Network threats

Network threats

1. Denial of service attack(DDoS)

   • A DDoS attack is where an individual or group of individuals set up a botnet , A selection of computer systems infected with zombie viruses, Which will keep sending useless packets of data to slow down or stop a network.

2. Spyware

   • Spyware is any program that secretly monitors actions on a computer often used to find out personal details.

3. Phishing

   • Is an attack to get hold of sensitive data such as passwords.This will be done by pretending to be a trusted company so people trust them and feel like their data is safe.
     • Phishing can be prevented by basic awareness and safety. People could be taught how to keep their data safe and how to reveal a fake website or email.

4. Scareware

   • Scareware is malware that attempts to scare a user into feeling the need to pay for attention for example the malware may say you have a virus and give you a solution which may have to pay for or download more malicious software.

5. Viruses,worms, zombies & trojans

   • Viruses attach themselves by attaching to files. When these are opened the virus They are copied when users interact with infected files. These then spread and spread slowing a system.
   • Worms are like viruses however they are much more malicious because they self replicate exploiting network security.
   • Trojans are hidden as legitimate software.For example a Trojan may be disguised as a game.

6. Ransomware

   • Ransom ware is malicious software that threatens to give out details unless they give their details.

7. Brute force attack

   • A brute force attack is where an attacker tries to gain information through cracking a password. Usually through trial and error.Automated software will produce likely password and keep trying until it is found.

8. Insider attack

   • An insider attack is someone exploiting network access within an organisation.

9. Passive attack

   • A passive attack is where someone watches data travelling within a network and intercepts the sensitive information.They are hard to attack are extremely hard to detect.

10. Active attack.

    • An active attack is an attack straight to a network sent to a computer.