Security Threats

Security Threats

1. Passive attack

   • This is when the attacker is looking what you are doing on a network
   • How to prevent it - Get a good network encryption by getting a good ISP. Use IP spoofing or a VPN.
   • How to prevent it - Get a good network encryption by getting a good ISP. Use IP spoofing or a VPN

2. Insider attack

   • In an insider attack someone within the organisation exploits their network access to steal information.

3. Denial of service attack (DDOS)

   • This is where a hacker tries to stop users from accessing a part of a network or website. Most DOS attacks involve flooding the network with useless traffic, making the network extremely slow or not accessible at all.

4. Spyware

   • Spyware is a type of malware which is being monitored without the person knowing and then records what the user is doing
   • How to prevent it - Get a good anti-virus software. Don't download files from untrusted sites. Look for file size and file type.

5. Ransomware

   • Ransomware is a type of malware that uses encryption to lock a user out of their files.

6. Active attack

   • This is when someone attacks the network with malware or other planned attacks. They are more easily detected. The main defence against them is a firewall.

7. Brute force attack

   • This is a type of active attack used to gain information by cracking passwords through trial and error. Brute force attacks use automated software to produce hundreds of likely password combinations.

8. Phishing

   • Phishing is when criminals send emails or texts to someone claiming to be someone who they are not

9. Scareware

   • Scareware is a type of malware that creates false messages trick the user into following malicious links.

10. Viruses, worms and Trojans

    • Viruses attach to certain files. Users spread them by copying infected files and activate them by opening infected files.
    • Worms are like viruses but they self-replicate without any user help, meaning they can spread very quickly. They exploit weaknesses in network security
    • Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans don't replicate themselves - uses install them not realising they have a hidden purpose