As a cybersecurity major, you will be trained on different computing networks and systems to defend against cyber threats and attacks. If that sounds intense, don’t worry! As you continue to learn and study more about becoming a cybersecurity engineer, you will be prepared to face these common attacks!
Common Attacks
Did you know that there are many different strategies cybercriminals use to break into networks to steal or destroy data? Here are a few common tactics to keep in mind:
- Malware: Short for “malicious software,” this is the most common type of cybersecurity attack. It is intentionally created by attackers to harm a computer, network, or server using different types of spyware, viruses, and bots.
- Phishing: This strategy is a type of attack using email, SMS, phone, social media, and other communication platforms to make it easy for victims to share personal, sensitive information.
- Spoofing: This is a term used to describe attackers that hide or disguise their identity. Some forms include impersonating different companies or fake websites to scam people for personal information or money.
- AI-Powered Attacks: Artificial Intelligence is a new but ongoing development in technology development. Attackers will abuse AI to get access, steal, and destroy sensitive information from a network or server.
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Attackers target businesses by compromising their computer servers. The targeted user will be unable to perform or access specific business operations, like accessing online accounts.
- Identity-Based Attacks: These attacks are known to be difficult to detect and defend because the attacker will have stolen the victim's identity and credentials.
How BYU-Idaho Prepares You
BYU-Idaho prepares you to become the best cybersecurity hero you need to be to detect and defend every kind of attack. These courses from the BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog include:
- CYBER370–Security Assessment: You will learn how to penetrate tests and use vulnerability assessment skills to assess the strength of computer systems against attacks.
- CYBER375–Security Analysis and Operations: You will learn the job skills used by security analysts and threats. You will also analyze and interpret data to respond and recover from incidents.
- CYBER450–Identity and Access Management: Learn how to work as a technical team to navigate conflicts and overcome obstacles.
Defending the Digital World
It is important to remember that cyberattacks are constantly evolving with new and improved technology. From malware to AI, attackers will continuously compromise servers to infiltrate your personal, online data. But don’t fret! As you continue to learn from BYU-Idaho, you will also evolve and expand your skills and knowledge in new and improved technology. With that, you will learn how to defend the digital world to become the cybersecurity hero you need to be!
Sources
“12 Most Common Types of Cyberattacks,” CrowdStrike, (2024).
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Cybersecurity,” BYU-Idaho, (2025).
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: CYBER370 - Security Assessment,” BYU-Idaho, (2025).
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: CYBER375 - Security Analysis and Operations,” BYU-Idaho, (2025).
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: CYBER450 - Identity and Access Management,” BYU-Idaho, (2025).