The Most Popular Cyber Attacks in 2022
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Oct 27, 2022
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There are countless cyber attacks attempts happening every single day. Some of them damaged the industries devastatingly this year. Let’s discover the most popular cyber attacks in 2022.
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Oguz Dagli
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Cyber Security
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The Most Popular Cyber Attacks in 2022 - FastVPN
Whether you're running a business or an individual, it's important to be aware of the most common cyber attacks happening around you. By knowing what these attacks are and how to protect yourself against them, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of these cyber attacks. In this article, we'll discuss the most popular cyber-attacks in 2022 and provide tips on how to stay safe online.
What is a cyber attack and why are the numbers increasing?The Most Popular Cyber Attacks in 20221. Russian government arrests REvil ransomware gang members2. U.S. puts in place "Shields Up" initiative, foreseeing Russian cyberattacks3. RaidForums dismantled by the international security operation4. Leaked chats and source code from Conti ransomware group5. Lapsus$ ransomware group targets large corporations6. Lapsus$ Group's Extortion Spree7. Chinese Hackers Breach Telecoms and MoreTypes of Cyber-attacksHow to protect yourself from cyber-attacks?Using a VPN to Safeguard yourself from Cyber AttacksConclusion
What is a cyber attack and why are the numbers increasing?
A cyber attack is a type of computer-based attack that targets networks or devices with the intention of causing harm or gaining unauthorized access. Cyber-attacks can happen in different forms, i.e. viruses, social media hacks, phishing scams, and denial-of-service (DOS) attacks.
They can target individuals, businesses, or government organizations, and they are becoming increasingly common as more people and organizations rely on digital devices and systems. There are a number of reasons why cyber attacks are increasing.
They are relatively easy to carry out, and they can be very effective in causing damage or disrupting operations. In addition, the anonymity of the internet makes it difficult to trace the perpetrators. As a result, cyber-attacks are an attractive option for cybercriminals and hackers.
The Most Popular Cyber Attacks in 2022
Cyber attacks are becoming more and more common, and as technology advances, so do the methods used by attackers. Here is a list of the most popular cyber attacks that happened in 2022.
1. Russian government arrests REvil ransomware gang members
The Russian government has announced the arrest of several members of the REvil ransomware gang. The group is believed to be responsible for a string of high-profile attacks, including a recent breach of the law firm Cooley LLP. According to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), the arrests were made in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The suspects are accused of infecting over 500 computers with ransomware and demanding millions of dollars in ransom payments. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison. This is the first time that members of a major ransomware gang have been arrested by the Russian government. The arrests come as part of a wider crackdown on cybercrime, which has seen the FSB carry out a number of raids on suspected cybercriminals in recent months.
2. U.S. puts in place "Shields Up" initiative, foreseeing Russian cyberattacks
Amidst growing tensions with Russia, the United States has launched a new initiative to protect its critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. Dubbed "Shields Up," the program will harden security around key systems and facilities, including power plants and financial institutions.
In addition, Shields Up will create an early warning system to detect attacks as they are happening and provide rapid response capabilities to mitigate the damage. The initiative comes in response to a series of high-profile cyberattacks that have been attributed to Russia, including the NotPetya virus that caused billions of dollars in damage last year. While the specifics of Shield Up are still largely unknown, it is clear that the United States is taking the threat of Russian aggression seriously.
3. RaidForums dismantled by the international security operation
On April 2022, RaidForums was dismantled by an international security operation. The website, which was known for sharing stolen data and hacking tools, had been under investigation for some time. However, it was only recently that the full extent of the website's activities was revealed. In addition to hosting dozens of illegal files, RaidForums was also responsible for coordinating several high-profile hacking attacks. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement officials were able to identify and apprehend the site's administrators. The shutdown of RaidForums is a major victory in the fight against cybercrime.
4. Leaked chats and source code from Conti ransomware group
According to a recent report, the Conti ransomware leaked group chats and source code from its operations on February 27, 2022. The data leak appears to be the work of a disgruntled insider, and it provides a rare insight into the inner workings of a major ransomware operation. The leaked data includes conversations between Conti operators, as well as detailed instructions on how to deploy the ransomware.
It is not yet clear how much damage the data leak will cause, but it is sure to be a major setback for the Conti group. This is just the latest example of the increasingly sophisticated tactics being used by ransomware operators. As businesses become more reliant on digital systems, they are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. Fortunately, there are steps that businesses can take to protect themselves, such as investing in security awareness training and maintaining up-to-date backups.
5. Lapsus$ ransomware group targets large corporations
The Lapsus$ ransomware group has been targeting large corporations in recent months, using a sophisticated malware strain to encrypt victims' data and demand a ransom payment. The group appears to have burst onto the scene in early 2022, and has since carried out attacks against companies in a variety of industries.
While the group's ransom demands vary depending on the victim, they typically fall in the range of $10-$20 million. Lapsus$ has also been linked to a number of high-profile data leaks, including the release of sensitive information from Twitter and Sony Pictures. Given the group's significant financial resources and technical skills, it is likely that they will continue to pose a serious threat to corporations around the world.
6. Lapsus$ Group's Extortion Spree
In recent months, the criminal organization known as Lapsus$ has been responsible for a spate of extortion crimes in the city. The group typically demands a large sum of money from its victims, often threatening violence if their demands are not met. In many cases, the group has carried out its threats, causing significant property damage and injuring innocent bystanders.
The police have made several arrests in connection with these crimes, but the group remains active and continues to pose a serious threat to public safety. As such, the police are urging anyone who has been targeted by Lapsus$ to come forward and report the incident immediately.
7. Chinese Hackers Breach Telecoms and More
In February 2022, Chinese hackers breached the systems of several major telecom companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The hackers gained access to customer data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and account information. In addition, they were able to view customer call records and text messages.
This breach is the latest in a string of Chinese cyber-attacks that have targeted sensitive information over the past few years. Marriott hotel chain, exposing the personal data of 500 million guests. These attacks highlight the need for improved cybersecurity measures at all levels of government and industry.
Types of Cyber-attacks
There are many different types of cyber-attacks, ranging from relatively simple Denial of Service (DoS) attacks to more complex malware infections. DoS attacks typically involve flooding a website or server with traffic in order to overload it and prevent legitimate users from accessing it. Malware, on the other hand, is a type of software that is designed to damage or disrupt a computer system.
Malware can be used to steal confidential data, or even take control of a system. In recent years, ransomware has become increasingly common. This is a type of malware that encrypts the end user data and then asks for a harmful ransom in order to decrypt them. These are just a few of the most common types of cyber attacks. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods used by attackers.
How to protect yourself from cyber-attacks?
Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common, and they can be devastating for both individuals and businesses. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all cyber attacks, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
- First, make sure that your computer and all of your software are up to date. Hackers often try to exploit the security vulnerabilities that have been patched in the latest updates.
- Second, use strong passwords and never reuse them across multiple accounts. A password manager can help you keep track of complex passwords.
- Third, be cautious about the links and attachments you click on. Never click on a link or download an attachment from an untrustworthy source.
- Finally, install security software and configure it to run regular scans. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from cyber-attacks.
Using a VPN to Safeguard yourself from Cyber Attacks
In today's digital age, businesses must be aware of the threat of cyber attacks. While there are many steps that businesses can take to protect themselves, one of the most effective is to use a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between a business's internal network and the internet.
This helps to ensure that data passing between the two is safe from interception. In addition, a VPN can also help to hide a business's IP address, making it difficult for hackers to target them. By taking these steps, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of being the victim of a cyber attack.
Conclusion
In 2022, the most popular cyberattacks were designed to take down networks quickly and cause as much damage as possible. The best way to protect your business is to have a comprehensive security plan in place that includes layers of protection from different types of attacks. If you’re not sure where to start, get a custom security plan for your business that will keep you safe from the most common cyber threats.
