Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, posing a serious threat to organisations and individuals alike. In fact, nearly half (45%) of employed adults worldwide have fallen victim to a cyberattack or scam, compromising personal information such as banking or email accounts.
Whether it’s phishing emails, ransomware, or DDoS attacks, recognising the different types of cyberattacks early can make the difference between staying secure or facing significant disruption and financial loss.
Many people don’t realise they’ve been targeted until it’s too late. Unusual emails, slow systems, or strange login activity might seem minor at first—but they’re often signs of a much larger problem. By understanding what to look for, you can identify cyber threats quickly, protect your systems, and avoid falling victim to these increasingly common attacks.
What is a Cyberattack?
A cyberattack is an intentional attempt to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks, or data. These attacks are often carried out by hackers, cybercriminals, or even state-sponsored groups, with the goal of stealing sensitive information, causing operational downtime, or exploiting vulnerabilities for financial or political gain.
There are different types of cyberattacks, ranging from sophisticated methods like Zero-day vulnerabilities to deceptive tactics such as phishing emails. At their core, these attacks exploit weaknesses—whether in software, networks, or human behaviour—and they continue to evolve as technology advances.
For individuals and organisations alike, understanding what a cyberattack looks like and recognising the signs of these threats is the first step to acting quickly and minimising the potential damage.
Common Signs of Cyberattacks
Recognising the warning signs of a cyberattack early can prevent significant disruption and damage. While there are many different types of cyberattacks, they often share common indicators that something may be wrong. Paying attention to these signs can help you identify potential threats before they escalate.
Unexpected System Slowdown
Imagine you’re working on an important project, and suddenly your computer freezes, applications stop responding, or files take forever to load. While it’s easy to dismiss this as a technical glitch, these performance issues could indicate malware or ransomware attacks running in the background. Hackers often deploy malicious software that quietly consumes system resources while encrypting files or extracting sensitive information.
Strange Emails or Messages
You receive an email from what appears to be your bank, asking you to “verify your details urgently.” The email looks legitimate, but something feels off—the logo seems slightly blurry, or the sender’s address doesn’t quite match. These subtle red flags are hallmarks of phishing emails. Cybercriminals rely on panic and urgency to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing private information. Always take a second look before taking action.
Unusual Login Attempts
You receive a notification: “Someone tried to access your account from a new device.” Maybe you notice multiple failed login attempts you don’t recognise. These signs often indicate credential stuffing or password attacks, where hackers use stolen credentials to try and break into your accounts. If left unchecked, this can result in unauthorised access, stolen data, or even full account takeovers.
Unexplained Data Transfers
Imagine seeing unusual spikes in data usage or large files being transferred out of your systems when no one is actively working. This kind of activity can point to an insider threat—someone within your organisation, malicious or compromised, leaking sensitive data—or an external breach going unnoticed. It’s often subtle but can have devastating consequences, such as financial loss or regulatory fines.
Pop-Ups or Ransom Messages
You’re locked out of your computer, and a message appears: “Your files have been encrypted. Pay £500 to restore access.” This is the calling card of ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals demand payment in exchange for releasing your data. In some cases, you might notice suspicious pop-ups or fake “antivirus warnings” before the full attack unfolds. Ignoring these signs often results in systems being completely locked down.
Website or Network Downtime
Picture this: your company website suddenly goes offline during a busy period, and no amount of refreshing brings it back. At the same time, your team notices unusually high incoming traffic overwhelming your systems. These are clear signs of a DDoS attack (Distributed Denial of Service), where attackers flood your network with traffic to make services unavailable. The longer the attack persists, the more damage it causes—both financially and to your reputation.
System Vulnerabilities and Strange Behaviours
Following a software update, you notice strange system behaviour—files going missing, unexplained shutdowns, or glitches that weren’t there before. This could signal a zero-day vulnerability being exploited, where hackers take advantage of newly discovered flaws before security patches are released.
Hyper-Realistic or Automated Threats
You receive an email that looks so polished and realistic it’s almost indistinguishable from legitimate communication. In some cases, these emails even mimic writing styles or include convincing personalised details. These are signs of AI cyberattacks, where cybercriminals use advanced tools to automate phishing or generate highly believable content at scale.
Real-World Examples of Recognisable Cyberattacks
Understanding the signs of cyberattacks becomes much clearer when we look at well-known incidents. These real-world examples reveal the devastating impact of some of the biggest cyberattacks in history and show how cyber threats unfold. From ransomware demands to suspicious emails, recognising these patterns and warning signs can help you act quickly and minimise damage before it’s too late.
WannaCry Ransomware Attack
In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack impacted over 200,000 systems across 150 countries, encrypting files and demanding ransom payments. Victims saw pop-up messages stating their files were locked, with demands for payment to restore access.
Key Signs:
- Sudden loss of access to files.
- Ransom messages demanding payment.
- Unusual system slowdown as the ransomware encrypted data.
This attack highlighted how quickly ransomware attacks can spread, especially through outdated or unpatched systems.
SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack
The SolarWinds attack in 2020 was a sophisticated breach where hackers compromised a trusted software update. This allowed them to infiltrate high-profile organisations, including government agencies and corporations.
Key Signs:
- Suspicious system activity following software updates.
- Unauthorised access to sensitive networks.
- Abnormal data transfers or logins from unexpected locations.
This attack underscored how zero-day vulnerabilities and supply chain compromises can go unnoticed until significant damage is done.
The Colonial Pipeline Cyber Attack
In 2021, the Colonial Pipeline—the largest fuel pipeline in the US—was hit by a ransomware attack, disrupting fuel supplies for days. Hackers used compromised passwords to access systems and deploy ransomware, leading to significant operational shutdowns.
Key Signs:
- Locked systems and ransom demands.
- Network shutdowns to contain the attack.
- Notifications of suspicious login attempts prior to the attack.
This attack emphasised the importance of strong password policies and the risks of credential stuffing or reused passwords.
Stay Protected Against Cyber Threats
Recognising the different types of cyberattacks is the first step toward staying safe, but acting quickly is just as important. If you’ve noticed any of the signs—strange emails, system slowdowns, or suspicious login attempts—it’s essential to address the issue before it escalates.
At NormCyber, we specialise in helping organisations like yours stay secure, vigilant, and prepared. Our tailored services, including Managed Detection & Response, Incident Response, Email Threat Protection, and Vulnerability Management, are designed to identify threats, respond swiftly, and protect your systems.
Cyber threats are evolving, and waiting for an attack to happen isn’t an option. If you’re concerned about your organisation’s security or have experienced any of the issues highlighted in this article, we recommend getting in touch with NormCyber today. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through spotting, managing, and mitigating these threats—so you can focus on what matters most.
