Cyberspace, network security and data transfer.

Cyberspace, network security and data transfer.

1. THREATS TO CYBER SECURITY.

   • HACKING.
     • Gaining unauthorised access to a computer with the intent to corrupt data on the hard drive or to steal data.
   • PORNOGRAPHY
     • Often used to hide malicious malware and if downloaded on a LAN, risks all organisations data being corrupted.
   • CYBER STALKING
     • Where an individual uses technology to harass others, such as social media.
   • DATA THEFT
     • The theft of customer records to obtain personal details which can be used to commit identity fraud.
   • DENIAL OF SERVICE
     • A attack on a network in order to prevent users accessing there data. This is done by disrupting the connections of web server.
   • DIGITAL FORGERY
     • Intentionally changing digital contcontent such as passport photos.
   • CYBER DEFAMINATION
     • Using the internet in order to damage someones repuatation by posting slanderous messages.
   • SPAMMING
     • Sending bulk junk mail such as adverts for products which takes up a large proportion of bandwidth and slows the computer down.
   • PHISHING
     • Sending emails impersonating a reliable source like a bank and take user information through a website hyperlinked in the email.

2. Malware

   • Malware is a malicious software downloaded to a computer through the internet or email, There our several types of malware such as:
     • Virus
       • A computer program designed to damage a computer and make it unreliable and slowing down the processor. It can be stored as a hidden file and activated when a requirement is met, such as a program being opened or a certain date: To prevent this anti virus software can be downloaded.
     • Trojan Horse
       • Gains access through tricking the user its a useful software, such as a anti virus. When installed it can delete files or allow access hackers to enter the computer if its a 'backdoor Trojan. Allowing access to bank details and passwords.
     • Worm
       • Designed to spread from computer to computer in a network by replicating itself. It can do this through copying itself on to every contact in a email address book. As it requires bandwidth it leads to slower data transmission speeds.
     • Key logger
       • Software designed to record a users keystrokes such as content typed into a email. It is stored in a log file and sent to the creators of the software. It can be used to steal personal info or to monitor employees behaviour.
     • Spyware
       • uses an internet connection to collect information about a users activity. It can be bundled with shareware software that's downloaded from the internet and is used to track and share the users activities and too gather information such as credit cards. Due to takeing memory, applications may crash due to lack of memory.

3. NETWORK PROTECTION

   • Network protection refers to various methods on how to keep information safe online.
     • Data encryption
       • Due to the risk of data being intercepted, organisations use data-encryption to prevent hackers being able to use the info. Encrpyption scrambles data and makes it unreadable without the encryption key software.
     • Usernames and Passwords
       • A network manager allocates a user with a unique id and password that allows the users details to be stored in a secure database which can be checked each time a user logs in. These ids are checked againist a file server and if they are not valid, they will be denied access.
     • Access levels
       • Limits the activities different users can perform by allocating different levels of access to different users such as a student being able to only access a read only copy.
     • Backup
       • If data on a networked is lost or corrupted, the system must have a method of recovering it. Often networks use a backup system to make sure their is a copy to be loaded. They are often stored in external hard drives and backups on a scheduled time each day.
     • Firewalls
       • A hardware or software device that monitors and filters data entering or leaving a network. It blocks data which does not comply with the security policy. This prevents hackers entering the network, viruses or users downloading malicious content.

4. Protocols for Data Transfer

   • A set of rules for sending and receiving data on a network, also known as a communication protocol. It has a agreed standard but there is many different types.
     • TCP(transmission control Protocol) IP (internet protocol)
       • Used on the internet through a router to ensure that data travels on the correct network path and arrives at the correct computer.
     • FTP(File Transfer Protocol)
       • Widely used to allow users to send files over the internet. Can also be used to send software updates to network devices such as routers and switchers.
     • HTTP(Hypertext transfer protocol)
       • Used by the WWW to identify and transfer webpages online. When a URL is entered it sends a command to the web server to request the server. If it cant be reached it will show a '404 error message.'
     • HTTPS(Hypertext transfer protocol secure)
       • Like HTTP but uses a secure socket layer to ensure data is sent securely. It is mainly used in in banking and e-commerce. Unlike HTTP it uses encryption. It displays a padlock when being used.