Types of Cyber Attacks

There are several methods of attack in cyber-warfare, this list is ranked in order of mildest to most severe.

• Web vandalism: Attacks that deface web pages, or denial-of-service attacks. This is normally swiftly combated and of little harm.

• Propaganda: Political messages can be spread through or to anyone with access to the internet.

• Gathering data: Classified information that is not handled securely can be intercepted and even modified, making espionage possible from the other side of the world. See Titan Rain and Moonlight Maze.

• Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks: Large numbers of computers in one country launch a DoS attack against systems in another country.

• Equipment disruption: Military activities that use computers and satellites for co-ordination are at risk from this type of attack. Orders and communications can be intercepted or replaced, putting soldiers at risk.

• Attacking critical infrastructure: Power, water, fuel, communications, commercial and transportation are all vulnerable to a cyber attack.

• Compromised Counterfeit Hardware: Common hardware used in computers and networks that have malicious software hidden inside the software, firmware or even the microprocessors.