Computer Network Security Overview

Introduction

Computer network security is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for internet-based technologies.
User privacy concerns are rising with internet usage, and some users may neglect security measures, leading to security breaches and privacy loss.
Computer networks allow users to share resources and exchange information.
Computer networks can be categorized into various types based on their architecture, protocol, topology, and other properties.
Two widely recognized network architectures are peer-to-peer and client-server.
Peer-to-peer: Allows all nodes to communicate directly without a central server. Suitable for smaller groups with fewer nodes.
Client-server: Employs a dedicated server that manages and controls all network nodes. Favored by large companies and institutions due to enhanced security and resource sharing capabilities.

Security Goals

The main focus of security in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is to achieve one or more of the following security goals or services:

Attacks on Wireless Sensor Networks

Security Challenges: Ensuring security in Wireless Sensor Networks is challenging due to various factors, including resource constraints, open communication channels, and the potential for node compromise.
Types of Attacks: Different types of attacks target Wireless Sensor Networks. These can include:
- Data integrity attacks: Altering or corrupting data transmitted within the network.
- Data confidentiality attacks: Unauthorized access or interception of sensitive information.
- Availability attacks: Disrupting or preventing network operations, for example, through denial-of-service attacks.
- Node capture attacks: Compromising individual sensor nodes, enabling attackers to control or use them for malicious purposes.
- Sybil attacks: Attackers creating multiple false identities within the network to manipulate network operations.
Solutions to Attacks: Various solutions have been proposed to address the challenges of securing Wireless Sensor Networks. These include:
- Cryptography: Employing encryption techniques to protect data confidentiality and integrity.
- Authentication: Verifying the identities of nodes to prevent unauthorized access.
- Access control: Restricting access to network resources based on authorization levels.
- Intrusion detection and prevention: Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and taking appropriate actions to block or mitigate attacks.
- Fault tolerance: Designing the network to be resilient to node failures or attacks, allowing the network to continue operating despite compromised nodes.

Hacking

Hacking methods: Hackers employ various techniques to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. Some common methods include:
- Social engineering: Manipulating individuals into revealing sensitive information or granting access.
- Phishing: Using deceptive emails or websites to trick users into providing login credentials or personal information.
- Password cracking: Attempting to guess or decrypt passwords using various methods.
- Brute force attacks: Trying all possible combinations of passwords or keys until the correct one is found.
- Exploiting vulnerabilities: Taking advantage of weaknesses or bugs in software or hardware to gain unauthorized access.
- Malware (viruses, worms, trojans): Using malicious software to steal data, gain control of systems, or disrupt network operations.
Prevention of Hacking:
- Strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Using complex passwords and multi-factor authentication measures to enhance security.
- Security software and updates: Regularly updating antivirus and other security software to protect against emerging threats.
- Firewalls: Implementing network firewalls to block unauthorized access and control traffic.
- Network segmentation: Dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments to limit the impact of attacks.
- User education: Training users about cybersecurity best practices to reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks or social engineering tactics.
- Regular security audits: Performing periodic vulnerability scans and penetration tests to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Hacker Goals

Hackers have various motivations for their actions. Some common goals include:
- Financial gain: Stealing credit card numbers, financial data, or other valuable information for profit.
- Espionage: Gaining access to confidential information for political, military, or commercial advantage.
- Disruption: Causing damage or disruption to systems or websites for personal or political reasons.
- Challenge: Testing their hacking skills and proving their superiority.
- Extremism: Promoting ideologically driven agendas through hacking.