Network Security Threats

Network Security Threats

1. Brute force attack

   • A brute force attack is when unauthorised access to a network by a hacker can be gained by using a computer program that tries all possible password combinations until the correct password is found
   • Use a strong password with 8 characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols

2. Computer Virus

3. Phishing

   • Think before you click on links or pop ups, look out for grammatical errors, or illegitimate things in email's that are suspicous, and rotate passwords regularly
   • Phishing is an activity designed to trick people into giving out personal information such as financial data. Phishers can infect computers with viruses and the most common way phishing is done is by email.

4. Spyware

   • Use trusted anti-virus software, and never download suspicious email attachments, or click on pop-ups
   • Spyware is a type of malware that steals sensitive information from unknowing users. The threats can range from inconveniences to long-term financial damage. Spyware can even hack into the computer’s camera and microphone.

5. DDoS Attack

   • DDoS Attack is a cyber-attack based on sending too many requests to an online resource, forcing the site to crash or go offline. This may create permanent damage to the site or will render it useless to everyone using it.
   • • Have a plan for when a DDoS attack hits, install protection tools such as networking monitoring software, anti-virus and anti-malware, and keep everything up to date

6. Trojan Horse

   • A Trojan Horse is usually designed as legitimate software. It will hide in seemingly innocent programs and trick you into downloading it. A Trojan can delete and modify data, and cause interruptions in the system.
   • Never open or download suspicious programs, install a trojan anti-virus, and keep all software up to date

7. Computer Worm

   • Worms can modify and delete files, or even inject additional malware onto the computer. Worms can copy themselves repeatedly and even deplete system resources.
   • Install security software, firewalls, email scanners and anti-virus software

8. SQL Injection

   • When a hacker inputs malicious SQL code into a website that allows the user to enter information, resulting in unauthorised access to the database, allowing the hacker to modify and delete files.
   • Use penetration testing to look for weaknesses in SQL code, validate user input so the site will not accept SQL characters, and restrict the SQL that can be executed by using previously prepared statements

9. Social engineering