Think like a cybercriminal

Published: 21/09/2022

A cyber attack can mean you lose personal information or your money. Think like a cybercriminal, don't fall for their tricks and help protect yourself against possible cyber attacks with these tips.

What is a cyber attack?

A cyber attack is a set of actions performed by individuals or groups from anywhere in the world who try to gain unauthorised access, steal data or cause damage to computers, networks or other devices (e.g. your tablet).

Who launches cyber attacks?

Those who launch cyber attacks are usually referred to as ‘cybercriminals’.

Cybercriminals can have various motivations for launching attacks. Some do it for personal or financial gain. Many are 'hacktivists' acting in the name of social or political causes. Others can be state-sponsored actors or criminal groups.

What damage do cyber attacks cause?

In un-targeted attacks, attackers indiscriminately target as many devices, services or users as possible. They don’t usually care about who the victim is. In a targeted attack, you or the University are singled out because the attacker has a specific interest in you.

Ultimately, cyber attacks can lead to the loss of your money or the theft of your personal, financial and medical information.

Popular types of cyber attack

Phishing is the most traditional means of launching an attack. They may use an email urging you to open a malware attachment, reply or follow-up by other means.

Social engineering is where they are usually trying to trick you into giving them your passwords, bank information and other confidential information, or grant access to your computer to secretly install malicious software.

A USB drop is when a USB stick is used to spread malware. In a targeted attack, infected memory sticks are deliberately dropped in public locations to entice victims to pick it up and open it using their computer.

How can I protect myself?

The following tips can help protect you and your devices from cyber attacks:

• Implement multi-factor authentication on your accounts and make it significantly harder to get hacked.
• Keep your software updated and turn on automatic updates.
• Think before you click - over 90% of successful cyber attacks start with a phishing email.
• Use strong and unique passwords for different systems.
• Do not plug unknown flash drives or USB sticks into your computer.

If you suspect a cyber attack, an online scam or anything else suspicious, then report it to the Digital Technologies Service Desk, including attachments or links you've clicked on.

Watch our video to find out more: