Network Security Threats

Network Security Threats

1. Trojan horse

   • A trojan horse is where a virus disguises itself as a safe/authorised file or applicant to encourage you to download it into your computer system, where it then shows itself as its true form and takes over your computer system as a malicious virus
   • The best way to avoid malicious software such as a trojan horse virus, is to install and run anti malware programs regularly and not download files from untrusted websites

2. Phishing

   • Phishing is a way of using manipulation and lying to get someone's personal details and steal their information and data. This can be done by using fake email or messages to encourage you to reveal your information
   • You can prevent it by looking out for messages and emails that don't seem legitimate, and by calling the company through the number on their website to confirm if they sent the message

3. Social engineering

   • Social engineering is a technique that scammers use to access secure computer systems through manipulation. They can do it in real life by trying to get access into a secure building, or they can do it over a phone or email
   • By teaching people in your company how to detect situations where people are using manipulation to gain access to computer systems, as well as using authentication such as biometrics and strong passwords, you can prevent it

4. Brute force attack

   • By using two step verification on platforms such as Facebook, and extra security measures such as not using the same password for everything, you can make it more difficult for brute force attackers to get into your computer system and to access your information
   • A brute force attack is where a hacker uses trial and error with passwords and verification systems to gain access to your personal data which they then use to gain access to everything

5. Passive attacks

   • A passive attack is where a hacker intercepts a data packet being sent through a system with no verification systems, which they then use to access all of that devices information
   • A passive attack can be prevented by using safe systems with verification systems, as well as using encryption and penetration testing