems to be legitimate. Others include worms, rootkits, and keyloggers. ## Phishing Attacks Phishing attacks are the most common type of cyber-attacks. The cybercriminal initiates communication with the victim while impersonating a trusted contact. Phishing attacks mainly involve fraudulent emails but can also be phone calls and texts that seem to come from credible sources such as an employer or a service provider. The attackers aim to access sensitive information such as credit card details and passwords by tricking the victims into disclosing them. Phishing schemes also involve sending the victims malicious links. Clicking the link installs malware in the system.   ## Denial of Service Attacks (DoS) A Denial of Service Attack occurs when the hacker or cybercriminals direct overwhelming traffic to a server or a system, exhausting all the resources. As a result, the system shuts down, and legitimate users cannot access the system or network. Hackers can also use multiple devices/ botnets to direct traffic to a system, shutting it down. This attack is a Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS). DoS attackers seek to slow down and eventually shut down your system, denying customers access and service. Most Social Media platforms have been victims of DoS and DDoS attacks, which leave users out of the system.   ## Man in the Middle Attacks (MITM) In a Man-in-the-Middle attack, the cybercriminal intercepts communication between two parties. This attack is also known as the eavesdropping attack, as the attacker joins the two-party conversation without their notice to steal information from your conversation. MitM attacks mainly occur when using insecure public Wi-Fi or a compromised router. Hackers can insert themselves into the conversation between the visitor and the network. MitM can also happen when malware is used, which allows the hacker to install spying software to monitor the victim's information. Attackers can intercept communication between parties to filter and steal private information such as usernames and passwords. Hackers also use MitM attacks to redirect conversations toward what they want by pretending to be the party you were talking to.   ## SQL Injection SQL injection is the most common type of code injection attack. An attacker injects malicious SQL code into an SQL-driven system, giving the hacker access to sensitive information that the system would not disclose otherwise. Once the attacker gains access, they can steal, modify, or delete the information. Most data-driven websites use SQL to store sensitive data such as login details and account information. Hence, an SQL attack on these websites can lead to theft and breach of critical data. In 2021, over[ 70GB](https://www.wired.com/story/gab-hack-data-breach-ddosecrets/) of data was stolen from the Gab website via SQL injection, revealing clients' passwords and information.   ## Zero-Day Exploits A Zero-Day Exploit is a type of attack that occurs on a system or network after a vulnerability is announced. Attackers target and exploit the vulnerability disclosed before a patch is designed. They can breach the system to steal data or make changes.   ## Password Attacks A password attack is when the attacker tries to access an account by guessing or stealing the user's password. In password-spraying attacks, the attacker tries the same password for many accounts. In brute force attacks, criminals use software that tries a combination of different usernames and passwords until they get the correct details. Hackers can also try to get your password and login information through social engineering schemes such as email phishing, chats, and calls. To avoid being a victim of password attacks, it is important to use different usernames and passwords on different sites. Also, be aware of being tricked into disclosing your details.   ## Insider Threats Employees and other parties in organizations have access to the system and important information. Different levels in the company have different access privileges and access to the company information and data. Some of these parties might use their information and privileges for malicious reasons. Therefore, an organization needs to be aware of internal threats and not just focus on outside attacks.   ## Ascend Can Help These are just some of the most common attacks used to breach an organization, but more threats exist. To safeguard your organization against bad actors and their tricks you want to partner with a Technology Solutions Provider like Ascend Technologies. It's our job to stay on top of the latest technology and cybersecurity practices, so that organizations like you can focus on the bigger picture. [Talk to an Expert](https://teamascend.com/consultation/) to help navigate this complex landscape and ensure ethical practice for this year and beyond.   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2733374/d642d48f-f65a-4c45-aa94-29ec149674d1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2733374/d642d48f-f65a-4c45-aa94-29ec149674d1)   ### Table of Contents #### Get Insights Sent to Your Inbox ## Related Articles ![How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/software-engineers-collaborating-on-code-in-office-2026-09-21-23-15-07-utc.jpg) Cybersecurity ### [How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) September 24, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) ![How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1458786464.jpeg) Cybersecurity ### [How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) September 22, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) ![What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/woman-working-from-home-at-desk-with-laptop-2026-03-13-01-57-07-utc.jpg) Cybersecurity ### [What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) September 17, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) [![Ascend Technologies](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png?width=200&height=107&name=Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) Contact 833-639-2285 - - - - - - Company - [About](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Services](https://teamascend.com/services/) - [Testimonials](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Partner With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Contact](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - Services - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Salesforce Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) ### Empowering Technology. Powered by People. Technology is critical to businesses across all industries. Today's technology must be smart, reliable, adaptable, and secure. At Ascend Technologies, we deliver solutions at the highest level, from cloud computing to proactive cybersecurity strategies to Salesforce excellence. And the team? As impressive as the tech. Our practical support is focused on one thing: your success. Let's see what we can do together. [Contact Us](https://teamascend.com/contact/) ©2026 Ascend Technologies, LLC, All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://teamascend.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.teamascend.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 } ] }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-11T22🇲🇲23", "description" : "Learn about the 8 most common cybersecurity attacks, from malware to phishing, and how to protect your organization against these threats.", "name" : "The 8 Most Common Cybersecurity Attacks to Be Aware of", "primaryImageOfPage" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/8%20Most%20Common%20Cyberattacks.png" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/Ascend-Technologies-HubSpot-Logo.png" }, "name" : "Ascend Technologies", "url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com" }, "url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/the-8-most-common-cybersecurity-attacks-to-be-aware-of" } ```