Types of Cybersecurity Threats

August 15, 2025

Cybersecurity threats come in many shapes and sizes. Some of the most common threats include:

• Malware: Malicious software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to computers or networks. Types of malware include viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware.

• Phishing: Cybercriminals trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, by pretending to be legitimate entities via email, phone, or social media.

• Ransomware: A form of malware that encrypts the victim’s files, demanding a ransom for their release. It has become one of the most financially devastating attacks in recent years.

• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: These attacks overwhelm a system with traffic, making it unavailable to users. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks are a more sophisticated version, where the attack comes from multiple sources.

• Insider Threats: Employees, contractors, or other trusted individuals who intentionally or unintentionally compromise the organization’s security.

• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: The attacker intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties without their knowledge.