Everyone is concerned about the blackout that is being carried in much of Europe. Several countries are being affected; Spain, France, Germany, Portugal … The world has stopped what has been as if a plug cable was removed.
The transport is stopped, the traffic lights do not work and we cannot contact ourselves. Therefore, a question arises about what are the possible causes, and one of them is inevitably a possible cyber attack.
What is a cyber attack?
A cyber attack is a deliberate action carried out by cybercriminals and hackers, whose objective is to violate computer systems, networks, devices or digital services. These actions may have different purposes: steal confidential information, damage infrastructure, extort the victims or simply generate chaos.
Unlike traditional attacks, cyber attacks can be done from anywhere in the world, often anonymously and automated. The scope and sophistication of these attacks have increased considerably in recent years, becoming a global phenomenon that does not distinguish between large corporations, small businesses or autonomous people.
Types of cyber attacks
These are the most common types of cyber attacks:
- Phishing: Check someone to reveal confidential information, such as passwords or card numbers.
- Malware: Malicious software such as viruses or worms that infect systems.
- DDOS attacks: Collapse a server or network by sending a large amount of false traffic.
- Ransomware: Data kidnapping by encryption, demanding a rescue to release them.
- Intrusions or hackeos: unauthorized access to systems to steal or manipulate information.