1. Preparation: setting your sights on the target

Before a cyber attack even begins, hackers gather information about their target. This phase is known as reconnaissance. The attackers analyze publicly available data, such as social media profiles, company websites or business directories. The aim is to identify vulnerabilities - be it through technical gaps in the IT infrastructure or human vulnerabilities such as untrained employees.

Example: An attacker could find out what software your company uses and exploit known vulnerabilities in this software. Alternatively, employees who are easily fooled by phishing emails could be identified.

2. getting started: the first contact with the target

As soon as the attackers have gathered enough information, they launch the actual attack. This is often done by using so-called attack vectors. These include

• Phishing emails: deceptively genuine-looking emails that trick employees into clicking on malicious links or disclosing sensitive information.
• Malicious software (malware): Programs that are smuggled into the system unnoticed, e.g. through infected attachments or downloads.
• Exploits: Exploitation of security gaps in software or networks.

Example: A phishing email pretending to come from a business partner asks an employee to open a link to an "invoice". The click installs malware.

3. expansion: from access to control

As soon as the attackers have gained access to a system, they begin to extend their control. This is often done by so-called privilege escalation, in which normal user accounts are converted into admin access. The aim is to spread as deeply as possible into the company's IT infrastructure without being detected.

Attackers often secure "backdoors" during this phase so that they can access the system again later.

Example: An attacker first infiltrates an employee's email account. From there, he uses the internal communication to impersonate this employee and compromise other systems.

4. Implementation: The actual damage is done

Now the attackers strike. The type of damage depends on their target:

• Data theft: sensitive information such as customer or business data is stolen and often subsequently sold or published.
• Ransomware attacks: Data is encrypted and the company is forced to pay a ransom to regain access.
• Sabotage: Systems are paralyzed to disrupt operations.

Example: A ransomware attack encrypts all important company data. A ransom demand appears on the screens: "Pay 500,000 euros in Bitcoin to restore your data."

5. The disguise: cover your tracks

After the attack, hackers try to cover their tracks to prevent tracing. They delete log files, remove malware or use encryption to conceal their activities. Backdoors are often left in the system that allow them to attack again later.

Example: After an attacker has stolen data from a company, they delete their digital footprints and leave behind a backdoor so that they can access the network again if required.

Conclusion: Understand in order to act

Cyber attacks are highly complex and constantly evolving. But one thing remains the same: the better you as a manager understand the mechanisms behind an attack, the better you can protect your company. Prevention is the key - from raising awareness among your employees and continuously expanding your IT security infrastructure to developing an emergency plan in the event of an emergency.

The question is not if an attack will happen, but when. Act now to be prepared - because cyber security is not a cost factor, but an investment in the future and stability of your company.

Syscovery is at your side!

Whether for prevention or in an emergency - we help you to ensure the security of your company. Contact us today and let us protect your company together. Don't wait for the next attack, act now!