Network-Level Attacks Overview

Study Notes

Network-Level Attacks are designed to exploit vulnerabilities of network protocols and interfaces. These types of attacks often target specific components within networks such as routers, switches, firewalls, gateways, servers, or even individual endpoints like desktop computers. Some common examples of network-level attacks include Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks, Domain Name System (DNS) Poisoning (spoofing), Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) Poisoning, and Packet Sniffing. Each of these attack types will be discussed below.

Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack

A Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the most common forms of network-based assaults. It involves overwhelming a server with traffic from multiple sources, rendering it unavailable for legitimate users. This can take many forms including HTTP floods, UDP floods, TCP SYN floods, and ICMP floods. In some cases, DDoS attacks have been known to leave victims' systems unusable for days.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks occur when someone places themselves between two communicating parties without their knowledge, eavesdropping on or altering messages passing between them. For example, if you think that your computer is sending data directly to its destination, an MITM could potentially intercept those packets before they reach their intended recipient. Once there, he or she can make changes to the message contents before forwarding them along their original path.

DNS Spoofing

Domain Name Systems (DNS) are used by hosts trying to find other hosts based on domain names rather than IP addresses. A well-known form of network-level attack called DNS Spoofing takes advantage of this feature. In order for a host to contact another host via a web browser, email client, etc., it needs to know where that remote system can be found. Users typically perform lookups using resolvers configured into browsers or operating systems; however, malicious actors might hijack either the request itself or even deploy rogue resolver services which return false information.

ARP Poisoning

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) Poisoning occurs when someone sends a packet onto a local area network claiming that an address belongs to him. If successful, all subsequent transmissions meant for the victimized machine will likely go to him instead because his MAC address has effectively replaced the correct one. To prevent being fooled by ARP Poisons, operating systems have incorporated mechanisms to validate incoming ARPs against existing entries already stored locally, though these methods may still allow ARP cache poisoning.

Packet Sniffing

Packet Sniffing refers to the monitoring of data being transmitted over a network connection. By capturing and reading the data sent through the network, hackers can gain access to valuable personal information. This type of attack requires physical proximity to a vulnerable wireless signal or target router, making it more difficult to execute remotely. However, once achieved, it allows an intruder full visibility into everything exchanged between devices connected to that particular network segment.

In summary, network-level attacks represent significant threats due to their ability to disrupt or compromise entire online communities simultaneously. Understanding how these attacks work helps us appreciate why securing our online interactions remains paramount across various technologies and industries.

Description

Learn about common types of network-level attacks such as Denial of Service (DDoS), Man-in-the-Middle (MITM), DNS Spoofing, ARP Poisoning, and Packet Sniffing. Understand how these attacks exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols and interfaces, and the potential impacts they can have on online security.