A History of Cyber Attacks
In recent years, cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and targeted. From malware to ransomware to cyber espionage campaigns, a wide variety of malicious actors have utilized different methods to exploit security vulnerabilities. Here are some of the most noteworthy attacks of the past decade, and the takeaways we can learn from them.
Aurora
In 2010, the Aurora attack targeted Google China, demonstrating that no organization is immune from cyber attacks. This attack serves as a reminder to all organizations to take cyber security seriously and implement the necessary measures to protect against cyber
Stuxnet
In 2010, the Stuxnet malware demonstrated the potential for cyber espionage and cyber warfare. This attack serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures and the vigilance required to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.
FinFisher
In 2012, the FinFisher spyware was used by governments to monitor citizens. This attack serves as a reminder that governments must be held to account for their use of surveillance technologies, and that organizations must take steps to protect their data and privacy.
Shamoon
In 2012 and 2016, the Shamoon malware wiped data from computers in the Middle East. This attack is a reminder of the importance of backing up data to prevent a complete loss.
Dark Seoul
In 2013, the Dark Seoul cyber attack targeted South Korean media and financial institutions. This attack serves as a reminder of the need for organizations to have security measures in place to protect against cyber attacks.
Dridex
In 2014, the Dridex banking Trojan was used to steal financial information. This attack serves as a reminder that financial institutions must be vigilant against malware designed to steal sensitive information.
Carbanak
In 2014, the Carbanak advanced persistent threat targeted financial institutions. This attack serves as a reminder that financial institutions must have strong security measures in place to protect against advanced threats.
Mirai
In 2016, the Mirai botnet used Internet of Things devices to attack networks. This attack serves as a reminder of the importance of IoT security.
WannaCry
In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware exploited Windows vulnerabilities. This attack serves as a reminder of the importance of patching systems regularly to prevent cyber attacks.
Triton
In 2017, the Triton malware targeted safety systems of a petrochemical plant. This attack serves as a reminder that safety systems must be monitored for malicious activity.
NotPetya
In 2017, the NotPetya ransomware used stolen NSA exploit. This attack serves as a reminder of the potential damage that can occur when government exploits are stolen and used for malicious purposes.
DarkHotel
In 2014, the DarkHotel cyber espionage campaign targeted travelers in luxury hotels. This attack serves as a reminder that targeted attackers will use any means to gain access to confidential information.
NPM Event Stream Supply Chain Attack
In 2018, malicious code was inserted into an NPM JavaScript library. This attack serves as a reminder that supply chain attacks are a growing threat, and organizations must be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves.
SolarWinds
In 2020, the SolarWinds cyber espionage campaign targeted government agencies in multiple countries. This attack serves as a reminder of the growing threat of cyber espionage and the need for vigilance to protect against such attacks.
GreenDispenser and ZeroCleare
In 2020, the GreenDispenser and ZeroCleare malware targeted ATMs and point-of-sale systems, respectively. These attacks serve as a reminder of the need to monitor ATMs and point-of-sale systems for malicious activity, as well as the importance of backing up data to prevent a complete loss.
Plotus and Suceful
In 2021, the Plotus and Suceful malware targeted cryptocurrency users and ATMs and point-of-sale systems, respectively. These attacks serve as a reminder of the need to take steps to protect against malicious actors when dealing with cryptocurrency, as well as the need to monitor ATMs and point-of-sale systems for malicious activity.
Golden SAML and SwiftSlicer
In 2021, the Golden SAML attack leveraged Active Directory misconfigurations, and the SwiftSlicer malware was deployed in a target environment using Active Directory Group Policy. These attacks serve as a reminder of the need to ensure that Active Directory is configured correctly and securely, and that organizations must be aware of the potential for malicious actors to use Active Directory Group Policy to deploy malware.
Conclusion
Overall, these recent attacks demonstrate the need for organizations to remain vigilant and have the necessary security measures in place to protect against cyber attacks. From backing up data to patching systems regularly to monitoring ATMs and point-of-sale systems for malicious activity, these measures can help protect against the growing threat of cyber attacks.
Data Table
| Attack | Year | Summary | Methodology | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coreflood | 2001 | Botnet that targeted financial institutions | Botnet | Financial institutions must be vigilant against botnets |
| Code Red | 2001 | Worm that targeted Microsoft IIS web servers | Worm | Web servers must be patched and updated regularly |
| MyDoom | 2004 | Worm that spread via email and targeted Microsoft | Spreading via email | Email security must be taken seriously |
| Aurora | 2010 | Cyber attack that targeted Google China | Cyber attack | Cyber attacks can target any organization |
| Storm Worm | 2007 | Malware that spread via email and infected millions of computers | Malware | Email security must be taken seriously |
| Zeus | 2007 | Trojan malware used to steal banking information | Trojan malware | Security measures must be in place to prevent theft of financial information. |
| Stuxnet | 2010 | Malware, self-replicating worm targeting industrial control systems | Malware, self-replicating worm | Demonstrated potential for cyber espionage and cyber warfare |
| FinFisher | 2012 | Spyware used by governments to monitor citizens | Spyware | Governments must be held to account for their use of surveillance technologies. |
| Tyupkin | 2014 | Malware that targeted ATMs | Malware | ATMs must be monitored for malicious activity. |
| Shamoon | 2012 | Malware that targeted Saudi Aramco, wiping data | Malware | Data must be backed up to prevent a complete loss |
| Wiper | 2012 | Malware that wiped data from computers in the Middle East | Malware | Data must be backed up to prevent a complete loss |
| Dridex | 2014 | Banking Trojan used to steal financial information | Banking Trojan | Financial institutions must be vigilant against malware designed to steal sensitive information. |
| Carbanak | 2014 | Advanced persistent threat that targeted financial institutions | Advanced persistent threat | Financial institutions must have strong security measures in place to protect against advanced threats. |
| DarkHotel | 2014 | Cyber espionage campaign that targeted travelers in luxury hotels | Cyber espionage | Targeted attackers will use any means to gain access to confidential information |
| BlackEnergy | 2015 | Malware targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine | Malware | Critical infrastructure must be protected from cyber attacks |
| Mirai | 2016 | Botnet that used Internet of Things devices to attack networks | Botnet | IoT security must be taken seriously |
| Triton | 2017 | Malware that targeted safety systems of a petrochemical plant | Malware | Safety systems must be monitored for malicious activity |
| NotPetya | 2017 | Ransomware that used stolen NSA exploit | Ransomware | Stealing and using government exploit can put many at risk |
| WannaCry | 2017 | Ransomware that exploited Windows vulnerabilities | Ransomware | Patching systems is essential for security |
| NPM Event Stream Supply Chain Attack | 2018 | Malicious code inserted into NPM JavaScript library | Supply chain attack | Supply chain attacks are a growing threat |
| SolarWinds | 2020 | Cyber espionage campaign that targeted government agencies in multiple countries | Cyber espionage | Cyber espionage is a growing threat, and organizations must remain vigilant against attacks. |
| GreenDispenser | 2020 | Malware targeting ATMs and point-of-sale systems | Malware | ATMs and point-of-sale systems must be monitored for malicious activity. |
| Plotus | 2021 | Malware that targets cryptocurrency users | Malware | Cryptocurrency users must take steps to protect their data and funds. |
| Suceful | 2021 | Malware targeting ATMs and point-of-sale systems | Malware | ATMs and point-of-sale systems must be monitored for malicious activity. |
| Golden SAML | 2021 | Attack that leverages Active Directory misconfigurations | Attack | Organizations must ensure that Active Directory |