Cybersecurity: Threats you need to know today

Cyberpeace Tech
Jun 12
3 min read

Today, anyone connected to the Internet is exposed to multiple digital risks, regardless of their age, profession or economic level. It is no longer necessary to be a public figure to be a target of attacks; cybercriminals value every piece of information they can obtain, from passwords to banking information. That's why understanding cybersecurity threats is essential to taking effective preventative measures.

Main types of cyberattacks

Phishing and smishing

Phishing continues to be one of the methods most commonly used by digital criminals. It consists of deceiving users with fake emails pretending to be from trustworthy institutions, with the aim of obtaining personal or financial data.

Its text message version, known as smishing, uses SMS to achieve the same purpose.

In both cases, victims may end up downloading malicious software (malware) or allowing a third party to access their devices or networks, even compromising corporate data.

Malicious software (malware)

Malware includes Trojans, which disguise themselves as legitimate programs, and spyware, which collects user information without the user's knowledge. Another example is cryptojacking, in which criminals use infected devices to mine cryptocurrencies, affecting computer performance and consuming resources.

Social engineering

This technique does not rely on technology, but on emotional and psychological manipulation. Through strategies such as vishing calls or persuasive emails, attackers get users to share confidential information or perform insecure actions.

The risk lies in the fact that these tactics take advantage of trust and ignorance.

Attacks on web applications

With the rise of online services, web applications have become frequent targets. Techniques such as SQL injection allow access to sensitive databases, while cross-site scripting (XSS) captures user data by exploiting flaws in websites. In Mexico, where many public and private institutions already offer digital services, this type of attack represents a growing threat that requires constant vigilance and correction.

Denial of Service (DoS and DDoS)

Denial of Service (DoS) attacks seek to saturate platforms or systems so that they stop working, affecting their availability. When multiple devices are used to execute the attack, it is a DDoS attack, which can paralyze entire services, often as part of blackmail or distraction maneuvers for more complex attacks, such as ransomware.

Data interception (MitM)

So called man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks intercept communication between two parties to eavesdrop, modify or steal data without users noticing. This is especially serious when the information is not encrypted, as it makes it easier to manipulate transactions or steal passwords.

What can Mexico learn from these cases?

Although many of these threats have been documented in countries with high digitalization, such as the United States or some European countries, Mexico is not exempt. The growth of e-commerce, government digitalization and the expansion of remote work mean that these techniques are also being used locally. Therefore, awareness and education on cybersecurity threats is an essential tool for both Mexican citizens and companies.

The best defense against cybersecurity threats is to be informed.

Knowing the most common types of attacks allows you to take precautions such as not opening suspicious links, using strong passwords, keeping your software updated and, above all, promoting a conscious digital culture.

At Cyberpeace, we believe that being informed is the first step to a safe digital life. Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue, it is a personal responsibility. Want to learn more about how to protect your data and avoid online risks? Follow us on social networks and stay up to date with the latest news on digital security.