Network Security Threats

Network Security Threats

1. Trojan Horse

   • A type of malware that gains access to a computer by pretending to be legitimate software. The trojan allows unauthorised backdoor access to a computer without the user being aware.

2. Viruses

   • A program that inserts themselves in normal programs. Viruses can replicate themselves and transfer from one computer to another. They are activated by a user often as email attachments and attachment to other files and programs.

3. Spyware

   • Spyware records the activity on your computer such as your keystrokes, thereby logging your passwords for instance and then sending the data back over the network to the attack instigator. Spyware can also be used to control your webcam and microphone.

4. Adware

   • Adware includes banners and popups that are automatically installed onto a computer. Whilst this does not cause any damage, adware is undesirable and can slow down the performance of a computer.

5. Worms

   • Worms spread like viruses but do not require human intervention. They attach themselves to network tools to spread automatically around a network very quickly.

6. Phishing

   • Phishing is Normally an email or text messaging scam where victims are conned into believing that they are being contacted by an authentic organisation (e.g. by their bank) and can give sensitive personal details (such as bank account passwords).

7. Pharming

   • Pharming Users are redirected to a fraudulent website that they believe to be genuine because it looks like the real site. For instance, you could be directed to a site that pretends to be an online store which asks you for your credit card information.

8. Blagging

   • Blagging (Pretexting) is where Fraudsters make up a scenario to con victims into revealing something they would not ordinarily do. They may have found out some personal information about you from social media sites, to pretend they already know you.