For the first time in 19 years of the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, vulnerability exploitation surpassed credential compromise as the top breach entry point, now accounting for 31% of breaches, with AI accelerating attacks from months to hours. Breaches involving a third party jumped 60% year over year, now accounting for 48% of all breaches. And employee use of unapproved "shadow AI" tools tripled in a year to 45%, spiking data leakage.

The increase in volume and severity of cybercrime highlights the importance of cybersecurity governance. To create effective cybersecurity policies, procedures, and strategies, you need to understand the threats you’re facing — including how phishing, ransomware, social engineering, and identity-based attacks are evolving in 2026.

Let’s examine 15 of the most common types of cybersecurity attacks, along with real-world examples and security best practices to help you understand and defend against these threats.

Most common types of cyber attacks

Understanding the most common types of cyberattacks is essential for businesses and individuals looking to strengthen their defenses. From malware and ransomware to zero-day exploits and phishing schemes, these attacks exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and human behavior.

By learning how these threats operate and recognizing real-world examples, you can take proactive steps to protect your data and minimize risk. Below, we explore 15 of the most prevalent cyber threats and their impact on organizations worldwide.

For a wider view of how these threats are shifting this year, see 2026’s biggest cybersecurity threats and our roundup of recent cyber attacks.

1. Malware attacks

Malware is a collective term for malicious software designed to harm or exploit digital devices. It includes viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware, and it remains one of the most common actions threat actors take once they are inside a network. Strong malware defenses — including endpoint protection, email filtering, and application control — are a foundation of most security compliance frameworks.

Example: Stuxnet worm

Designed to sabotage Iran's nuclear program, Stuxnet spread through Microsoft Windows machines to target systems and industrial applications, specifically those connected to uranium-enrichment centrifuges. Once inside a system, Stuxnet would subtly alter the speeds of the centrifuges, causing them to tear themselves apart while displaying normal operation to monitoring systems. Stuxnet reportedly destroyed nearly one-fifth of Iran's nuclear centrifuges, highlighting a new era of cyber warfare.

2. Ransomware

A type of malware, a ransomware attack encrypts a user's data and demands payment in return for the decryption key. Modern campaigns often steal data first and threaten to leak it if the ransom isn’t paid (double extortion), and many are launched through Ransomware-as-a-Service kits that lower the barrier to entry. Phishing, stolen credentials, and unpatched vulnerabilities are still the most common ways ransomware operators get in.

Ransomware now appears in a large share of data breaches and remains one of 2026’s biggest cybersecurity threats, especially for healthcare, manufacturing, and small and midsize businesses. Offline, tested backups and a rehearsed incident response plan are among the most effective defenses.

Example: WannaCry ransomware attack

WannaCry spread through a Windows vulnerability known as EternalBlue. Once a system was infected, the ransomware would attempt to spread to other devices on the same computer network, as well as random hosts on the wider internet. Major organizations around the world were affected, including FedEx, Renault, and the UK National Health Service, which had to divert emergency patients due to disabled computer systems. Damages are estimated in the billions to tens of billions of dollars globally. The attack ended when a cybersecurity researcher discovered a kill switch in the ransomware code.

3. Zero-day exploits

A zero-day exploit takes advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability in software or hardware. These vulnerabilities are called "zero-day" because developers have had zero days to address or patch the flaw. Cybercriminals exploit these weaknesses to launch attacks before the vulnerability becomes known or fixed.

Zero-day exploits are particularly dangerous because they often bypass existing security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable. Attackers can use these exploits to gain access to sensitive data, disrupt business operations, or spread malware across networks. Without timely updates or patch management, even organizations with strong defenses can fall victim to these attacks. Vulnerability exploitation is now the top initial access vector in Verizon’s latest DBIR, which is why continuous risk assessment and fast patching matter as much as perimeter controls.

Example: Microsoft Exchange Server Zero-Day Exploit

In 2021, a group of attackers exploited a series of zero-day vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server to gain unauthorized access to email accounts. These exploits allowed attackers to read emails, exfiltrate data, and even install malicious software like ransomware. The vulnerabilities were so severe that government agencies worldwide issued emergency directives to patch affected systems. This attack highlighted the devastating impact zero-day exploits can have on organizations that rely on unpatched software.

4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks

DoS attacks overload a computer system with excessive traffic, making it unavailable to users. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks scale that same tactic across botnets — often built from poorly secured IoT devices — and are increasingly used as a distraction while attackers steal data or deploy ransomware. See how DDoS fits into 2026’s threat landscape.

Example: Dyn DNS DoS attack

A distributed denial-of-service attack targeting the Domain Name System provider Dyn affected high-profile websites and online services, including Twitter, Reddit, Netflix, CNN, and Spotify, making them unavailable to millions of users. Malware installed on consumer devices created a significant botnet, which was used for the Dyn attack.

5. Phishing attacks

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that employs deceptive emails or webpages to trick users into divulging sensitive information. It is still one of the most common and costly initial access methods, and it is no longer limited to email.

Attackers now use spear phishing and whaling, voice phishing (vishing), SMS phishing (smishing), QR-code phishing, and AI-generated messages that closely mimic a coworker, vendor, or IT help desk. Recent phishing attack research show vishing surging, ransomware payloads in phishing emails rising, and adversary-in-the-middle kits designed to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA). Regular security awareness training and phishing simulations remain essential, but they need to cover phone, SMS, and collaboration-tool scams — not just suspicious emails.

Example: Target Corporation attack

The sensitive data of approximately 130 million Target customers was compromised after attackers launched a successful phishing attack against a third-party HVAC vendor that had access to Target’s network for billing and contract submission purposes. Malware was installed on the vendor’s systems that obtained login credentials for Target’s network, which attackers used to gain access to point-of-sale systems. Target’s CEO and CIO resigned after the incident. This is a classic example of why third-party risk management has to cover vendors with even limited network access.

6. Spoofing

Spoofing conceals an attacker's identity by making activities appear as if they originate from a trusted source. Email spoofing can make a phishing email seem like it's from a reputable company or government agency. Related tactics include website spoofing, caller ID spoofing used in vishing, and brand impersonation — all of which show up frequently in social engineering statistics.

Example: PayPal spoofing attack

Cybercriminals created a fake website that mimicked PayPal's official site, replicating the brand’s logo, fonts, colors, and layout. Unsuspecting users landed on the spoofed website through phishing emails or malicious ads and were prompted to log in. Criminals then used stolen credentials to make fraudulent purchases.

7. Man-in-the-middle attacks

These attacks intercept communications between two parties without detection, such as eavesdropping on an unsecured public Wi-Fi network to steal data. Adversary-in-the-middle phishing kits are a modern variant: they proxy a real login page so the victim completes MFA on the attacker’s behalf. Encrypting data in transit and adopting zero trust architecture reduce the window for this kind of interception.

Example: DigiNotar Certificate Authority breach

Certificate Authorities (CAs) are trusted entities that issue digital certificates, such as SSL/TLS certificates for web encryption. For web browsers and systems to trust a website's SSL/TLS certificate, it must be issued by a trusted CA. In the case of DigiNotar, attackers fraudulently issued certificates for numerous domains, including one for *.google.com, which allowed attackers to impersonate Google services. This rogue Google certificate was then used to conduct a MitM attack. When users tried to access Gmail accounts, their traffic was intercepted and decrypted by the attacker, giving them access to the victims’ emails and credentials.

8. Trojan horses

Trojan horses appear as genuine software but conceal malicious functions. For example, a seemingly benign app downloaded from an untrustworthy source may contain a hidden payload that steals data. Trojans are a common malware delivery method and are frequently bundled with infostealers that harvest credentials for later ransomware or account takeover.

Example: Zeus Trojan

Zeus was a Trojan horse that was used to steal banking information via keystroke logging and form grabbing. Once installed, Zeus operated silently in the background, capturing sensitive data and logging keystrokes whenever users filled out web forms.

9. SQL injection attacks

Cybercriminals use SQL injection to manipulate database queries, potentially accessing, modifying, or deleting data. By exploiting vulnerabilities in web forms, attackers can gain access to entire customer databases. Injection flaws remain a high-impact web application risk and often show up in major data breaches when input validation and secure development practices are missing.

Example: Heartland Payment Systems breach

Attackers used SQL injection techniques to exploit a vulnerability in Heartland’s web application, allowing them access to the company’s internal network. They then installed malware that captured payment card data as it was processed, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and cardholder names. The breach exposed approximately 130 million credit and debit cards.

10. Identity-based attacks

Hackers use stolen credentials to impersonate legitimate users, such as hacking social media accounts to spread misinformation or steal confidential information. Identity compromise — stolen passwords, session hijacking, credential stuffing, and MFA fatigue — is now one of the fastest-growing paths into SaaS and cloud environments, as covered in emerging cyber threats for 2026.

Strong access control, user access reviews, phishing-resistant MFA, and a written access control policy make these attacks much harder to pull off.

Example: Twitter Bitcoin scam

Hackers targeted several high-profile Twitter accounts, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Apple, Uber, and other well-known figures. Using these hijacked accounts, attackers published tweets asking followers to send Bitcoin payments to a specific address with the promise that any amount sent would be doubled and returned. Because the tweets appeared to come from reliable sources, many users believed them. The attackers reportedly received over $100k in Bitcoin within hours. Later reporting tied the incident to a vishing attack against Twitter employees.

11. Code injection attacks

Attackers insert malicious code into a legitimate application or website. For example, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks can be used to steal session cookies, leading to unauthorized access. Unpatched application frameworks are a frequent target of advanced persistent threats and can turn a single coding flaw into a large-scale data breach.

Example: Equifax data breach

Attackers exploited a vulnerability in a popular open-source framework for creating Java web applications. This vulnerability allowed attackers to execute a remote code execution attack. The injected code provided them with a foothold into Equifax's systems, allowing them to locate and access databases and exfiltrate massive amounts of sensitive data, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, credit card numbers, and driver’s license numbers.

12. Supply chain attacks

These attacks compromise a product or service within the supply chain to affect its final output. For instance, compromising a software update to distribute spyware or malicious scripts to all users of that software. Or creating false information to change the supply chain of a product or service for malicious reasons.

Software and vendor supply-chain compromise is one of the fastest-growing threats in 2026, spanning open-source packages, SaaS tools, MSPs, and IT management platforms. A formal supply chain risk management (SCRM) program, plus ongoing vendor risk management and third-party risk management, is how organizations keep a partner’s breach from becoming their own.

Example: SolarWinds Orion breach

SolarWinds is a major IT management software provider, and their Orion platform is used by numerous enterprises, including many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Attackers managed to compromise SolarWinds by inserting malicious code into official software updates for the Orion platform. The compromised software update was then distributed to thousands of SolarWinds' customers. This malicious update contained a backdoor that allowed the attackers to move laterally within the affected organizations, access sensitive information, and potentially perform other malicious actions.

13. Insider threats

This category encompasses malicious or negligent activity carried out by someone within the targeted organization — employees, contractors, or vendors with legitimate access. A malicious insider might sabotage critical systems or sell trade secrets. A negligent insider might mishandle data, fall for phishing, or use unsanctioned AI tools that leak sensitive information. Insider threats are uniquely hard to catch with perimeter defenses, which is why least-privilege access, monitoring, and security awareness training all matter. Verizon’s latest DBIR also documents a growing insider-style vector: threat actors using stolen identities to obtain remote jobs.

Example: Terry Childs case

Terry Childs was a computer network engineer employed by the Department of Telecommunication and Information Services in San Francisco. He was responsible for the city's FiberWAN network, which carried much of the municipality's data, including official records, emails, and law enforcement documents. Childs made headlines when he refused to divulge critical network passwords to his supervisors, effectively locking the city out of its own network. Two weeks after his arrest, Childs handed the passwords over to then-Mayor Gavin Newsom.

14. DNS tunneling

DNS tunneling involves encapsulating non-DNS traffic within DNS protocols to bypass network security measures. It is often used after malware is already on a point-of-sale or endpoint system, so continuous monitoring, DNS filtering, and network segmentation are the practical controls.

Example: FrameworkPOS malware

FrameworkPOS is Point-of-Sale (PoS) malware designed to scrape credit card information from systems that process retail transactions. Once this data is collected, the malware must then transmit it out of the victim's network. In many cases, direct outbound connections from PoS systems are blocked or closely monitored.

So instead of transmitting this data directly, which could trigger security alerts, the malware employs DNS tunneling. Stolen data is split into small chunks and embedded within DNS queries. Network security tools, which often allow DNS traffic because it's essential for internet access, may overlook these queries. The malicious DNS queries reach an attacker-controlled server, which then reassembles the data.

15. IoT-based attacks

These attacks target Internet of Things devices and/or networks, often exploiting weak security such as default passwords, missing patches, and unsegmented networks. Compromised cameras, routers, and other IoT devices are still a common way attackers build botnets for DDoS, as recent cyber attacks against infrastructure and enterprises continue to show.

Example: Mirai botnet attack

The Mirai malware targeted IoT devices such as IP cameras and routers, primarily exploiting default username and password combinations to gain access. Once infected, these devices became part of a botnet that was used to launch the DNS Dyn DDoS attack.

10 Ways to protect your organization against cyberattacks

While no business is immune to cyber attacks, you can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of an attack with strong cybersecurity practices. Follow these ten steps to fortify your business — and treat them as part of a broader risk management strategy, not one-off IT projects.

1. Security awareness training

The human factor is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Regularly train employees about security best practices so they can recognize phishing emails and other scam tactics, use strong password practices and safe browsing habits, and avoid suspicious downloads or malicious links. Training should cover vishing, smishing, QR-code phishing, and help-desk impersonation, not just email.

2. Regular backups

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. Protect against data loss due to ransomware or other disasters by conducting regular backups of critical data. Store backups both onsite and offsite, preferably in a cloud service with multiple availability zones, strong encryption, and regularly tested backups to ensure data integrity and restoration processes work. Pair backups with a business continuity plan so you can restore operations without paying a ransom.

3. Regular patching and software updates

Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Regularly update operating systems and software applications, and use automated patch management tools where possible. Verizon’s latest DBIR found vulnerability exploitation is now the top breach entry point, so patch cadence is a first-line control, not a backlog item.

4. Network security

Safeguarding your network is crucial. Employ firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) can identify and halt suspicious activities. And by segmenting networks, you can ensure sensitive data is isolated. Zero trust architecture takes this further by verifying every user and device instead of trusting anything inside the perimeter.

5. Endpoint protection

Every device is a potential entry point for threats. Ensure endpoint security by installing updated antivirus software and anti-malware solutions on all devices. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions can also protect mobile and BYOD devices. Endpoint controls are a core part of CIS Controls and a measurable piece of overall security posture.

6. Data encryption

Encrypt sensitive data, both in transit and at rest, and use strong encryption standards like AES, as well as secure communication protocols such as SSL/TLS. Encryption is a recurring requirement across cybersecurity compliance frameworks and limits the impact of a data breach if attackers do get in.

7. Access controls

Not every employee needs access to all data. Tighten security by implementing the principle of least privilege (PoLP), regularly reviewing and updating user access rights, and using multi-factor authentication (MFA). Document this in an access control policy and run periodic user access reviews so stale and overly broad permissions don’t linger.

8. Vendor management

Third-party vendors can unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities. Strengthen vendor management by sending security questionnaires before partnering with vendors, clearly defining security expectations in contracts, and monitoring vendor access and activities on your network. A complete program also includes vendor risk assessments, secure vendor onboarding, and ongoing third-party risk management.

9. Incident response plan

Even with robust defenses, breaches can occur. Create a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and actions during a security breach. Regularly practice and test the plan to ensure it’s up-to-date and effective — tabletop exercises are the fastest way to find gaps before a real ransomware or phishing incident does.

10. Continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring can identify potential threats before they can lead to an attack. It can also detect cyber threats and vulnerabilities in real time, giving organizations the chance to respond quickly, contain a security incident, and prevent it from escalating. Monitoring is also how you move from point-in-time audits to continuous compliance. Track findings in a risk register so ownership and remediation don’t stall.

Protect against cyberattacks with cybersecurity automation

Organizations of all sizes are challenged with defending themselves against an increasingly complex threat landscape. Security automation platforms like Secureframe can help by continuously monitoring your security posture so you can be proactive in addressing vulnerabilities as soon as they arise. With Secureframe, you can:

• Consolidate compliance and risk data in one source of truth via hundreds of native integrations and the Secureframe API.
• Automate routine processes like risk assessments, cloud remediation, policy management, and security questionnaires with AI.
• Closely monitor and manage your third-party vendor relationships to minimize risk throughout your ecosystem.
• Conduct continuous monitoring to look for gaps in controls to maintain continuous compliance.
• Automate the assigning, tracking, and reporting of required security and privacy compliance training.
• Get personalized advice based on your company’s unique risks and industry requirements from our in-house compliance team.

Learn more about how Secureframe helps thousands of companies build and maintain strong security processes, or request a product demo with one of our experts.

This post was originally published in November 2023 and has been updated on August 19, 2026 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.