Cyberattacks come in many forms, from phishing attempts designed to steal login credentials to ransomware that can disrupt access to critical systems. As businesses collect and manage growing amounts of payment information, personally identifiable information (PII), and other sensitive data, understanding common types of cybersecurity attacks can help organizations identify potential risks and strengthen their security strategies.
Below, explore seven types of cybersecurity attacks businesses should know and the steps organizations can take to help protect sensitive data.
Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity attacks can include phishing and social engineering, ransomware, credential-based attacks, malware, IoT attacks, MITM attacks, and cloud-based attacks.
- Cybercriminals may target both technical vulnerabilities and human behavior to gain unauthorized access to systems, accounts, and sensitive data.
- Businesses can reduce cybersecurity risk through a layered approach that includes employee training, strong authentication, regular software updates, system monitoring, and incident response planning.
- Protecting sensitive data with technologies such as encryption and tokenization can help reduce data exposure.
What is a Cybersecurity Attack?
A cybersecurity attack is an attempt to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, accounts, or data to steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, or cause other harm. Cybercriminals can use a variety of methods to carry out attacks, including phishing, ransomware, malware, and stolen credentials.
Cybersecurity attacks can put sensitive information such as payment data and personally identifiable information (PII) at risk. Understanding how different attacks work can help businesses identify potential vulnerabilities and take steps to strengthen their security.
What Are the 7 Most Common Types of Cybersecurity Attacks?
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common ways hackers get away with stealing sensitive data.
1. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks manipulate users into revealing sensitive information or taking actions that can compromise accounts, systems, or data. Rather than targeting a technical vulnerability, these attacks can exploit human trust to obtain login credentials or payment information.
Phishing is one of the most common forms of social engineering. Attackers can impersonate an individual or organization through emails, text messages, or websites to convince users to click malicious links, download attachments, or provide sensitive information. AI is also giving cybercriminals new ways to carry out these attacks. According to IBM’s 2026 Cost of a Data Breach Report, AI-driven attacks increased 56%, with AI deepfake impersonations and AI-enabled malware driving the highest volume of incidents.
2. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that can encrypt files or block access to systems until a ransom is paid. These attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and accessible to cybercriminals, who can even partner with providers of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).
RaaS makes ransomware attacks significantly more affordable for small-time hackers and easier to deploy, meaning that the number of ransomware attacks will only continue to climb.
3. Credential-Based Attacks
Credential-based attacks take place when cybercriminals use stolen or compromised login information to gain unauthorized access to accounts, systems, or sensitive data. Attackers may use usernames and passwords through phishing, malware, or previous data breaches.
4. Man-In-The-Middle Attack (MITM)
When a hacker inserts themselves between two parties that believe they are in a private transaction, they are using a MITM attack — a glorified form of online eavesdropping.
These attacks are possible through unencrypted or poorly protected Wi-Fi access points. By connecting to the same router, a third party can detect the weak points in your computer security and intercept sensitive information. With some remote employees using unprotected cafe or library Wi-Fi, these attacks are becoming more common.
5. Malware Attacks
Malware is malicious software designed to gain unauthorized access to systems, disrupt operations, or compromise sensitive information. Malware can include viruses, spyware, ransomware, and malicious cryptomining software.
Cryptomining malware can allow an unknown party to enter a computer environment and use its resources to mine cryptocurrency. In addition to reducing hardware performance and consuming computing resources, unauthorized access to the environment could give attackers opportunities to conduct other malicious activities.
6. Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks
From office spaces to retail stores, businesses are finding new, innovative ways to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) devices into their infrastructure to create an ecosystem of interconnected devices.
However, limited computing capacity and insufficient built-in security measures can make some IoT devices vulnerable to cyberattacks. Attackers may exploit a vulnerability in a connected device to gain unauthorized access, potentially putting other systems and sensitive data within a business network at risk.
7. Cloud-Based Attacks
Companies have embraced cloud environments as a convenient way to store data and support business applications and operations. However, misconfigured security settings, compromised credentials, and insecure applications can give attackers opportunities to gain unauthorized access to cloud-based systems. As more organizations rely on cloud environments, protecting access to cloud systems and stored sensitive data is especially important.
How Can Businesses Protect Against Cybersecurity Attacks?
Businesses can take a multi-layered approach to help reduce risk and protect their systems and sensitive data. Cybersecurity best practices include:
- Train employees to recognize potential threats: Regular cybersecurity training can help employees identify phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other suspicious activity.
- Strengthen authentication and access controls: Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and appropriate access permissions can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Keep systems and software updated: Regular updates can help address known vulnerabilities that attackers may attempt to exploit.
- Monitor for suspicious activity: Ongoing monitoring can help businesses identify unusual account, network, or system activity that may indicate a potential attack.
- Develop an incident response plan: Establishing procedures for identifying and responding to cybersecurity incidents can help businesses prepare before an attack occurs.
- Protect sensitive data: Encryption and tokenization can help protect payment information, PII, PHI, and other sensitive data if systems are compromised.
Protect Your Sensitive Data From Cybersecurity Threats
With the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, businesses need a well-developed strategy for protecting data. Bluefin’s omnichannel, integrated security solutions help organizations protect sensitive payment and personal data across channels.
Bluefin specializes in PCI-validated P2PE and vaultless tokenization that work in tandem to secure sensitive data, including payment information and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). Our solutions provide organizations in retail, healthcare, higher education, government, nonprofit, and more with flexible options to devalue all data upon intake, in transit, and in storage.
Learn more about our solutions for payment and data security, or contact us today for a free consultation with our Security Solutions team.
FAQs About Cybersecurity Attacks
What is the difference between a cybersecurity threat and a cybersecurity attack?
A cybersecurity threat is a potential event or activity that could compromise systems, networks, or data. A cybersecurity attack occurs when a cybercriminal attempts to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, steal information, or otherwise compromise a system or network.
What is the difference between a cyberattack and a data breach?
A cyberattack is an attempt to compromise a system, network, account, or data. A data breach occurs when sensitive or confidential information is accessed or disclosed without authorization. A cyberattack can lead to a data breach, but not every cyberattack results in one.
Why do cybercriminals target businesses?
Cybercriminals may target businesses to steal sensitive information, obtain financial gain, disrupt operations, or gain access to additional systems. Businesses may hold valuable information such as payment data, customer records, employee information, and login credentials.
What types of data are commonly targeted in cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks may target payment information, login credentials, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), financial records, or other intellectual property.
Can small businesses be targeted by cybersecurity attacks?
Yes, cybersecurity attacks can impact organizations of any size. Small businesses may be targeted through phishing, stolen credentials, malware, ransomware, and other methods, making cybersecurity and sensitive data protection important.
