The complexity and interconnected structure of the cyber world has hosted many significant cyber attacks throughout history. These attacks have been effective in a wide range of areas, from information leaks to the collapse of infrastructures. The 10 largest cyber attacks throughout history serve as important examples for us to understand the development and security vulnerabilities of the digital world. These attacks not only caused material damage but also social and political consequences, emphasizing the importance of cyber security awareness.
Hackers are becoming more sophisticated in conjuring up new ways to hijack your system by exploiting technical vulnerabilities or human nature. Don’t become the next victim of unscrupulous cyberspace intruders.
Kevin Mitnick
What is a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is an intentional act that involves unauthorized access to and interference with computer systems, networks, infrastructures, personal computers or smartphones. Attackers may have different goals, such as stealing, changing or destroying data, disrupting systems, rendering them unusable or gaining financial gain.
10 Biggest Cyber Attacks In History
Here are the 10 biggest cyber attacks in history:
1. Stuxnet
Stuxnet, one of the world’s largest cyber attacks, is a sophisticated cyber attack discovered in 2010 that targets the uranium enrichment program at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. Although it is not known exactly who was behind the attack, there are strong allegations that it was a joint operation carried out by the USA and Israel.
Stuxnet infected plant employees’ computers via a USB drive. The virus managed to infiltrate the system by exploiting a security vulnerability in the Windows operating system.
Target: Iran’s uranium enrichment program at the Natanz nuclear facility
Attack method: A computer virus transmitted via a USB drive
Effect: Failure of centrifuges and delay of nuclear program
Importance: An important event that demonstrates the potential of cyber warfare
2. WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware attack that infected more than 200,000 computers worldwide in 2017, causing massive panic. The attack infected computers by exploiting a security vulnerability in the Windows operating system. WannaCry encrypted the files of the computers it infected and demanded a $300 ransom to unlock the files.
Organizations affected by the attack included hospitals, telecommunications companies, banks and government institutions. WannaCry caused significant economic damage around the world.
Target: Computers using Windows operating system
Attack method: A ransomware
Impact: Lockdown of more than 200,000 computers and significant economic damage
Importance: An important event that caused great global panic
3. NotPetya
NotPetya is a ransomware attack that infected many computers worldwide in 2017, causing massive panic. The attack began with an attack on a tax office in Ukraine and quickly spread to other countries. NotPetya encrypted the files of infected computers and demanded a ransom to unlock the files.
Organizations affected by the attack included large companies, government agencies and banks. NotPetya caused significant economic damage worldwide.
Target: Computers using Windows operating system
Attack method: A ransomware
Impact: Lockdown of many computers and significant economic damage
Importance: Caused great global panic
4. SolarWinds
The SolarWinds attack is a cyberespionage operation that infiltrated the SolarWinds Orion software in 2020 and affected many governments and organizations around the world. By placing a backdoor in SolarWinds’ Orion software, the attackers were able to infiltrate the networks of organizations using the software.
Among the organizations affected by the attack were important names such as the US State Department, National Security Agency, Microsoft and FireEye. Attackers managed to steal large amounts of data from these organizations’ networks.
Target: Organizations using SolarWinds Orion software
Attack method: Inserting a backdoor into software
Impact: Theft of data from many governments and organizations
Importance: Posing a significant threat to the national security of the United States
5. Microsoft Exchange
The Microsoft Exchange attack is a cyber espionage operation that infiltrated Microsoft Exchange Server in 2021 and affected many organizations around the world. By exploiting a security vulnerability in Exchange Server, attackers were able to infiltrate the networks of organizations using the software.
Among the organizations affected by the attack were important names such as government institutions, banks, defense industry companies and universities. Attackers managed to steal large amounts of data from these organizations’ networks.
Target: Organizations using Microsoft Exchange Server
Attack method: Exploiting a security vulnerability in the software
Impact: Theft of data from multiple organizations
Importance: An event that poses a major threat on a global scale
6. Kaseya
The Kaseya attack is a cyber attack that infiltrated the Kaseya VSA software in 2021 and affected many organizations around the world. By exploiting a vulnerability in Kaseya VSA, attackers were able to infiltrate the networks of organizations using the software. Kaseya VSA is a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform used for remote access and network management. After infiltrating Kaseya VSA, the attackers were also able to infiltrate their customers’ networks using the platform.
Organizations affected by the attack included prominent names such as MSPs (Managed Service Providers), SMEs and government agencies. Attackers managed to steal large amounts of data from these organizations’ networks and demand a ransom.
Target: Organizations using Kaseya VSA software
Attack method: Exploiting a security vulnerability in the software
Impact: Data stolen and ransom demanded from multiple organizations
Significance: A significant event targeting the SaaS supply chain
7. JBS
The JBS attack is a cyberattack that penetrated the computer systems of JBS SA in 2021 and affected meat production worldwide. Attackers encrypted JBS’s systems using REvil ransomware and demanded an $11 million ransom to unlock the files.
JBS is one of the world’s largest meat producers and has facilities in several countries, including the United States, Australia and Brazil. The attack caused JBS to shut down its production facilities and caused a significant disruption to global meat supplies.
Target: computer systems of JBS SA
Attack method: REvil ransomware
Impact: Global meat production disruption and ransom payment
Importance: An important event that shows how vulnerable critical infrastructure is to cyber attacks
8. Colonial Pipeline
The Colonial Pipeline attack is a cyberattack that infiltrated Colonial Pipeline, the largest gasoline pipeline operator in the United States, in 2021 and created great panic on the east coast of the country. Attackers encrypted Colonial Pipeline’s systems using DarkSide ransomware and demanded a ransom of $4.4 million to unlock the files.
The Colonial Pipeline is a critical infrastructure that provides gasoline and other fuel products to states on the east coast of the United States. The attack caused the company to shut down its pipeline and caused a gasoline shortage in the region. Gasoline prices increased and many gas stations closed because they ran out of gas.
Target: Colonial Pipeline’s computer systems
Attack method: DarkSide ransomware
Impact: Gas shortages and panic on the US east coast
Importance: An important event that shows how vulnerable critical infrastructure is to cyber attacks
9. Yahoo
In 2013, Yahoo suffered one of the largest data breaches in history. Attackers captured personal information of more than 3 billion user accounts. This information included names, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and passwords.
Although the identity of the attackers is not known exactly, they are thought to be a group supported by Russia. The attack significantly affected Yahoo’s reputation and stock price. Additionally, the theft of millions of users’ personal information has led to identity theft and other cybercrimes.
Target: Users’ personal information
Attack method: Malware
Impact: Significantly affecting the company’s reputation and stock price
Importance: Theft of personal information of millions of users, leading to identity theft and other cyber crimes
10. Twitch
In October 2021, Twitch suffered a data breach and ransomware attack. Attackers seized 125 GB of data containing Twitch’s source code, user data and publishers’ payment information. Although the identity of the attackers is unknown, they are thought to be behind the “Conti” ransomware group.
Target: Users using the application
Attack method: Conti ransomware
Impact: Impacting the platform and millions of users
Importance: Compromising users’ personal and financial information
Types of Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are intentional actions that involve unauthorized access to and interference with computer systems, networks and devices. Attackers may have different goals, such as stealing or destroying data, disrupting or rendering systems unusable, gaining financial gain or sending political messages. Cyber attacks can take many forms. Some of the most common types of cyber attacks include:
Malware: Malicious software such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans can infect computers, leading to data theft, system corruption, or ransom demands.
Phishing: The aim is to capture users’ personal information through fake e-mails, text messages or websites. Attackers try to trick users by pretending to be banks, credit card companies, or other trusted organizations.
Social Engineering: A method of gaining users’ trust to deceive them into revealing sensitive information or gaining unauthorized access to systems. Attackers attempt to manipulate users through phone calls, emails, or face-to-face interactions.
DDoS Attacks: The aim is to take multiple computers out of service in a coordinated manner by overloading a server or network. These attacks can render websites or online services unusable.
Cyber Espionage: The act of infiltrating computer systems and stealing sensitive information. Attackers try to access information such as trade secrets, government secrets, or personal information.
Cyber War: Attacks of states or state-sponsored groups against each other’s infrastructures or information systems. These attacks can target critical infrastructure such as power grids, financial systems, or government websites.
Zero-Day Attacks: These are attacks that exploit previously unknown and unfixed vulnerabilities in the software. These types of attacks may go undetected by traditional security measures such as antivirus software.
SQL Injection: Unauthorized access and data stealing attacks by exploiting the security vulnerabilities of websites or databases.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: An attack in which an attacker eavesdrops on and manipulates communications between a user and a server or network.
Botnet Attacks: These are attacks carried out by computer networks (botnets) that are captured and controlled remotely by attackers.
Cryptology Attacks: These are attacks carried out to break encryption algorithms or steal encrypted data.
What to Do in Case of a Cyber Attack?
Cyber attacks have become quite common today and continue to become more sophisticated and destructive every day. Such attacks can affect both individuals and organizations and cause financial losses, data theft and reputational damage. Acting quickly and accurately during a cyber attack is critical to minimizing damage. If we list some important steps that should be taken in case of a cyber attack;
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic: Panicking during a cyber attack can make the situation worse. Try to stay calm and focus on what you need to do.
Document the Attack: Note information such as the type of attack, when it occurred, and which systems were affected. This information will be helpful to determine the source and impact of the attack.
Alert Authorities: Immediately after a cyberattack, notify your IT team and cybersecurity experts. You should also alert law enforcement when necessary.
Isolate Affected Systems: Isolate the affected systems from the network. This will help prevent the attack from spreading to other systems.
Change Your Passwords: Immediately change the passwords of all accounts affected by the attack. Be careful to use strong and unique passwords.
Back Up Your Data: Back up your data that was not affected by the attack. This will minimize the risk of data loss.
Update Your Antivirus and Security Software: Make sure your antivirus and firewall software are up to date. These software will help protect your computers against new and emerging threats.
Learning from the Attack: After the attack, analyze what went wrong and how you can prevent similar attacks in the future.
Cyber Attack Stages
Reconnaissance: The attacker is in the process of gathering information about the target system. They may obtain this information from open sources, social media profiles, or through phishing emails.
Weaponization: Based on the information obtained during the discovery phase, the attacker prepares the malware or attack vector that he will use to infiltrate the target system.
Transmission: The attacker transmits the malware or attack vector he has prepared to the target system. This can be done via email attachments, websites or USB drives.
Exploitation: The attacker uses a vulnerability or vulnerability to infiltrate the target system.
Installation: The attacker installs spyware, ransomware, or other malware on the target system.
Command and Control: The attacker controls the malicious software he has installed via remote access and gives commands.
Action: The attacker performs the desired actions on the target system. This could be stealing data, disrupting systems, or demanding ransom.
I was hooked in before hacking was even illegal.
Kevin Mitnick
Important Note: Deterrent penalties are applied to create deterrence against cyber attacks and to prevent such crimes. In addition to the deterrent effect of penalties, legal regulations exist to ensure that victims of cyber attacks can receive compensation.
