Review on Cyber Attacks, Tools and Preventing

Mechanisms

Asiya Anjum, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, nishaasiyaanjum123@gmail.com

V. Shirisha, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology,vallamallashirisha12@gmail.com

Dr. M. Swamy Das, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, msdas_cse@cbit.ac.in

Abstract: In the past decade, technological advancements such as AI, IoT, and 5G have led to the
development of numerous digital services. With businesses heavily reliant on IT environments and a
growing user base, cyber threats have become a significant concern. Cyberattacks were the 5th top-
rated risk in 2020, and IoT cyber attacks are expected to double by 2025. The World Economic
Forum's Global Risk Report-2020 indicates a low 0.05 percent detection rate for cyber-attacks.
Gartner predicts an 11.3% increase in global spending on security and risk management in 2023,
driven by factors such as teleworking, cloud migration, supply chain vulnerabilities, and IT/OT-IoT
convergence. Key strategic focuses include developing cloud security, adopting a zero-trust approach,
enhancing supply chain infrastructure, meeting cybersecurity compliance requirements, leveraging
threat detection tools, and simplifying technology infrastructure through regular audits. These threats
exploit various vulnerabilities, including human error and technical flaws, posing severe risks to
organizational data and operations. Understanding the nature of cyber threats, their motivations, and
the potential impacts is essential for effective mitigation strategies. This paper provides an in-depth
review on Cyber attacks, tools and its prevention mechanisms.
Keywords: Cyber security, Cyber attacks , Cyber tools, Cyber risks, Security threats, Cyber risks.

1. INTRODUCTION
Cyber security is the practice of defending
computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic
systems, networks, and data from malicious
attacks. It's also known as information
technology security or electronic information
security. It is crucial for safeguarding
networks, and data from digital threats. It
involves preventive measures and response
strategies against cyber attacks like malware,
ransomware, and phishing. Key aspects
include network, application, cloud, and
endpoint security, employing tools like
firewalls and encryption.
In 2024, major threats include Ransomware,
AI and IoT vulnerabilities, Shadow IT, Cloud
misconfiguration, Account hijack, and Supply
chain attacks. Small to medium-sized
businesses are prime targets due to insufficient
security measures. Common attacks on them
include Phishing, Compromised devices, and
Credential Theft. Cyber-attacks result in lost
data, business disruption, revenue losses,
notification costs, and damage to an
organization's reputation. Small businesses,
lacking robust security, face frequent attacks
with significant consequences. Insider threats
and Threats from the outside are the two
categories of cybercriminals who are behind
cyber attacks with different motivations.
People in today’s world rely mostly on internet
using 4G, 5G networks which serves as an
advantage to the hackers or Cyber Attackers to
create a backdoor into the systems and steal
the sensitive data. Attackers are also targeting
 corporate environments with emails This involves examining various cyber
supposedly from contractors or delivery attacks collection, their tools and prevention
agencies noting how their services will be mechanisms.
adjusted during the pandemic. Thinking the
emails are legitimate again, corporate end
users can be enticed to click on the attachment
that drops malware on their system. Hence,
Cybersecurity plays a key role in providing the
tools and mechanisms for preventing the
Cyber threats.
The aim of this research is to investigate
different cyber attacks that are occurring and
assess the tools employed in their
development.
2. Existing Models

S.NO TOOL METHODOLOGY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

1. Grabber It employs techniques like port • Simple and potable • GUI interface is not
scanning, network sniffing, and available
payload injection. • High computation time
• Low processing speed
2. Nessus It employs active scanning, passive • Comprehensive • Limited in identifying zero
listening, and a vast vulnerability vulnerability hour vulnerabilities
database to detect security scanning
weaknesses swiftly and accurately.
• Scheduled scans
and reporting
3. Vega It utilizes a blend of static and • GUI based interface • False Positive
dynamic analysis techniques, along is available • False Negative
with pattern matching and heuristics, • Cross platform • Complexity for Novice
to detect vulnerabilities effectively Compatibility Users

4. Burp Suite It utilizes passive and active • Support both

scanning methods to detect automated and • May have a steeper
vulnerabilities in web applications. manual testing learning curve for
• Integrates well with beginners.
other
security tools
5. Zed Attack It utilizes dynamic scanning to detect • Easy to use • False Positive
Proxy vulnerabilities in web applications • Platform independent • False Negative
• Active and Passive • Dependency on Updates
scanning

6. Wapiti It utilizes a hybrid approach, • Lightweight • False Positive

combining black-box and white-box • Vulnerability • False Negative
testing methods for comprehensive Database • Command Line Interface
vulnerability detection.
• Depends on regular
updates
 Table: 1 Some of the Vulnerability Detection tools present in the society
3. RELATED WORK
Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical
concern across industries due to the escalating
frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks.
This document highlights the growing threat
landscape, emphasizing the projected $10.5
trillion annual cost of cybercrime to companies
worldwide by 2025, representing a staggering
15% year-over-year growth rate. Small and
medium-sized businesses are particularly
vulnerable, with 43% of cyber attacks aimed at
them, yet only 14% are adequately prepared to
defend themselves. The long-term
consequences of cyber attacks extend beyond
the initial breach, encompassing data loss,
business disruption, revenue losses,
notification costs, and reputational damage.
The impact can be severe, leading to financial
losses, productivity declines, legal liabilities,
and business continuity challenges.
Ransomware attacks, in particular, are
becoming increasingly prevalent, with an
anticipated frequency of one attack every 11
seconds by 2021.
2023, Certain industries, such as financial
institutions, healthcare organizations,
corporations, and higher education institutions,
are more susceptible to cyber attacks due to
the sensitive nature of the data they handle.
The document highlights the varying impacts
of cyber incidents across industries,
emphasizing the importance of proactive
measures and incident response plans. The
global cybersecurity market is projected to
reach $256.50 billion by 2028, driven by the
increasing demand for robust security
solutions. Effective strategies to reduce the
risk of cyber attacks include minimizing data
transfers, exercising caution when
downloading files, improving password
security, regularly updating device software,
monitoring for data leaks, and developing
comprehensive breach response plans.
In 2024, major cybersecurity threats
anticipated in underscoring the ever-evolving
nature of the threat landscape. Among the
prominent threats, ransomware attacks are
projected to escalate due to the emergence of
Ransomware-as-a-
Service models and the adoption of more
sophisticated extortion techniques, such as
double and triple extortion. Additionally, the
document highlights the potential misuse of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of
Things (IoT) devices by cybercriminals,
exacerbating the attack surface. Other notable
threats include the proliferation of shadow IT,
cloud misconfigurations, account hijacking,
and supply chain attacks. The document
emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of
cyber attacks, encompassing financial losses,
productivity declines, reputational damage,
legal liabilities, and business continuity
disruptions.
By 2024, Election cybersecurity is expected to
be a central concern globally, with predictions
of misinformation campaigns on social media,
attacks on voting systems, and compromises of
voter data and processes. Additionally, it
anticipates an uptick in cyber attacks targeting
space programs, satellites, and next-generation
vehicles, reflecting the growing importance of
space-based infrastructure. Ransomware
remains a significant threat, with predictions
of its continued growth and evolution,
facilitated by more sophisticated phishing and
social media compromises. Supply chain
attacks, particularly targeting software
developers through package managers, are also
anticipated to increase.
Fig 1: Smart fuzzing process for Vulnerability
Detection
2024, AI-enhanced vulnerability management
plan Context-based vulnerability risk
scoring Reasoning & Learning Zeng et al
illustrates the overall process of a smart
fuzzing system for vulnerability detection.
Fuzzing is a technique used to discover
vulnerabilities in software or hardware
systems by providing invalid, unexpected, or
random data inputs and monitoring for
crashes, failures, or other anomalous behavior.
The process begins with an Initial Seed File,
which is used by the Generator to create a
Seed Corpus. The Mutator then applies various
mutation strategies to this seed corpus to
generate Testcases. These Testcases are then
executed against the Target Program, and the
Filtered Testcases that trigger potential
vulnerabilities are monitored. The Monitor
component analyzes the runtime information
and performs Explainability Analysis to
understand the root causes of the observed
behavior. This analysis helps identify Potential
Vulnerabilities in the Target Program.
The process also involves Filter &
Optimization techniques to refine and optimize
the generated testcases, as well as Translation
mechanisms to adapt the testcases for different
target environments or representations. The
smart fuzzing system is an iterative process
that aims to efficiently explore the attack
surface of the Target Program and uncover
potential vulnerabilities by leveraging
techniques such as seed generation, mutation,
monitoring, and explainability analysis.
2024, Critical cybersecurity best practices and
emerging trends organizations focus on to
mitigate escalating cyber threats and an
expanding attack surface. Key areas
highlighted include developing robust cloud
security measures, implementing zero-trust
models with VPNs, embracing AI/ML for
offensive and defensive cybersecurity,
augmenting supply chain infrastructure
through cyber supply chain risk management,
ensuring compliance with stricter data privacy
regulations, and extensive utilization of threat
detection and response tools. Recommended
best practices encompass establishing robust
cybersecurity policies, securing network
perimeters and IoT connections, adopting
people-centric security through employee
training and access management, enforcing
strong password practices, multi-factor
authentication and biometrics, monitoring
privileged/third-party user activity, managing
supply chain risks, enhancing data protection
and insider risk management, conducting
regular audits, and simplifying technology
infrastructure.
2023, Gartner has identified nine top
cybersecurity trends organized into three
themes - responsive ecosystems, restructuring
approaches, and rebalancing practices. The
responsive ecosystems trends include threat
exposure management for continuous threat
posture refinement, identity fabric immunity
applying digital immune systems to identity
systems, and cybersecurity validation for
assessing threat exploits and protection
reactions. Restructuring approaches
encompass cybersecurity platform
consolidation for simplicity, security operating
model transformation to expand risk decision-
making, and composable security integrating
controls into architectural patterns.
Rebalancing practices focuses on human-
centric elements like human-centric security
design prioritizing employee experience,
enhancing people management for talent
retention, and increasing board oversight of
cybersecurity governance. These trends
emphasize creating responsive ecosystems,
comprehensive attack coverage restructuring,
and balancing people, process, and technology
investments for sustainable risk reduction
amid a renewed focus on the human factor in
cybersecurity programs.
2024, top cybersecurity tools highlights
several essential solutions for protecting
digital assets and sensitive data. Sprinto is
described as specializing in automation-driven
compliance, simplifying the complex process
of adhering to security and privacy standards
like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR. Splunk's
powerful data analytics and Security
Information and Event Management (SIEM)
capabilities are praised for enabling real-time
threat detection and response. Network
analysis tools like Wireshark and Nessus, a
vulnerability scanner by Tenable, are noted as
indispensable for troubleshooting network
issues and identifying security weaknesses.
The article also covers MineOS's user-centric
privacy solutions for managing digital
footprints, as well as established names like
McAfee's integrated security suite and
Bitdefender's robust anti-malware protection.
The author emphasizes that in today's
interconnected world, continuous vigilance
and the right cybersecurity tools are crucial
strategies for ensuring digital resilience against
evolving threats.
2024, An overview of various cybersecurity
tools available explains what cybersecurity
tools are and the different types, such as
application security, risk assessment, security
compliance, and more. The article then goes
into detail about several top cybersecurity
solutions, including Sprinto for automated
compliance and security control, Astra
Security for vulnerability scanning and
penetration testing, Burp Suite for web
application security testing, Nmap for network
scanning and auditing, Splunk for security
analytics and SIEM capabilities, and tools like
John the Ripper for password cracking,
Wireshark for network protocol analysis, Cain
& Abel for password recovery, Metasploit for
penetration testing, Snort for intrusion
detection, and solutions from BitDefender,
Malwarebytes, Trend Micro, Forcepoint,
Acunetix, and SolarWinds covering antivirus,
endpoint security, data loss prevention,
vulnerability management, and SIEM
respectively. The document highlights the key
features and capabilities of each tool. It
emphasizes the importance of having a robust
cybersecurity program and the benefits of
using Sprinto's comprehensive platform for
security control, compliance tracking, and risk
management across cloud environments.
4. KEY CYBER ATTACKS AND
RISKS
In today's digital landscape, the cyber threat
landscape is constantly evolving, posing
significant risks to individuals, businesses, and
organizations. As technology continues to
advance, cyber attackers are becoming more
sophisticated in their methods and exploiting
new vulnerabilities.
1. Malware Attacks: This broad category
encompasses any software designed to harm a
computer system, such as ransomware, Trojan
horses, and drive-by attacks.
2. Social Engineering Attacks: These attacks
exploit human psychology to trick victims into
revealing sensitive information or clicking on
malicious links. Examples include phishing
(spear phishing, whale phishing, and vishing),
among others.
3. Web Attacks: These attacks target websites
and web applications to steal data, disrupt
operations, or deface the website. Common
examples include cross-site scripting, SQL
injection, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
4. Password Attacks: These attacks attempt to
guess or steal a user's password to gain access
to their accounts or systems. Techniques used
include brute force attacks and pass-the-hash
attacks.
Risks
According to Davis Hake, Cofounder and VP
of Communications and Policy at Resilience,
there are 10 key cyber risks that are expected
to be prevalent in 2024:
1. Adversaries leveraging Large Language
Models: Threat actors are likely to leverage
large language models to accelerate the time to
ransom, exploiting the capabilities of these
advanced AI systems to streamline their
operations and increase the efficiency of cyber
attacks.
2. Attacks against Identity providers: With the
increasing reliance on identity providers for
authentication and access control, these
services are likely to become prime targets for
cyber attackers, aiming to compromise user
accounts and gain unauthorized access to
sensitive systems and data.
3. Third-party Vendor targeting: Threat actors
will continue to target third-party vendors as a
means to scale their attacks, exploiting the
trusted relationships and access privileges that
these vendors possess within organizations.
4. Dominance of Lock-Bit Ransomware gang:
Lock-Bit is expected to remain the dominant
ransomware gang for a fourth consecutive
year, posing a significant threat to
organizations worldwide with its sophisticated
and destructive tactics.
threats, as cyber criminals continue to exploit
vulnerabilities in organizations' systems and
human behaviour to extort money or gain
unauthorized access to sensitive information.
5. TOOLS AND PREVENTION
MECHANISMS

5. Exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities: Cybersecurity tools work together to provide a

State-backed threat actors are anticipated to multi-layered defense against cyber threats,
continue leveraging zero-day vulnerabilities, addressing different aspects of security, such
taking advantage of previously unknown as prevention, detection, response, and
software flaws to gain unauthorized access and recovery. Organizations typically employ a
conduct espionage or disruptive activities. combination of these tools based on their
specific security requirements and risk
6. Data privacy violations from insecure LLM profiles. These tools encompass a wide range
deployment: As organizations increasingly of software, hardware, and services designed
adopt large language models (LLMs) in their to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products, there threats. They work by continuously monitoring
is a risk of data privacy violations arising from systems and networks, identifying potential
the insecure deployment of these AI systems,
vulnerabilities, and providing mechanisms to
potentially exposing sensitive information.
mitigate or remediate detected threats.
7. AI-generated disinformation campaigns:
Threat actors may leverage AI to create and
coordinate politically motivated
disinformation campaigns, combining AI-
generated content with data breaches of fake
information to sow discord and manipulate
public opinion.

8. Increased privacy regulation in the U.S.: In

2024, there is likely to be a continuous
increase in privacy regulation across the
United States, as lawmakers and regulators
aim to address the growing concerns
surrounding data privacy and protect
individuals' personal information.
Fig 2: Types of Cybersecurity tools
9. Scrutiny of OFAC compliance and ransom
demand payments: Organizations will face 1. Network Security Monitoring Tools: These
increased scrutiny regarding their compliance tools help monitor network traffic and
with the Office of Foreign Assets Control activities, detect anomalies, and alert
(OFAC) regulations, particularly in relation to administrators to potential security breaches or
ransom demand payments, as authorities seek unauthorized access attempts. Examples
to crack down on the financing of cyber
include network traffic analyzers, intrusion
criminal activities.
detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and
security information and event management
10. Prevalence of ransomware claims and
business email compromise: Ransomware (SIEM) solutions.
claims and business email compromise (BEC)
attacks are expected to remain prevalent
2. Packet Sniffers: Packet sniffers are tools
that capture and analyze network traffic data,
allowing administrators to inspect packets in
real-time or from captured logs. They can be
used for network troubleshooting, performance
monitoring, and detecting security incidents or
unauthorized activities.
3. Web Vulnerability Scanning Tools: These
tools are designed to scan websites and web
applications for vulnerabilities that could be
exploited by attackers. They perform
automated tests to identify issues like cross-
site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other
web-related vulnerabilities.
4. Network Defense Wireless Tools: These
tools specifically focus on securing and
monitoring wireless networks. They can detect
rogue access points, analyze wireless traffic,
and identify potential wireless security threats
or vulnerabilities.
5. Encryption Tools: Encryption tools are used
to protect sensitive data by converting it into
an unreadable format using encryption
algorithms and keys. They help ensure data
confidentiality and integrity during
transmission or storage.
6. Firewalls: Firewalls are network security
devices or software that monitor and control
incoming and outgoing network traffic based
on predefined security rules. They act as a
barrier between trusted and untrusted
networks, blocking unauthorized access or
malicious traffic.
7. Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is
designed to detect, prevent, and remove
malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.) from
computer systems. It uses signature-based and
heuristic detection techniques to identify and
quarantine or remove malicious code.
8. Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Services: MDR services provide organizations
with outsourced cybersecurity monitoring,
threat detection, and incident response
capabilities. These services leverage advanced
security tools, technologies, and human
expertise to identify and respond to cyber
threats in real-time.
9. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Services:
PKI services support the creation,
management, and distribution of digital
certificates used for secure communication,
data encryption, and authentication purposes.
They ensure the integrity and authenticity of
digital identities and transactions.
10. Penetration Testing: Penetration testing,
also known as ethical hacking, involves
simulating real-world attacks to identify
vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an
organization's systems and networks. Pen
testers use various tools and techniques to
assess the effectiveness of security controls
and provide recommendations for
improvement.
Prevention Mechanisms :
The prevention mechanisms emphasize a
comprehensive approach, addressing technical
aspects like access control, authentication, and
infrastructure security, as well as people-
centric measures like employee education,
talent management, and governance oversight.
1. Reducing data transfers, being cautious with
downloads, improving password security,
updating software, and monitoring for data
leaks.
2. Establishing robust cybersecurity policies,
securing network perimeters and IoT
connections, employing a people-centric
security approach, controlling access to
sensitive data, managing passwords wisely,
and monitoring the activity of privileged and
third-party users.
3. Managing supply chain risks, enhancing
data protection and management practices,
employing biometric security measures, and
implementing multi-factor authentication.
4. Conducting regular cybersecurity audits,
simplifying technology infrastructure, and
consolidating cybersecurity platforms.
5. Adopting approaches like threat exposure
management, identity fabric immunity, and
cybersecurity validation to create responsive
ecosystems.
6. Restructuring security operating models,
adopting composable security, and
consolidating cybersecurity platforms for
better attack coverage.
7. Focusing on human-centric security design,
enhancing people management, and increasing
board oversight to rebalance practices around
people, processes, and technology.
5. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Cybersecurity plays a crucial
role in advancing against specific types of
threats. cyber threats have become a pervasive
reality for individuals, businesses, and
organizations worldwide. Cyber attackers
employ a wide range of tactics, from malware
infections and social engineering schemes to
web-based attacks and password cracking
attempts, with the aim of compromising
systems, stealing sensitive data, or causing
operational disruptions.
To combat these ever-evolving threats, a
robust cybersecurity strategy is essential. This
involves deploying a comprehensive suite of
cybersecurity tools that work together to
provide a multi-layered defense. However,
even the most advanced cybersecurity tools are
not foolproof, and organizations must adopt a
holistic approach to cyber defense. This
includes implementing robust prevention
mechanisms, such as end-user training to raise
awareness about cyber threats and best
practices, deploying endpoint security
solutions, implementing multi-factor
authentication, and utilizing email filtering and
protection systems. Additionally, controlling
third-party applications and maintaining
regular backups are essential for ensuring
business continuity in the event of a successful
cyber attack.
Ultimately, cybersecurity is an ongoing battle
that requires constant vigilance, proactive
measures, and a commitment to staying ahead
of evolving threats. By leveraging a
combination of cutting-edge cybersecurity
tools and implementing comprehensive
prevention mechanisms, organizations can
significantly reduce their risk exposure and
enhance their overall cyber resilience.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is
crucial for organizations to remain agile,
continuously assess their security posture, and
invest in the latest cybersecurity technologies
and expertise. By doing so, they can
effectively protect their assets, maintain
business continuity, and safeguard their
reputation in an increasingly digital and
interconnected world.
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