Types of Network Attacks with examples are attempts to breach the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of data or services over a computer network. They can be launched by individuals, automated tools, or organized cybercriminals. Below is a comprehensive explanation of the types of network attacks, along with definitions, mechanisms, and examples for each.

Types of Network Attacks

1. Passive Attacks

Definition: In passive attacks, the attacker monitors or intercepts data transmitted over the network without altering it.

Types of Passive Attacks:

a) Eavesdropping (Sniffing)

  • Description: Attacker listens to unencrypted traffic.
  • Goal: Gain unauthorized access to sensitive information like passwords, emails, etc.
  • Example: Using tools like Wireshark to sniff network traffic.

b) Traffic Analysis

  • Description: Attacker studies patterns in communication even if the content is encrypted.
  • Goal: Infer information like frequency, length, and endpoints of communication.
  • Example: Noticing regular communication between two servers and deducing a schedule.

2. Active Attacks

Definition: In active attacks, the attacker modifies or disrupts data or systems on the network.

Types of Active Attacks:

a) Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack

  • Description: Attacker intercepts and alters communication between two parties.
  • Goal: Steal or manipulate data.
  • Example: Hijacking a session between a user and a banking website.

b) Session Hijacking

  • Description: Attacker takes control of a user’s session.
  • Goal: Gain unauthorized access to information or services.
  • Example: Stealing session cookies to impersonate a user.

c) Replay Attack

  • Description: Attacker captures valid data transmission and replays it to trick the receiver.
  • Goal: Gain unauthorized access.
  • Example: Reusing login credentials transmitted in a previous session.

d) Denial of Service (DoS) Attack

  • Description: Overwhelming a network or system with traffic to make it unavailable.
  • Goal: Disrupt services.
  • Example: Sending millions of requests to a server to crash it.

e) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

  • Description: Similar to DoS but launched from multiple devices (botnet).
  • Example: Mirai Botnet attack on Dyn in 2016 that took down major websites.

3. Injection Attacks

a) SQL Injection

  • Description: Malicious SQL queries are inserted into input fields.
  • Goal: Access or manipulate databases.
  • Example: ' OR '1'='1' -- input in login fields.

b) Command Injection

  • Description: Executing arbitrary system-level commands on a host.
  • Example: Injecting commands like ; rm -rf / into input fields.

4. Malware-Based Attacks

a) Viruses and Worms

  • Viruses: Require a host file and user action.
  • Worms: Self-replicating and do not need user action.
  • Example: ILOVEYOU worm (2000), which spread via email.

b) Trojan Horse

  • Description: Disguised as legitimate software.
  • Example: Fake antivirus software that actually installs malware.

c) Ransomware

  • Description: Encrypts user data and demands ransom.
  • Example: WannaCry ransomware (2017).

5. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

a) Phishing

  • Description: Tricking users into giving away personal information.
  • Example: Fake login page that mimics a bank website.

b) Spear Phishing

  • Description: Targeted phishing at specific individuals or organizations.
  • Example: Email to a company CFO pretending to be the CEO requesting fund transfer.

c) Baiting

  • Description: Leaving infected devices (like USBs) in public areas.
  • Goal: Trick users into connecting them and infecting systems.

6. Spoofing Attacks

a) IP Spoofing

  • Description: Attacker sends packets with forged IP addresses.
  • Goal: Hide identity or impersonate another system.
  • Example: Used in DoS attacks to mask the source.

b) MAC Spoofing

  • Description: Changing MAC address to bypass filters.
  • Example: Gaining access to a MAC-filtered Wi-Fi network.

c) DNS Spoofing (Poisoning)

  • Description: Redirecting users to malicious sites by corrupting DNS cache.
  • Example: Redirecting bank login page to a phishing page.

7. Privilege Escalation Attacks

Description: Gaining higher access rights than permitted.

  • Vertical Escalation: Gaining higher-level privileges.
  • Horizontal Escalation: Gaining access to resources of another user at the same level.

Example: A regular user becomes an admin by exploiting a vulnerability.

8. Password Attacks

a) Brute Force Attack

  • Description: Trying all possible password combinations.
  • Example: Attempting thousands of password combinations automatically.

b) Dictionary Attack

  • Description: Trying common passwords from a list (dictionary).
  • Example: Attempting passwords like “admin”, “123456”, etc.

c) Credential Stuffing

  • Description: Using leaked credentials from one breach to access other accounts.
  • Example: Reusing a leaked Netflix login to access Gmail.

9. Insider Threats

Description: Attacks originating from within the organization by trusted individuals.

Types:

  • Malicious insiders: Deliberate data theft or sabotage.
  • Negligent insiders: Accidental data leaks or misconfigurations.

Example: An employee leaking confidential information to competitors.

10. Zero-Day Exploits

Description: Exploiting a vulnerability before the vendor releases a patch.

Example: Stuxnet worm used multiple zero-day exploits to target Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Common Tools Used in Network Attacks

ToolPurpose
WiresharkPacket sniffing
NmapNetwork scanning
MetasploitExploitation framework
John the RipperPassword cracking
LOICDoS attacks

Protection Against Network Attacks

  • Use firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
  • Employ encryption (SSL/TLS, VPN).
  • Regular patching and updates.
  • Strong authentication (MFA).
  • Security awareness training.
  • Conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.