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1. Introduction: Why do the same attacks still work so well?
Even with significant advances in technology and increased attention to digital security, cyberattacks continue to hit companies with worrying frequency . And, more than that, they continue to exploit flaws that the market has known for years.
A 2025 survey conducted by Grant Thornton , in partnership with Opice Blum , reveals that 79% of Brazilian companies feel more exposed to cyberattacks.
This data reflects a common paradox : even with greater investment in protection, many organizations still operate with gaps in their controls. This includes fragile access, endpoints without continuous monitoring, and/or prevention policies that haven't evolved at the same pace as the risks.
It is in this scenario that the most frequent attacks continue to operate. And not because they are new or unknown, but because they exploit points that remain unprotected .
In this article, we will analyze the types of cyberattacks that deserve immediate attention and understand why they still pose concrete risks , even for companies that already have some security structure in place.
Enjoy reading!
2. Ransomware : data hijacking with direct impact on business
Among the most common attack vectors in corporate environments, ransomware continues to lead in impact. It is a type of malware designed to block access to essential systems and data, demanding a ransom payment to restore operations.
Its most common form of attack involves encrypting strategic files , such as databases, servers, and critical applications. The attacker then displays a message with payment instructions , usually in cryptocurrency, making it difficult to track.
In recent scenarios, ransomware has operated on two fronts: in addition to encrypting, it also copies sensitive data and threatens to release it publicly , even after payment. This approach, known as double extortion , increases the pressure on the company and increases the risk of reputational damage and regulatory compliance.
Sectors with high availability dependency , such as Finance, Healthcare, Logistics, and Retail, are especially vulnerable to the impact. In many cases, system downtime lasts hours or days, compromising the entire operations and service chain.
This type of attack is rarely isolated . In many instances, ransomware is merely the endpoint of a process that involved lateral movement within the network, privilege escalation, and prior access through other means. One of these, as we will see below, is phishing .
3. Phishing : the attack that starts with a click and opens critical ports
Phishing is one of the most common methods of entry for cyberattacks into companies. By simulating legitimate communications , facilitating unauthorized access to information and systems, often without arousing immediate suspicion.
This type of threat exploits human factors : fragmented attention, overconfidence, or urgent contexts. emails , messages, or websites imitate suppliers, colleagues, or well-known platforms, using logos, real names, and language tailored to the company's profile. A single action , such as clicking, replying, or downloading, can compromise security.
Some variations help to gauge the current sophistication of these attacks:
- Spear phishing : emails for specific sectors or profiles;
- Whaling : messages targeted at executives and decision-makers;
- Smishing and vishing : approaches via SMS or calls with a high emotional appeal.
More than just an isolated scam, phishing often serves as a launching pad for more structured attacks . With legitimate credentials in hand, attackers can escalate access, move laterally within the environment, and prepare more serious actions, such as data theft or the installation of persistent malware
Therefore, identifying and mitigating this type of threat is essential. Next, we come to another risk that often remains active for long periods before being detected: malware .
4. Malware : the silent infiltration that exposes data and systems
While attacks like phishing to deceive users directly, malware works behind the scenes . It's software malicious software designed to install itself invisibly, remain active, and interact with the system in ways that benefit the attacker , without triggering defenses right away.
Its function can range from silently collecting information and mapping devices to modifying permissions or manipulating internal processes. In many cases, it serves as the basis for prolonged persistence in the environment , facilitating new breaches or enabling coordinated attacks.
There are multiple entry routes: compromised attachments, unsafe downloads websites , or unpatched flaws in corporate software . Once inside, the malware operates stealthily , recording commands, opening external connections, or activating specific features without visibly interfering with routine operations. Some examples include:
- Trojans , which disguise themselves as legitimate software to open ports in the system;
- Spyware , which silently monitors activities and collects confidential data; and
- Keyloggers , which record everything that is typed, such as passwords and sensitive access.
Its most recent variants incorporate techniques that make it difficult to track , such as code fragmentation, on-demand execution, or disguised as seemingly legitimate updates.
The threat of malware lies precisely in its continuity . The longer it remains undetected, the greater the risk of data exposure, strategic information leaks, or destabilization of critical services.
In contrast, the next type of attack is explicit in its intent: to stop everything at once. Keep reading to find out!
5. DDoS: overload as a strategy to paralyze systems
Unlike silent attacks, DDoS ( Distributed Denial of Service ) acts explicitly : its goal is to take applications offline , exploiting the digital environment's own capacity. The impact occurs when a large number of simultaneous requests are directed at servers, networks, or services until they become unresponsive .
These requests originate from distributed devices , often infected and remotely controlled, forming networks called botnets . When triggered, these machines overload the infrastructure with automated traffic , preventing legitimate use by customers and employees.
The interruption, in these cases, can last minutes or extend for hours , affecting websites , ERP systems, APIs, customer service portals, and other critical channels. Companies operating with online , financial services, or real-time support feel the immediate impact on revenue, image, and customer experience.
What makes DDoS even more dangerous is its use as a distraction . There are reports of attacks in which the denial of service serves only as a facade, while a simultaneous intrusion or data extraction occurs. Thus, the system outage ceases to be the central problem and becomes the trigger for something bigger .
By compromising availability, one of the pillars of cybersecurity, DDoS exposes operational fragility and puts both business continuity and customer trust .
And, if we've talked about external threats so far, it's important to remember: often, the most critical risks lie within the organization itself. This is the next point in our content.
6. Insider threats: failures and unauthorized access that compromise security
When talking about cyberattacks, attention often turns to external actors. But a significant portion of incidents originate within the company itself . So-called insider threats can have different origins: unintentional errors, insecure day-to-day practices, or, in more critical situations, the deliberate action of someone with authorized access.
There's not always malicious intent. Often, risks arise from poorly structured processes , such as excessive permissions, credentials active after employee termination, or unpatched devices. These oversights create breaches that can be quickly exploited and are difficult to trace. In other cases, the problem lies in users misusing privileges to manipulate data, copy confidential files, or even compromise operations.
The complexity lies precisely in the fact that these accesses originate from within. Because they are performed with legitimate credentials, they don't immediately sound suspicious, making detection more challenging. This is why models like Zero Trust are gaining traction: instead of automatically trusting any access, each interaction must be continuously validated. Additionally, behavior monitoring helps identify anomalous patterns, such as access attempts outside of business hours or unusual data movements.
These measures don't eliminate the risk, but they drastically reduce the window of exposure . More than recognizing the threat, the challenge lies in building resilience to deal with it at scale. And this is the next step in our analysis: how to transform isolated practices into a consistent defense strategy.
7. How to strengthen defenses against constantly evolving attacks?
Attacks are constantly evolving, so defenses need to keep pace. Resilient companies are those that treat security as a living operation , continually adapting to changes in the business and the digital landscape.
To achieve this, several layers of cybersecurity are essential:
- SOC ( Security Operations Center ) : continuous monitoring to identify anomalies and respond to incidents in real time;
- EDR ( Endpoint Detection and Response ) : active protection on devices, with detection of suspicious behavior and immediate blocking;
- Intelligent and validated backups : encrypted copies and periodically tested to ensure reliable recovery from critical incidents;
- Recurrent vulnerability analysis : anticipating risks and correcting flaws before they are exploited;
- Zero Trust and access governance : application of the principle of least privilege, with constant validation, including for internal users;
- Strategic awareness : trained and engaged teams, reducing risks associated with social engineering and bad practices in everyday life.
At Skyone , we bring these pillars together in an integrated ecosystem that simplifies security management without sacrificing technical depth. With SOC, EDR, threat analysis, backups Zero Trust- based governance , we help companies build defenses that anticipate risks, accelerate responses, and maintain the trust needed to grow in an increasingly challenging digital environment.
If you're looking to increase the maturity of your operations and prepare your company for upcoming cybersecurity challenges, speak with a Skyone specialist . We're ready to support your journey with comprehensive solutions and a long-term vision!
8. Conclusion: Security is a moving process
With each new incident, it becomes clear that vulnerability lies not only in the sophistication of attacks, but also in the speed with which they reinvent themselves . This speed makes security an ongoing effort, one that must be renewed alongside the digital environment and business models themselves.
In this scenario, the challenge for companies is not to eliminate risk, but to build defenses that evolve at the same speed . And this requires a consistent strategy that unites technology, processes, and people around a common goal: maintaining continuity safely .
At Skyone, we understand that cybersecurity can't just be a reaction: it needs to be part of the business strategy , supported by continuous monitoring, intelligent threat analysis, and access governance that accompanies business growth. This vision allows us to move forward with confidence, without sacrificing innovation and efficiency.
In short, security isn't a destination, it's a movement. And in this movement lies the opportunity to mature processes, strengthen teams, and create companies better prepared for tomorrow.
Want to continue this reflection? We also recommend reading this other article: Cybersecurity: How to Protect Your Company's Data in the Digital Age .
