How to Prevent a Major Cyber Attack

Posted On Sep 12 2025 | 15:55 PM

How to Prevent a Major Cyber Attack: Real-World Examples and Proven Strategies

Cyberattacks are no longer a far-off risk; they are happening every day. From ransomware that shuts down hospitals to supply chain hacks that hit governments, online threats are growing fast. No business, big or small, is completely safe.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most significant cyberattacks in recent history. By analyzing how they happened, the damage they caused, and most importantly, how to prevent a major cyber attack, we’ll uncover practical lessons to help businesses strengthen their defenses and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

What is a Cyber Attack

A cyber attack is a deliberate attempt by hackers or malicious actors to breach a computer system, network, or digital device to steal, disrupt, or destroy data. These attacks often target sensitive information such as personal details, financial records, intellectual property, or even critical infrastructure.

Cyber attacks can take many forms, including phishing emails, ransomware, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, malware infections, and social engineering scams.

The ultimate goal is usually financial gain, data theft, espionage, or causing operational disruption. As businesses rely more on digital systems, cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, complex, and damaging, making it critical for organizations to understand how to prevent a major cyber attack before it happens.

The Rise of Cyber Attacks

Cyberattacks are growing in frequency and sophistication every year, making stronger preventive measures essential to protect company data and digital assets. The threat landscape has become increasingly complex, with significant cybercrime incidents on the rise across industries. According to IBM’s 2024 Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million, a 10% increase from the previous year and the highest ever recorded. Even sectors traditionally seen as highly secure, such as financial services and credit card providers, remain lucrative and frequent targets for cybercriminals.

Cyber threats have progressed from basic viruses in the 1990s, to polymorphic malware in the 2000s, to today’s AI-enhanced attacks. What once required teams of skilled hackers can now be automated with accessible AI tools.

Common Types of Cyber Attacks

Not all cyber attacks are motivated by money; some aim to steal intellectual property, disrupt operations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Both organizations and individuals are at risk of the following common threats, and understanding them is the first step in learning how to prevent a major cyber attack.

Malware: Malware includes spyware, viruses, worms, and ransomware designed to infiltrate systems. Often triggered by clicking on malicious links or attachments, malware can steal, corrupt, or lock valuable data.
Phishing: Phishing relies on deceptive emails or messages that trick users into sharing personal information or downloading harmful files. These scams often mimic legitimate businesses to appear trustworthy.
Spoofing: In spoofing, attackers impersonate trusted entities through fake websites, domains, or caller IDs. The goal is to mislead users into revealing confidential details or granting unauthorized access.
Backdoor Trojan: This type of malware secretly creates a hidden entry point (“backdoor”) into a system. Once inside, attackers can hijack devices, steal data, or install additional malicious programs without the user’s knowledge.
Ransomware: Ransomware locks users out of their files or systems and demands payment for restoration. However, paying doesn’t guarantee recovery, making prevention and secure backups the safest defense.

Major Real-World Cyber Attacks

1. The WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017)

What Happened: In May 2017, WannaCry exploited a Windows vulnerability called Eternal Blue, spreading rapidly across 150+ countries. Within hours, it encrypted files and demanded Bitcoin ransoms.

Impact: Over 230,000 systems were infected, disrupting healthcare, shipping, and government services. The UK’s NHS was severely hit, with canceled treatments. Damages exceeded $4 billion.

How It Could Have Been Prevented

2. The Equifax Data Breach (2017)

What Happened: In 2017, hackers exploited a known vulnerability in Equifax’s web application framework, Apache Struts. The flaw, left unpatched for months, gave attackers direct access to the company’s systems.

Impact: The breach exposed sensitive data of 147.9 million U.S. citizens, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and financial details, along with 15.2 million British citizens and about 19,000 Canadian citizens. It resulted in massive public distrust, regulatory fines, and long-term reputational damage.

How It Could Have Been Prevented

3. The SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020)

What Happened: In 2020, attackers inserted malicious code into SolarWinds’ Orion software updates. When customers installed these updates, they unknowingly opened a backdoor into their networks, giving hackers long-term access.

Impact: The breach compromised multiple U.S. government agencies and several Fortune 500 companies, making it one of the most significant supply chain attacks in history. Sensitive data and national security were put at risk.

How It Could Have Been Prevented

Learning from the World’s Biggest Breaches

Train Your Staff: Equip your team to recognize phishing attempts, verify suspicious requests, and act cautiously before clicking links or sharing sensitive information.
Keep Systems Fully Updated: Cyber threats often exploit outdated software. Implement automated patch management to ensure all systems stay current and secure.
Ensure Endpoint Protection: Protect every device, laptop, tablet, and mobile device that connects to your network using endpoint security tools to prevent entry points for attackers.
Install a Firewall: Firewalls serve as a critical line of defense, blocking unauthorized access and brute-force attacks before they can compromise your systems.
Back Up Your Data: In the event of a breach or ransomware attack, having recent backups ensures business continuity without paying exorbitant ransoms or losing critical information.

Conclusion

Cyber attacks are now an everyday threat, with incidents like WannaCry, Equifax, and SolarWinds proving how costly weak security can be. The good news: most breaches are preventable. With proactive patching, staff training, endpoint protection, and reliable backups, organizations can significantly reduce risks.

Ultimately, cybersecurity isn’t just about tools; it’s about building a culture of vigilance and resilience and knowing exactly how to prevent a major cyber attack before it happens.

Protect your business with People Tech Group. Stay ahead of cyber threats with our expert security solutions and training. Don’t wait for a breach.

Contact People Tech Group Now: People Tech Group | Leader in Digital & IT Transformation

FAQ

How to avoid cyber attacks?
Keep software updated, train employees, use firewalls, enable endpoint protection, and back up data regularly. Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication also reduce risks effectively.
What are the top 3 types of cyber attacks?
Phishing scams trick users into giving information, malware infects systems to steal or lock data, and ransomware blocks access until payment. These remain the most common threats worldwide.
What happens during a cyber attack?
Hackers try to steal, block, or destroy data by breaching systems. Victims may lose sensitive information, face downtime, financial loss, or reputational damage depending on the attack’s scale.
How do most cyber attacks begin?
Most start with phishing emails or malicious links. Attackers exploit weak passwords, outdated software, or human error, creating entry points to infiltrate systems and launch bigger security breaches.