What are the common types of network and application attacks in 2025, and how can you defend against them?

Table of Contents

• What Are Network and Application Attacks?
• Why Are These Attacks Increasing in 2025?
• Common Types of Network Attacks
• Common Types of Application Attacks
• Emerging Attack Techniques in 2025
• Real-World Example: MOVEit Transfer Exploit
• Comparison of Network vs Application Attacks
• How to Prevent Network and Application Attacks
• Role of AI and Automation in Defense
• What Should Organizations Do in 2025?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms and interconnected systems, cybercriminals are targeting both networks and applications with more sophistication than ever before. In 2025, understanding the nature of these attacks is critical for protecting sensitive data, ensuring uptime, and maintaining customer trust.

This blog will explore what network and application attacks are, the most common types, real-world examples, and how to defend against them using modern cybersecurity practices.

What Are Network and Application Attacks?

Network attacks target the infrastructure and data transmission layers of an organization. They aim to disrupt operations, eavesdrop on traffic, or gain unauthorized access.

Application attacks focus on exploiting weaknesses in web, mobile, or desktop applications, including their input fields, APIs, or session management systems.

These two domains often intersect, as a breach in one layer can allow lateral movement into another.

Why Are These Attacks Increasing in 2025?

• Expanded attack surface: More applications, APIs, IoT devices, and cloud environments.

• Advanced attacker tools: AI-powered scanners and automated attack kits.

• Remote work risks: VPNs, home routers, and unmanaged devices introduce vulnerabilities.

  
  

• Complex infrastructures: Hybrid cloud environments blur security perimeters.

Common Types of Network Attacks

Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)

Floods a network with traffic to crash services. DDoS attacks now use IoT botnets and AI to adapt to defenses.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Interceptors capture or alter communications between users and services. Common in unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

IP Spoofing

Attackers forge IP headers to impersonate trusted systems or bypass access controls.

DNS Spoofing / Poisoning

Alters DNS records to redirect users to malicious websites, often used in phishing campaigns.

ARP Spoofing

Tricks devices into sending data to the attacker by spoofing MAC addresses on a local network.

Packet Sniffing

Intercepts network packets to extract sensitive data like credentials, especially in unencrypted traffic.

Common Types of Application Attacks

SQL Injection (SQLi)

Injecting malicious SQL code into a web form to manipulate or steal data from a database.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Injects malicious scripts into web pages, which are executed in users’ browsers—used to steal session cookies.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Tricks users into performing actions without their consent—like changing account details—when logged in.

Remote Code Execution (RCE)

Allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a server, often leading to full system takeover.

Broken Authentication

Exploiting poor session handling to hijack accounts—common in poorly coded login systems.

Insecure Deserialization

Attacker sends modified serialized objects, which, when deserialized by the application, can result in code execution.

Emerging Attack Techniques in 2025

• AI-Generated Exploits: Tools like WormGPT generate payloads and attack scripts.

• Zero-Day APIs: APIs without proper authentication are being exploited before developers notice.

• Business Logic Attacks: Abusing workflows (e.g., refunds, checkout) in e-commerce apps for fraud.

• Credential Stuffing via CDN Fronts: Attackers use trusted CDNs to hide automated login attempts.

Real-World Example: MOVEit Transfer Exploit

In 2023–2024, attackers exploited a SQLi vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, affecting hundreds of organizations globally. The incident showed how a single application flaw can lead to massive data breaches via network lateral movement.

Comparison of Network vs Application Attacks

How to Prevent Network and Application Attacks

For Network Attacks:

• Use Next-Gen Firewalls (NGFWs) to filter and inspect traffic.

• Enable Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).

• Encrypt all communications using TLS.

• Use network segmentation to isolate critical systems.

• Conduct regular vulnerability scans and network audits.

For Application Attacks:

• Follow OWASP Secure Coding Practices.

• Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs).

• Sanitize and validate all user inputs.

• Implement strong authentication and session controls.

• Regularly test apps with penetration testing and SAST/DAST tools.

Role of AI and Automation in Defense

• AI-based anomaly detection helps spot unusual network or app behavior.

• Automated patching tools reduce the window of vulnerability.

• DevSecOps integrates security into CI/CD pipelines, catching flaws early in development.

What Should Organizations Do in 2025?

1. Adopt Zero Trust: Never trust, always verify—at every layer.

2. Invest in Security Awareness Training: Employees are common attack vectors.

3. Update Legacy Systems: Outdated tech often lacks proper defenses.

4. Monitor Logs with SIEM Tools: Detect attacks early via behavior anomalies.

5. Red Team Exercises: Simulate real-world attacks to find gaps in defenses

Conclusion

Both network and application attacks are evolving rapidly in 2025. To stay protected, organizations must take a proactive approach by integrating modern security tools, best practices, and continuous monitoring into their ecosystems. Whether you're running a startup or a large enterprise, staying ahead of threats requires layered defense, educated personnel, and strong cyber hygiene.

FAQs

What are network attacks?

Network attacks are cyber threats that target a computer network’s infrastructure to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to data.

What are the main types of application attacks?

Common types include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), remote code execution (RCE), API abuse, and session hijacking.

How do DDoS attacks work?

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks overwhelm a system or network with traffic to make it unavailable to users.

What is the OWASP Top 10?

The OWASP Top 10 is a standard awareness document listing the top 10 most critical web application security risks.

What is an API attack?

An API attack targets application programming interfaces, exploiting poor authentication, excessive permissions, or exposed endpoints.

How can I protect against SQL injection?

Use prepared statements, input validation, and ORM frameworks to prevent SQL injection.

Are zero-day exploits still a major threat in 2025?

Yes, zero-day exploits remain a serious risk due to their unpredictability and ability to bypass traditional security systems.

What is cross-site scripting (XSS)?

XSS is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by other users.

How do firewalls help in cybersecurity?

Firewalls block unauthorized access and monitor traffic based on predefined rules, protecting networks and applications.

What are botnets used for in network attacks?

Botnets can be used to launch DDoS attacks, steal data, or distribute malware by remotely controlling multiple infected devices.

What is session hijacking?

It’s when an attacker takes over a user session by stealing session tokens or cookies to impersonate the user.

How does HTTPS protect applications?

HTTPS encrypts data in transit between the browser and server, preventing interception and tampering.

What is intrusion detection?

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor networks for signs of malicious activity or policy violations.

What are the signs of a network attack?

Slow systems, unusual traffic patterns, login anomalies, and data exfiltration are common signs.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and demands payment for its release.

What’s the difference between L3 and L7 attacks?

Layer 3 attacks target the network layer (e.g., IP spoofing), while Layer 7 attacks target the application layer (e.g., HTTP flood).

Can cloud apps be targeted by application attacks?

Yes, especially through misconfigured APIs, unsecured endpoints, and improper access controls.

What is rate limiting?

It’s a technique to prevent abuse by limiting the number of requests a user or system can make in a given time.

How does AI help detect cyber threats?

AI analyzes vast datasets in real-time to identify anomalies, predict threats, and automate response actions.

What is the role of a WAF (Web Application Firewall)?

A WAF filters, monitors, and blocks malicious traffic to and from web applications.

Why is patch management important?

Regular patching fixes known vulnerabilities, reducing the attack surface for threat actors.

What is a brute-force attack?

It’s when attackers try many combinations of usernames and passwords until they gain access.

What are security headers in web apps?

HTTP security headers help mitigate attacks like XSS, clickjacking, and MIME-type sniffing.

How can I secure my API endpoints?

Use authentication, input validation, rate limiting, and avoid exposing unnecessary endpoints.

What is port scanning?

It’s a reconnaissance technique where attackers scan for open ports to find exploitable services.

How does TLS encryption work?

TLS encrypts data between clients and servers to prevent eavesdropping and tampering.

What is a logic-based attack?

These exploit flaws in application logic, such as bypassing payment or authentication mechanisms.

What are zombie machines?

They are infected systems controlled remotely as part of a botnet to launch attacks.

What’s the role of honeypots in network security?

Honeypots lure attackers into fake environments to study their methods and detect intrusions.

What is MFA and how does it help?

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification beyond passwords.

What tools can help detect network attacks?

Wireshark, Snort, Suricata, Zeek, and various SIEM solutions help detect and analyze network threats.