A cyber attack is when someone deliberately tries to gain unauthorised access to your systems, data, or devices, often to steal, disrupt, or damage.
While large corporations often make the headlines, the reality is that businesses of all sizes are at risk. In fact, small to medium-sized businesses are frequently targeted, simply because they’re seen as easier to breach.
Understanding the different types of cyber attacks is essential for protecting your organisation. From phishing emails to ransomware and insider threats, each type of attack works differently, but all can have serious consequences if left unchecked.
At DMS Group, we help UK businesses stay one step ahead. Through our managed IT services, cyber audits, and proactive support, we work with you to build stronger digital defences and ensure your systems remain protected, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next.
What Is a Cyber Attack?
Cyber Attacks Explained
A cyber attack is an attempt by a person or group to break into a computer system, network, or digital device without permission. The goal is usually to steal information, disrupt operations, or take control of systems for malicious purposes.
In simple terms, it’s someone trying to do something to your IT setup that they shouldn’t, whether it’s stealing sensitive data, holding your systems to ransom, or crashing your website.
It’s important to understand the distinction between a cyber threat and a cyber attack. A cyber threat refers to the potential for harm, such as a known security vulnerability or suspicious activity. A cyber attack is when that threat is actually carried out.
Why Cyber Attacks Happen
Cyber attacks can be motivated by a range of factors:
Financial gain is the most common, with criminals looking to steal money or valuable data.
Espionage targets sensitive business or government information.
Hacktivism is driven by political or social causes, aiming to disrupt or deface systems.
Disruption might come from competitors or malicious actors looking to cause downtime or reputational harm.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), schools, and local authorities are increasingly being targeted because they often lack the advanced cyber protections of larger organisations. Unfortunately, that makes them appealing to attackers looking for an easier way in.
Top 10 Most Common Cyber Attacks (and How to Prevent Them)
Cyber threats come in many forms, and each one works differently. Some exploit software, others rely on human error. Below are the ten most common types of cyber attacks, how they work, and what you can do to stop them.
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is when a cyber criminal tries to trick someone into handing over sensitive information—such as passwords, bank details, or login credentials, by pretending to be a trusted contact. It often comes via email, but can also happen through text messages (smishing) or even phone calls (vishing).
In a typical phishing email, the message might look like it’s from your bank or IT department, asking you to click a link or download an attachment. Once you do, you’re either asked to enter personal details or the link triggers malware.
How to prevent it:
Raise employee awareness through training, implement email spam filters, and use tools that scan links and attachments before they’re opened.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware locks you out of your files or systems and demands payment to unlock them. It often spreads through phishing emails or vulnerable software.
A well-known example is WannaCry, which affected thousands of NHS computers and caused widespread disruption across UK healthcare services.
How to prevent it:
Make regular, secure backups of important data. Use endpoint protection, apply software patches promptly, and restrict admin access where possible.
3. Malware and Spyware
Malware refers to any software intentionally designed to harm a computer or network. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware, tools that monitor your activity and steal data without your knowledge.
These types of threats often come from dodgy downloads, unpatched software, or infected USB drives.
How to prevent it:
Install and maintain reputable anti-malware software. Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources, and control which applications users are allowed to install.
4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
In a MitM attack, a criminal secretly intercepts communication between two parties, such as a user and a website. This is especially risky on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
An attacker might be able to view login details, financial data, or sensitive company information without the user ever realising.
How to prevent it:
Use a VPN when accessing sensitive systems remotely, secure websites with SSL (HTTPS), and avoid using public Wi-Fi without protection.
5. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
A DoS or DDoS attack floods a server or website with so much traffic that it slows down or crashes entirely. These attacks are often used to take a business offline, whether for ransom or disruption.
They don’t usually involve data theft, but they can cause serious downtime, financial loss, and reputational damage.
How to prevent it:
Install robust firewalls, use rate limiting, and invest in DDoS protection services that monitor and mitigate suspicious traffic.
6. SQL Injection
SQL injection targets the database of a website or application by entering malicious code into form fields—like login boxes or search bars. If the system isn’t properly secured, this code can allow attackers to access or manipulate sensitive data.
This type of attack is particularly dangerous for websites that store customer records or payment information.
How to prevent it:
Use input validation, parameterised queries, and a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block dangerous input before it reaches your database.
7. Zero-Day Exploits
A zero-day exploit targets a security flaw that the software provider doesn’t yet know about, meaning no patch or fix is available. These attacks are often used in high-profile, targeted breaches.
Because they exploit unknown weaknesses, they can be hard to detect until after the damage is done.
How to prevent it:
Keep all systems updated, invest in threat intelligence tools, and consider Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software that can flag suspicious behaviour early.
8. Credential Stuffing
Cyber criminals use stolen usernames and passwords from previous data breaches to try logging in to other accounts. If users reuse passwords across platforms, this method can be surprisingly effective.
Attackers automate the process and try thousands of logins in a short space of time.
How to prevent it:
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), encourage strong and unique passwords, and monitor for unusual login attempts.
9. Insider Threats
Not all cyber threats come from outside the business. Insider threats involve current or former employees misusing access to steal data, damage systems, or share sensitive information—either deliberately or by accident.
This can include anything from leaking customer data to falling for phishing scams using their work credentials.
How to prevent it:
Limit access to sensitive systems on a need-to-know basis, monitor user activity, and train staff on cyber risks and responsibilities.
10. Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks rely on manipulating people rather than systems. Attackers might pose as IT support to trick someone into giving up their password, or pretend to be a delivery driver to gain physical access to a secure area.
Common techniques include baiting, pretexting, and tailgating.
How to prevent it:
Build a strong culture of cybersecurity through regular training, awareness campaigns, and policies that help staff recognise and report suspicious behaviour.
How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
Understanding the risks is just the beginning. To truly defend against cyber attacks, businesses need to take proactive steps to reduce vulnerabilities and prepare for the unexpected.
Build a Layered Cybersecurity Strategy
No single tool or software can stop every threat. That’s why a layered approach is essential. This means securing your network, devices, cloud systems, and physical access points all at once, so if one layer is breached, others still stand in the way.
Modern businesses also benefit from real-time monitoring, automated threat detection, and alerts that flag suspicious activity before it causes damage. At DMS Group, we help businesses design and implement this kind of comprehensive security setup to reduce risk across the board.
Educate and Train Your Staff
Many cyber attacks succeed not because of advanced hacking, but because someone inside the business clicked a suspicious link or shared sensitive information by mistake. In fact, human error is still the most common cause of data breaches.
Regular training helps staff recognise phishing attempts, avoid unsafe behaviour, and understand their role in keeping the business secure. Simulated attacks and refresher sessions keep security front of mind and build a stronger security culture from the inside out.
Use a Trusted IT Partner
Working with an experienced IT provider takes the pressure off your internal team. At DMS Group, we support UK organisations with a range of cybersecurity services — from regular patching and secure off-site backups to threat monitoring and full IT audits.
We don’t just recommend solutions, we manage them. That means one point of contact, less complexity, and ongoing support from experts who understand your business and your infrastructure.
Cyber Attacks and Threats FAQs
What are the main types of cyber attacks?
Common examples include phishing, ransomware, malware, man-in-the-middle attacks, DDoS attacks, and insider threats. Each type works differently but ultimately aims to access, damage, or steal data.
What is the difference between a cyber attack and a cyber threat?
A cyber threat is a potential risk, something that could lead to an attack, like an outdated system or poor password practice. A cyber attack is when that threat is actively exploited by a hacker or malicious actor.
How do I know if my business is being targeted?
Warning signs include unexpected logins, slow or unresponsive systems, security alerts, missing data, or unusual network traffic. Regular monitoring and professional audits can help spot these early before major damage is done.
Are small businesses really at risk from cyber attacks?
Yes. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses are often more vulnerable because they lack dedicated IT teams or assume they won’t be targeted. Cyber criminals often see them as easy targets.
How can DMS Group help protect against these types of cyber attacks?
We offer a complete suite of managed IT services designed to secure your business from the ground up. That includes risk assessments, firewall and endpoint protection, patch management, secure cloud backups, and ongoing monitoring, all tailored to your business.
