Network Security Threats

Network Security Threats

1. Active Attack

   • This is an attack when someone attacks the network with malware instantly. These are easily detectable and the main protection against them is the firewall.

2. Brute Force Attack

   • This is an active attack that is used to gain sensitive information like passwords. They use trial and error to crack passwords and are done through automated software that tries to guess your password.
     • Some systems can prevent this by locking accounts after a certain number of incorrect attempts. They also can make you do a Captcha to make sure you are not a password cracking bot.

3. Phishing

   • It is an attempt to gain sensitive information (such as bank details etc.) through trusted mediums for example. bank and payment sites like PayPal. These are mainly done through emails and fake sites.

4. Scareware

   • It purposely tells the user that they have a virus/malware installed on their computer and the user has to install other software or pay the hackers to remove the malware.

5. Virus, Worms, Zombies & Trojans

   • Virus
     • Viruses attach themselves to certain files (such as .exe which are executable files like programs) and run scripts of code. They spread by users coping , moving and opening files.
   • Worms
     • They are viruses that self-replicate themselves without any user influence. They spread very quickly and don't need the user to click anything for it to spread.
   • Zombies
     • Zombies are malware that control your computer and can be used in a botnet and can be used in attacks like DDoS.
   • Trojans
     • Trojans are disguised malware as official software, they don't replicate themselves like viruses or worms. They are installed by the user without realising it.