6 Common Types of Cyberattacks (and How to Avoid Them)

In today’s digital world, cyberattacks aren’t just a risk for big corporations—they’re a serious threat to small and mid-sized businesses, too. In fact, nearly half of all cyberattacks target small businesses, many of which lack the security resources to respond quickly or recover effectively.

At Ideal Managed Solutions, we help businesses protect themselves through layered cybersecurity, awareness training, and proactive monitoring. In this article, we’ll walk you through the six most common types of cyberattacks and exactly what you can do to avoid them.

🎣 1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is the most widespread cyberattack method—and one of the most dangerous. It involves emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources but are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links, opening harmful attachments, or sharing sensitive information.

What to Look For:

• Unexpected emails from unknown senders
• Urgent or threatening language ("Your account will be shut down")
• Spelling or formatting errors
• Links that don’t match the sender’s actual domain

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t click links or open attachments unless you’re sure they’re safe
• Hover over links to see the real URL
• Use email protection like Graphus EmployeeShield
• Train employees through regular security awareness programs and phishing simulations

💣 2. Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts your files or systems and demands a payment—often in cryptocurrency—to unlock them. It’s typically delivered through phishing emails, malicious ads, or infected software.

How It Happens:

• Clicking a malicious link or ad
• Opening an infected email attachment
• Using unpatched or outdated software

How to Avoid It:

• Keep all devices updated with automated patch management
• Backup data regularly with tools like Datto Cloud Backup
• Use advanced endpoint protection like Bitdefender EDR
• Never pay the ransom—contact your IT provider immediately

🕵️ 3. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC is a form of targeted impersonation, where hackers pretend to be a company executive, vendor, or coworker to trick employees into transferring funds or sharing sensitive data.

Common Tactics:

• Impersonating a CEO asking for wire transfers or gift cards
• Slight changes in email domains (e.g., ceo@yourcornpany.com)
• Requests to override normal financial procedures

How to Avoid It:

• Always verify financial requests by phone
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Educate your team on how to spot spoofed emails

🐛 4. Malware (Viruses, Trojans, Spyware)

Malware refers to malicious software that can damage your systems, steal data, or spy on users. It often comes bundled with fake downloads or shady websites.

How It Spreads:

• Infected USB drives or downloads
• Visiting malicious websites
• Clicking deceptive pop-ups or fake updates

How to Avoid It:

• Use enterprise-grade endpoint protection
• Block unapproved or dangerous apps
• Restrict administrative access on devices
• Don’t download from unverified sources

🔓 5. Brute Force Attacks

These attacks use software to repeatedly guess usernames and passwords until they break into an account—especially accounts with weak or reused credentials.

Targets:

• Microsoft 365 accounts
• Remote Desktop (RDP) logins
• VoIP systems and firewalls

How to Avoid It:

• Use strong, unique passwords or a password manager like Keeper Security
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere
• Monitor login attempts with SaaS Alerts for Microsoft 365

🌐 6. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

These occur when an attacker secretly intercepts communication between two parties, often through unsecured networks or compromised routers.

When It Happens:

• Connecting to public Wi-Fi
• Using websites without HTTPS
• Poorly configured remote access tools

How to Avoid It:

• Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN
• Ensure all websites you visit use HTTPS
• Protect remote sessions with encrypted tools

🛡️ How Ideal Managed Solutions Helps Prevent Cyberattacks

We provide small businesses with enterprise-grade cybersecurity tools and services, including:

• ✅ Bitdefender GravityZone Advanced Threat Protection & EDR
• ✅ 24/7 Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
• ✅ Microsoft 365 threat monitoring with SaaS Alerts
• ✅ Regular security awareness training
• ✅ Simulated phishing campaigns
• ✅ Keeper Security password vaults
• ✅ Daily cloud backups via Datto

🚨 What to Do If You Suspect an Attack

• Don’t click anything suspicious
• Disconnect from the internet (if needed)
• Contact us immediately:
  • 📧 support@idealmsp.com
  • 📞 (434) 810-8901

⚠️ The Bottom Line

Cyberattacks are no longer a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. But you don’t have to face them alone.

At Ideal Managed Solutions, we protect your users, your data, and your business with multi-layered cybersecurity services, proactive monitoring, and rapid response. Let’s make your business harder to hack—and easier to run.