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What is a cyberattack?

A cyberattack is an attempt to breach, disrupt, or damage computer systems, networks, or digital devices, often for malicious purposes like data theft or financial fraud.
Defend against cyberattacks

A comprehensive look at cyberattacks.

Learn about the different types of cyberattack, how to prevent cyberattacks in modern technology, and how to respond in the case of a cyberattack.

Key takeaways

  • Cyberattacks are attempts to breach, damage, or disrupt computer systems.
  • Phishing and ransomware are two common attacks.
  • An incident response plan is essential for recovering from a cyberattack.

What is a cyberattack?

A cyberattack is a deliberate attempt by an individual or group to breach, damage, or disrupt computer systems, networks, or digital devices, often for malicious purposes such as data theft, espionage, financial fraud, or system sabotage.

Cyberattacks have evolved significantly over the years. In the 1980s to1990s, early viruses and worms emerged, primarily targeting individual computers and networks. In the 2000s, more sophisticated malware, phishing, and large-scale Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks appeared, targeting businesses and governments. In the 2010s, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), ransomware, and nation-state attacks became widespread. Today, attackers are using AI and cloud-based infrastructure to scale up their volume of attacks, launch sophisticated social engineering campaigns like deepfake scams, and tailor phishing lures and malware for individual targets, increasing their success rates.

Because our daily lives are so dependent on digital systems, cyberattacks pose significant risks to individuals, businesses, and governments. The rise of cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and AI has expanded the potential attack surface—or the set of all possible locations and entry points for accessing a network or system—making cybersecurity crucial to protecting sensitive data, financial assets, and even national security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, proactive defense strategies, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity awareness are more critical than ever.

Cyberattacks have the potential to severely damage the reputation of individuals and organizations, leading to a loss of trust and credibility. When sensitive data is breached, such as customer information, financial records, or proprietary business strategies, stakeholders might lose confidence in an organization’s ability to protect their assets. High-profile breaches, like those affecting major corporations and government institutions, often result in public scrutiny, legal consequences, and financial losses. For individuals, identity theft or hacked social media accounts might tarnish personal and professional reputations.

Understanding cyberattacks and their evolving nature is crucial in strengthening cybersecurity measures and enabling businesses and individuals to implement proactive defenses, mitigate risks, and maintain trust.

Different types of cyberattacks

Cybercriminals use a variety of attack methods to exploit system vulnerabilities, steal sensitive information, and disrupt operations.

There are two primary types of attacks:

Commodity-based attacks. In this type of attack, cybercriminals use an automated script and tool to send out an attack to a wide group of people. One example might be a phishing email sent out to a large number of email addresses. These attacks are generally not targeting a specific organization and attackers do not follow up on them if they fail.

Human-operated or hands-on-keyboard attacks. These types of attacks appear similar to a commodity-based attack, in that they may start off with a phishing email or credential theft. However, in this case, a real person is operating behind the scenes to craft a more targeted initial access attempt and follow up with hands-on-keyboard activity.

Attackers will typically target a specific business, organization, or government group. They use multiple methods to try to break in to an organization’s systems or to cause damage after they have gained access, including:

Brute-force attacks. These attacks involve systematically guessing passwords or encryption keys to breach accounts and networks. After gaining entry to a system, an attacker might then follow up by installing malware or ransomware.

DDoS attacks. By overwhelming servers or networks with excessive traffic, cyberattackers cause service disruptions and render services unavailable.

Malware. Malware is a malicious piece of software that is often used to gain a foothold in the network by disabling security controls, providing remote access, or installing ransomware payloads.

Ransomware. Cyberattackers deploy a type of malware that encrypts files and essentially holds them hostage. The attacker then demands payment for decryption.

Botnets. This type of attack entails using networks of compromised computers to perform large-scale attacks, including spam distribution and DDoS attacks.

Cross-site scripting (XSS). To compromise user sessions and data, attackers inject malicious scripts into websites.

SQL injection. Exploiting database vulnerabilities by inserting malicious SQL queries, SQL injection attacks give attackers access to sensitive information or corrupt victims’ databases.

Man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attacks. Also called eavesdropping attacks, these attacks involve intercepting communications between two people or between a person and a server. MiTM attacks are often carried out on unsecured public wireless networks.

How to prevent cyberattacks in today’s complex digital estates

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, making it crucial for businesses to implement proactive security measures. The following are key strategies to prevent cyberattacks.

Implement strong authentication to protect identities. Setting authentication strength allows system administrators to specify which combinations of authentication methods can be used to access a resource. For example, to access a sensitive resource, administrators might require that only phishing-resistant authentication methods be used. To access a less sensitive resource, administrators might allow less secure multifactor authentication combinations, such as a password plus a text message.

Use passkeys. Passkeys help prevent cyberattacks by replacing traditional passwords with cryptographic authentication, making them resistant to phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks. Since passkeys are tied to a user’s device and require biometric authentication or a PIN, they eliminate the risks associated with password reuse and weak credentials.

Update systems and software regularly. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s important to update operating systems and applications regularly. Where possible, turn on automatic updates. Regularly apply security patches for applications like Adobe, Java, and web browsers.

Implement continuous threat exposure management. Threat exposure management or security exposure management gives you a unified view of your organization’s security posture across your assets and workloads. This helps to proactively manage attack surfaces, protect critical assets, and explore and mitigate exposure risk.

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. Perform penetration testing to identify weaknesses before hackers do. Monitor network and system logs, and use a security information and event management (SIEM) system to detect anomalies.

Review access controls and permissions. Limit access to sensitive data and critical systems to authorized personnel only. Implement role-based access control (RBAC).

Provide regular cybersecurity training. Educate employees about phishing attacks, social engineering, and safe browsing practices. Teach them how to identify suspicious emails, links, and attachments, and how to respond if they receive any of these items. Run simulated phishing tests to test employee awareness.

Implement detection and response tools. Extended detection and response (XDR) tools unify threat detection, investigation, and response across cloud workloads, endpoints, and networks—supporting faster, more coordinated threat mitigation. By aggregating and analyzing security signals from multiple sources, XDR provides deep visibility into cloud environments and helps reduce dwell time for advanced threats.

Use AI for cybersecurity. Choosing tools with AI for cybersecurity is essential because AI detects and respond to threats in real time, helping to prevent cyberattacks before they cause damage. AI also improves security by analyzing vast amounts of data quickly, identifying patterns that human analysts might miss.

Implement a managed detection and response (MDR) service. An MDR is a cybersecurity service that helps proactively protect organizations from cyberthreats using advanced detection and rapid incident response. MDR services include a combination of technology and human expertise to perform cyberthreat hunting, monitoring, and response.

Use a threat intelligence solution. A cyber threat intelligence solution—ideally one with tools that use AI, machine learning, and advanced capabilities such as security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)—automates many security functions to help you preempt attacks, rather than merely react to them. Threat intelligence also helps security professionals automate remediation actions when an attack is revealed, such as blocking malicious files and IP addresses.

How to mitigate the effects of a cyberattack

If a cyberattack is detected, swift action is crucial to mitigate damage, contain the breach, and recover operations. After an attack, follow these key steps:

Contain the damage. Remove compromised computers, servers, or network segments from the network to prevent further spread. Unplug Ethernet cables, disable wireless networks, or use firewall rules to contain the attack. Disable compromised accounts and credentials, and reset passwords for affected accounts. Revoke access tokens and API keys if necessary. Use firewall rules to block connections from known attacker IPs, and shut down any unauthorized remote access sessions.

Reach out to your managed service provider. Many companies offer assistance in the case of a security breach. If you have a managed service provider to assist your internal team, contact them as soon as possible.

Identify the type of attack. Look for unexpected system behavior, unauthorized access, or ransom demands. Determine if it’s malware, ransomware, phishing, DDoS, or data breach.

Determine if data was compromised. Review logs for unauthorized access attempts. Check if sensitive customer, financial, or proprietary information was stolen. If it’s necessary to restore data, use clean, unaffected backups to perform the restore. Verify backups are free from malware before redeploying.

Assess system integrity. Identify which systems or applications were affected. Look for file changes, deleted records, or altered permissions. Identify malicious processes and shut them down to prevent further damage. Remove malware and unauthorized access. Use updated antivirus and antimalware tools to scan and clean infected devices. Reset system configurations and remove unauthorized accounts.

Notify internal teams and authorities. Report the incident to IT, security teams, executives, and legal teams. If personal data was compromised, notify regulatory bodies—such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), PCI-DSS compliance bodies—as required by law.

Preserve evidence for forensic analysis. Don’t delete logs or restart systems immediately. Take system snapshots and log files for further investigation.

Patch vulnerabilities and strengthen security. Apply the latest security patches and software updates. Review firewall rules, email security settings, and access controls.

Conduct a post-incident review. Identify root causes and document lessons learned. Determine what security measures failed and how to improve them.

Why you need a robust incident response plan

An incident response plan is essential for minimizing downtime and financial loss by reducing operational disruptions and preventing revenue loss. It also supports regulatory compliance, as many industries require a documented incident response plan to meet standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, NIST, and PCI-DSS. A well-executed response plan also protects your reputation and helps retain customer trust by supporting quick containment of threats, and preventing data leaks and brand damage. It enhances preparedness and response time by allowing teams to react swiftly and efficiently when a breach occurs. Furthermore, continuous review and improvement of the incident response plan strengthen an organization’s security posture, helping to prevent future attacks.

New and emerging trends in cyberattacks

Cyberattacks have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond individual businesses, significantly impacting the world economy. Large-scale attacks on financial institutions, supply chains, and critical infrastructure might result in billions of dollars in losses, disrupting industries and slowing economic growth. For example, ransomware attacks on healthcare systems or manufacturing plants lead to operational shutdowns, delayed services, and increased costs. Small businesses, often less equipped to handle cyberthreats, might suffer irreparable financial damage, leading to job losses and reduced market confidence. The rising cost of cybersecurity measures forces companies and governments to allocate more resources toward defense rather than innovation and growth, ultimately affecting economic productivity.

Beyond financial damage, cyberattacks have severe societal implications, eroding public trust in digital systems and institutions. When personal data is stolen, individuals face identity theft, financial fraud, and privacy breaches, leading to psychological distress and a loss of confidence in online services. Attacks on essential services, such as power grids or hospitals, can disrupt daily life, threaten public safety, and even cost lives. Moreover, nation-state cyber warfare and misinformation campaigns can destabilize governments, influence elections, and sow discord among populations. As digital dependency grows, cyberthreats pose an increasing risk to global stability, making robust cybersecurity measures essential for safeguarding both economic prosperity and societal wellbeing.

A few notable cyberattacks include:

WannaCry ransomware attack. In 2017, a massive ransomware attack that exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows spread rapidly across more than 150 countries, affecting hospitals, businesses, and government agencies. Notable victims were the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, FedEx, Renault, and Telefónica. The cyberattack caused damages of USD4 billion globally.

Equifax data breach. In 2017, cyberattackers exploited an unpatched software vulnerability, exposing the sensitive information of 147 million people. Data stolen included Social Security numbers, credit card details, and personal identifiers. Equifax paid a settlement of USD700 million for damages and credit monitoring services. This attack led to led to stricter data protection laws and heightened scrutiny of credit reporting agencies.

SolarWinds supply chain attack. In 2020, cyberattackers—targeting United States government agencies and Fortune 500 companies—compromised SolarWinds’ Orion software, inserting a backdoor used to spy on networks. Victims included the United States Department of Homeland Security, Microsoft, and Intel.

Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. In 2021, the Colonial Pipeline Company was attacked, resulting in the company shutting down all operations. To restore the computerized system used to manage oil pipelines throughout the southeastern United States, Colonial Pipeline paid the cyberattackers a ransom of 75 bitcoins (equivalent to USD4.4 million at the time). This cyberattack was the largest in United States history to target oil infrastructure, and it highlighted vulnerabilities in the energy and transportation sectors, prompting stronger cybersecurity measures.

Cryptocurrency. In March and April 2022, three different lending protocols came under cyberattack. In the span of one week, cyberattackers stole USD15.6 million worth of cryptocurrency from Inverse Finance, USD625 million from gaming-focused Ronin Network, and USD3.6 million from Ola Finance.

In recent years, cyberattacks have become more frequent, sophisticated, and financially damaging, with ransomware emerging as one of the most significant threats. Attackers increasingly target both individuals and organizations, encrypting critical data and demanding hefty ransom payments. High-profile ransomware attacks on hospitals, financial institutions, and infrastructure companies have disrupted operations and caused severe financial losses. Cybercriminals have also shifted to double extortion tactics, not only locking data but also threatening to leak sensitive information if the ransom isn’t paid. The rise of ransomware as a service has further fueled this trend, enabling even non-technical cybercriminals to launch attacks with pre-built ransomware tools.

Another alarming trend is the growing sophistication of phishing schemes and state-sponsored cyberattacks. Modern phishing campaigns use AI-generated emails, deepfake technology, and social engineering tactics to trick even the most careful individuals into divulging sensitive information. These attacks often bypass traditional security measures, leading to credential theft and data breaches. Meanwhile, state-sponsored cyberattacks have become more prevalent, targeting critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, and government agencies. These attacks, often attributed to nation-states seeking to disrupt rival economies or gather intelligence, highlight the need for stronger cybersecurity policies, enhanced threat detection systems, and international cooperation to defend against cyberwarfare.

Effective solutions against cyberattacks

Understanding and protecting against cyberattacks is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of an organization's data and systems. By proactively addressing potential threats, organizations minimize the risk of breaches, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure business continuity.

One way to protect against cyberattacks is by using a unified security platform. Integrating multiple security tools—such as endpoint protection, identity security, email security, and threat detection and response—into a single system improves visibility. This centralized approach also reduces security gaps, making it easier to detect, analyze, and mitigate attacks in real time.

AI is a powerful tool for preventing and responding to cyberattacks. AI-powered threat intelligence and automation detects and disrupts cyberthreats in real time, supporting rapid response to incidents. Additionally, it enhances visibility into attack surfaces and cyberthreat exposure, allowing organizations to proactively manage their security posture and reduce the risk of breaches.

The Microsoft AI-powered unified SecOps solution is one example of a unified security platform that’s designed to prevent and defend against cyberattacks by integrating advanced security technologies and practices into a single, cohesive platform. This solution leverages generative AI along with the full capabilities of extended detection and response (XDR) and SIEM to provide comprehensive protection across endpoints, identities, emails, collaboration tools, cloud apps, and data.
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Frequently asked questions

  • Cyberattack mitigation refers to the strategies and measures used to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberthreats, minimizing their impact on systems, networks, and data. This includes implementing strong security practices such as firewalls, encryption, multifactor authentication, regular software updates, and employee cybersecurity training to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance overall protection.
  • Cyberattack remediation is the process of identifying, containing, and eliminating security threats to minimize damage and restore systems to a secure state. It involves steps such as incident analysis, patching vulnerabilities, and strengthening defenses to prevent future attacks.
  • A cyberattack is an intentional attempt to exploit systems, networks, or devices, such as hacking or malware deployment. A cyberthreat refers to the potential danger of a cyberattack occurring, including vulnerabilities or malicious actors capable of causing harm. Cyber risk is the likelihood and potential impact of a cyber threat materializing, considering factors like security measures and system weaknesses.
  • Cyberattacks occur when malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or devices to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or cause damage. Attackers use various techniques, such as phishing, malware, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or launching brute-force attacks to crack passwords.
  • Common types of cyberattacks include phishing, malware, ransomware, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. These attacks aim to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or gain unauthorized access to systems and networks.
  • In a cyberattack, malicious actors exploit security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, steal data, disrupt services, or damage systems. This might involve deploying malware, phishing scams, or hacking techniques to compromise networks and manipulate or destroy sensitive information.

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