How are network attack types classified? Mainstream classification standards and detailed explanations

at the moment of deep digital penetration, cyberspace has become an important field of activity. At the same time, cyber security threats are becoming increasingly severe. Various cyber attacks occur frequently, bringing different degrees of losses to individuals, enterprises and even countries. To build an effective protection system, it is first necessary to have a clear understanding of the types of cyber attacks, and to clarify the characteristics and classification logic of different attacks. This paper will start from the mainstream classification standards, systematically analyze the connotation, performance and harm of various types of cyber attacks, and build a complete cognitive framework for readers of cyber attacks.

, according to the attack target classification network attack type?

attack target is one of the core dimensions to divide the types of network attacks. There are obvious differences in the attack logic and means corresponding to different targets, which can directly reflect the demands of the attack initiator.

1, end point device class network attack type

this type of network attack mainly targets end points such as personal computers, smart phones, and Internet of Things devices, launching attacks by implanting malicious software and inducing clicks on malicious links. For example, common ransomware attacks encrypt files in end points and require victims to pay a ransom to unlock them; there are also botnet attacks for Internet of Things devices, which will control cameras, routers, and other devices in batches and initiate distributed Denial-of-service.

2, network infrastructure type of network attack

this type of network attack focuses on servers, switches, firewalls and other network core infrastructure, the goal is to destroy the connectivity and stability of the network. For example, Distributed Denial-of-service occupies server resources through massive false requests, resulting in legitimate users unable to access services normally; there are attacks on routers, tampering with routing table information, making network data transmission abnormal, and even interrupting the operation of the entire network.

Two, according to technical means to divide the type of network attack?

technical means is the key identification to distinguish the types of network attacks. The implementation logic, complexity and concealment of different means are different, which directly determines the success rate and preventability of the attack.

1 Types of Cyber Attacks Exploiting Vulnerabilities

this type of network attack relies on unfixed vulnerabilities in the system, software or protocol to launch attacks, attackers will mine or use public vulnerability information in advance to launch targeted intrusions. For example, the Heartbleed vulnerability attack, which uses the vulnerability of the OpenSSL protocol to steal sensitive information in the server memory; and the Eternal Blue vulnerability attack, which spreads malicious software through the SMB protocol vulnerability of the Windows system to control end point devices in batches.

2, social engineering type of network attack

such types of network attacks do not rely on complex technical vulnerabilities, but use human psychological weaknesses to carry out attacks, by disguising identities, fabricating misinformation and other ways to induce victims to actively disclose sensitive information. Common phishing email attacks, disguised as bank and corporate official emails, induce users to click the link to enter the account password; and pretexting attacks, attackers disguised as IT personnel, to help solve the problem on the grounds of defrauding users of system permissions.

Three, according to the degree of harm to divide the type of network attack?

degree of harm is an important indicator to evaluate the impact of network attack types, which can help different subjects clarify protection priorities and allocate security resources reasonably.

1, mild cyber attack type

this type of network attack usually only cause minor impact, will not lead to core data leakage or system paralysis, mostly to harassment, probing as the main purpose. For example, email spam attacks, a large number of advertisements, fraudulent mail, occupy the user's mailbox space, but will not directly damage the system; and port scanning attacks, by detecting open ports to collect network information, itself will not cause substantial harm, but may pave the way for subsequent attacks.

2 Types of Cyber Attacks

this type of cyber attack will bring serious security consequences, which may lead to core data leakage, business interruption and even economic collapse. For example, the financial theft attack against the Financial Institution Group, the attacker directly stole huge amounts of money by tampering with the transfer information by invading the system; there are also national-level cyber espionage attacks, which will steal state secrets and core technical data, posing a great threat to national security.

Four, according to the main initiator of the classification of network attacks?

the difference of the initiator will directly affect the scale, persistence and purpose of the network attack type, and the attack motivation and resource investment of different subjects are significantly different.

1, individuals or small groups

such types of network attacks are mostly initiated by individual hackers or small hacker groups, and the motives are mostly to show off technology, obtain small benefits or retaliate against specific objects. The scale of the attack is usually small and the means are relatively single. For example, website tampering attacks initiated by individual hackers only modify the content of the homepage of specific websites, which will not cause a wide range of impact; there are also human flesh search attacks for individuals, retaliation by leaking personal privacy information.

2, organizations or countries

such types of cyberattacks are launched by enterprises, criminal organizations, and even at the national level, with sufficient financial, technical, and human support. The attacks are large-scale and persistent, and the purpose is to obtain trade secrets, disrupt competitors' business, or conduct national-level strategic deterrence. For example, global ransomware attacks launched by transnational criminal organizations will target enterprises and institutions in multiple countries at the same time, causing billions of economic losses; and national-level cyberwarfare attacks will destroy the enemy's critical infrastructure and affect its normal operation.

To sum up, the types of cyber attacks can be divided into multiple dimensions such as attack targets, technical means, degree of harm, and initiating subjects. The types of cyber attacks in different dimensions have their own characteristics and manifestations. Clearly recognizing the classification logic and connotation of these types of cyber attacks is the basis for building a cyber security protection system, which can help individuals and enterprises accurately identify threats, formulate protection strategies in a targeted manner, and effectively reduce the risks and losses caused by cyber attacks.