Cyberattacks can occur on any device and at any time as cybercriminals have developed sophisticated methods to breach cybersecurity defenses.  Understanding where cyber attacks originate and identifying their starting points is crucial for bolstering your company’s defenses.

In this blog, we will delve into the different sources and origins of cyber attacks to gain insights into how these threats evolve and how organizations can better protect themselves.

In the past, all attacks came from outside sources, or, in other words, the internet.

Cybersecurity companies employed firewalls, IDS, and IPS systems to block incoming attacks, while anti-virus software became a trusted defense mechanism. However, these methods have become outdated.  The malware that hackers now use is encrypted to the point that they are essentially invisible to firewalls and IDS systems.

Historically, these edge devices acted as the first line of defense, protecting the network from outside threats, but this is no longer the case. The line of devices that attackers needed to penetrate before they could make a serious breach is no longer a concern to hackers. Cyber attackers have come up with multiple ways to gain direct access from inside the network.

We take a look at three of those ways below:

Phishing and Social Engineering

Cyber attacks often start with phishing emails and social engineering tactics. Attackers craft deceptive emails, messages, or phone calls to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Unsuspecting users who fall victim to these tactics can unknowingly compromise their organization's security by granting unauthorized access to attackers or introducing malware into the system. Cybercriminals rely on human vulnerability to bypass technological defenses, making education and awareness training critical in thwarting these initial attack vectors.

Malware and Exploits

Malware, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans, remains a prevalent starting point for cyber attacks. Cybercriminals leverage software vulnerabilities or exploits to inject malware into systems, allowing them to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or cause system disruptions. Ransomware attacks, where malware encrypts crucial data until a ransom is paid, are particularly damaging. Keeping software up to date and implementing robust cybersecurity measures are essential in mitigating the risk posed by malware-driven attacks.

Supply Chain Attacks

Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in the supply chain to launch attacks. By targeting third-party vendors or suppliers connected to the target organization, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or introduce malware into the supply chain ecosystem. Notable examples include the compromise of software updates to distribute malicious code to unsuspecting users. Organizations must evaluate and monitor the security practices of their partners and vendors to ensure that their supply chain remains secure and resilient.


Cyber attacks stem from various sources, from social engineering and malware to supply chain vulnerabilities. These advanced attacks ignore the line of defense that once proved competent. Companies do not realize that attacks can take place from within their own network.

Relying on firewalls and anti-virus software is simply no longer enough. Rather than simple edge protection, companies need cybersecurity solutions that give them full coverage. With solutions from a reliable cybersecurity company, when an attack is made — no matter where it is coming from — the company is notified immediately, and the attack can be isolated before it begins to spread.

Contact us today to learn more about our proactive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard your business against ever-evolving cyber threats.