INSIGHT

8 successful cyber attack vectors and how to avoid them

Josh Schmidt • April 14, 2025

Services: Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity Assessment

Unfortunately, cyber attacks are alarmingly mainstream. In fact, new research from the Identity Theft Resource Center revealed that data breaches increased 211% year over year.

While at first glance, that might seem extreme, this spike actually makes good sense when you consider that many companies rely on the internet to run and manage their businesses.

There have also been immense innovations in the cybersecurity industry (think tools and infrastructure like the cloud and AI). With new innovations come new ways for bad actors to manipulate and compromise security integrity.

These risks make it vital for businesses and security teams to understand the most common attack vectors they could experience and how to protect their people, data, and reputation by avoiding them.

What are cyber attack vectors?

A cyber attack vector is a specific method or pathway an attacker uses to exploit computer system, network, or application vulnerabilities, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data breaches. These vectors can involve various tactics, including social engineering, malware, and web-based exploits.

Let’s make a couple other important distinctions.

Attack vector vs attack surface

An attack vector is the specific way a cybercriminal exploits an entry point, or the attack path that they take. The collection of all potential entry points makes up the attack surface. Depending on the scope, the attack surface being referenced might be with respect to an entire organization or a single application.

For example, a phishing email is an attack vector because it uses deception to gain unauthorized access. An organization’s entire network infrastructure, including all devices, applications, potential 3^rd party integrations, and user accounts, constitutes its attack surface.

Active attack vector vs passive attack vector

In cybersecurity, attack vectors are generally categorized as active or passive.

Active attack vectors involve direct actions by attackers to exploit vulnerabilities, such as launching a targeted attack via malware or phishing attacks. These vectors require the attacker to actively engage with the target system.

In contrast, passive attack vectors involve exploiting existing vulnerabilities without direct interaction, such as intercepting unencrypted data. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations tailor their defenses to address both types of threats effectively.

8 most successful cyber attack vectors (+ tips to avoid them)

To keep your network environments safe, you must understand potential threats (and how bad actors can wield them). Let’s explore the eight most successful cyber attack vectors businesses need to understand.

1. Compromised user credentials

Compromised credentials occur from weak or stolen passwords. This vulnerability arises when attackers obtain or guess login credentials, allowing unauthorized access to systems, networks, or applications.

Compromised credentials can stem from various methods, including brute force attacks, credential stuffing, and social engineering tactics like phishing attacks. These attacks are critical because they provide attackers with direct access to sensitive data and systems. This can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.

To protect against compromised credentials, businesses can implement several strategies:

Zero trust framework: Adopt a zero-trust model that assumes all users and devices are potential threats, requiring continuous verification.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Use MFA to add an additional layer of security beyond passwords, making it harder for attackers to gain access even with stolen credentials.
Access control: Implement strict access controls, limiting user privileges to only what is necessary for their roles, thereby reducing the impact of compromised credentials.
Password management: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords and consider implementing password managers to help users maintain secure credentials.

2. Insider threats

Insider threats occur when authorized personnel intentionally or unintentionally compromise the security of an organization’s assets. This happens because the individual has authorized access to sensitive data, making them particularly dangerous.

These threats can arise from disgruntled employees (malicious insiders), accidental actions, or even third-party vendors with access to systems.

A common expression of this vulnerability is through phishing attacks, where insiders may inadvertently assist attackers by providing sensitive information.

To mitigate insider threats, organizations can implement:

Specific training: Provide regular security awareness training on the importance of confidentiality.
Stronger access control: Implement strict access controls and monitor user activity to detect unusual behavior.
Employee engagement efforts: Foster a positive work environment to reduce the likelihood of disgruntled employees becoming insider threats.

3. Software vulnerabilities

Software vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses in software code that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access or control.

Common examples include Remote Code Execution (RCE), hardcoded credentials, Denial of Service (DoS), Directory Traversal, privilege escalation, and any previously unknown exploitable security flaw, also known as, zero-day vulnerabilities.

Software vulnerabilities provide attackers with direct entry points into systems. These vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, system crashes, or unauthorized access.

To protect against system vulnerabilities:

Use host-based vulnerability scanning: Regularly scan systems for known vulnerabilities.
Be vigilant about updates and patches: Ensure all software is updated with the latest security patches.
Employ secure coding practices: Implement secure coding practices during software development to minimize vulnerabilities.

4. Social engineering

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions that compromise security. There are many examples of social engineering, such as phishing, SMS phishing (smishing), spear phishing, baiting, vishing, and tailgating. It often involves encouraging someone to interact with a malicious link.

Social engineering is important because it exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, making it difficult to defend against leveraging technology alone.

To protect against social engineering attacks:

Host dedicated training, reinforcement, and awareness sessions: Provide employees with regular training on recognizing and responding to social engineering tactics.
Create (and stick with) email and communication policies: Implement strict email and communication policies to reduce the risk of phishing and other social engineering attacks.
Enforce the principle of least privilege: Keeping employee permissions to a minimum greatly reduces the impact of a successful social engineering campaign.
Foster a safe reporting environment: Employees that fear repercussions for falling for social engineering are less likely to report it. Knowing an honest mistake won’t get them fired keeps information moving in the right direction.

5. Misconfiguration

Misconfiguration refers to incorrect or insecure settings in systems, networks, or applications that can be exploited by attackers. This can include open ports, default settings, default passwords, or improper access controls.

Misconfiguration is critical because it often provides attackers with easy entry points into systems. These vulnerabilities can arise from human error or lack of proper security protocols.

To protect against misconfiguration:

Establish tight configuration processes: Implement strict configuration standards and protocols.
Automate baseline configuration: Remove human error from the process of initial configuration.
Continually monitor activity: Regularly monitor systems for any misconfigurations and correct them promptly.

6. Poor Encryption

Poor encryption refers to inadequate or improperly implemented encryption methods that fail to protect sensitive data. This can occur during data collection, movement, storage, or removal.

Poor encryption is important because it leaves sensitive data vulnerable to interception, tampering, or unauthorized access.

To protect against poor encryption:

Ensure comprehensive encryption: Implement robust encryption protocols for all phases of data handling (collection, movement, storage, and removal).
Conduct regular audits: Assess your systems to ensure encryption standards are met and updated as necessary.

7. Malware

Malware refers to malicious software designed to harm or exploit systems. Common terms include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Malware is critical because it can cause significant damage, from data theft to system crashes.

To protect against malware:

Use antivirus software: Install and regularly update antivirus software to detect and remove malware.
Employ safe computing practices: Educate users on safe computing practices, such as avoiding suspicious downloads and emails.
Configure a web proxy: Restrict access to potentially dangerous sites at time of click.
Implement network segmentation: Divide a network into isolated segments to limit the spread of malware. This approach contains security threats, reducing the potential for lateral movement within the network and making it easier to respond to breaches.

8. Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and demands payment for decryption and has many potential vectors such as phishing emails, fake software downloads, malicious websites and ads, and compromised web applications or virtual private networks (VPNs).

To protect against ransomware:

Update operating systems: Keep operating systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.
Limit third-party extensions: Restrict third-party extensions and limit their access levels.
Provide education on email protection best practices: Educate users about safe email practices and implement robust email security measures.
Back up your data regularly: Maintain regular backups of critical data to ensure recovery in case of an attack.

Cyber attack techniques business owners should be aware of

Cyber attack techniques are diverse and continually evolving, making it crucial for business owners to understand the most common methods used by hackers.

Here are a few key techniques and strategies for mitigating them:

Brute force attack

A brute force attack involves repeatedly trying different combinations of usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to a system.

To defend against this, implement strong password policies, use lockout mechanisms after a few failed login attempts, and employ CAPTCHA to distinguish between human users and automated bots.

Continuous monitoring of system and network logs as well as using SIEM tools can also help detect brute force attempts early on.

DDoS attack

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack overwhelms a system with traffic from multiple sources, aiming to make it unavailable to users.

To mitigate DDoS attacks, consider using cloud-based DDoS protection services, implement traffic filtering, and ensure your network infrastructure can handle increased traffic loads. It’s also important to have a robust incident response plan in place to quickly respond and minimize downtime.

Machine-in-the-middle attack

A Machine-in-the-Middle or Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack involves intercepting communication between two parties to steal sensitive information or inject malware. Session hijacking is a common form of MitM, where an attacker takes control of a user’s session.

To protect against MitM attacks, use end-to-end encryption for all communications, verify the authenticity of websites and applications, and implement secure protocols like HTTPS. Regularly updating software and using two-factor authentication can also help prevent these attacks.

Regardless of the attack technique used, having a robust incident response plan is crucial. This plan should outline steps to take during an incident, define roles and responsibilities, and include external support options. A well-prepared response plan ensures that your organization can quickly respond to and contain breaches, minimizing damage and downtime.

Secure your business network from cyber attack vectors with BPM

As we’ve explored the various cyber attack vectors and techniques, it’s clear that maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture requires a comprehensive approach.

No matter the size of your security team, BPM offers a unique approach to cybersecurity, combining specialized knowledge with tailored solutions to enhance your organization’s security defenses.

Our team works closely with your organization to identify vulnerabilities and security gaps, implement robust security measures, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This approach ensures that your cybersecurity solutions are aligned with your business goals and risk management profile.

Take the first step toward securing your network infrastructure by scheduling a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment.