Overview of Security Threats

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Questions and Answers

What type of attack poses a danger to the integrity of communication messages?

  • Active Attack (correct)
  • DoS Attack
  • Passive Attack
  • SYN Flooding

Which of the following is a common method used to ensure that sensitive information is protected during transmission?

  • Traffic Analysis
  • Eavesdropping
  • Encryption (correct)
  • SYN Flooding

What is the main purpose of a Denial of Service (DoS) attack?

  • To encrypt files for ransom
  • To steal sensitive information
  • To make a network service unusable (correct)
  • To gather information passively

Which measure is used specifically to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems?

<p>Penetration Testing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with passive attacks?

<p>Compromised confidentiality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a computer worm?

<p>Can self-replicate and spread independently (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of phishing attacks?

<p>They impersonate legitimate entities to steal information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential effect of a computer virus?

<p>Corruption of sensitive information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a botnet in cybersecurity?

<p>A network of compromised computers controlled by an attacker (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these malware types is primarily focused on logging user keystrokes?

<p>Keylogger (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which malware type spreads by attaching itself to other files?

<p>Virus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of a computer worm infection?

<p>Increased network activity and potential data breaches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of phishing involves targeting specific individuals or organizations?

<p>Spear Phishing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a rootkit?

<p>To gain unauthorized access and control over a computer system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about keyloggers is true?

<p>Keyloggers record every keystroke made on a keyboard. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes direct cyber attacks from indirect cyber attacks?

<p>Direct attacks involve the attacker directly breaking into a system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological tactic is commonly used in social engineering attacks?

<p>Manipulating individuals through deception. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of password attacks?

<p>To gain unauthorized access by exploiting password weaknesses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can rootkits be particularly challenging to detect?

<p>They modify the operating system to hide their presence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would a keylogger be used for a legitimate purpose?

<p>To monitor employees' computer usage in a corporate environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'root' in the context of rootkits?

<p>The highest level of administrative access in Unix-like operating systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Security Threats Overview

  • Security threats include viruses, worms, phishing, botnets, rootkits, and keyloggers.

Virus

  • Malicious software that replicates and spreads from one computer to another.
  • Can corrupt sensitive information and disrupt systems.
  • Examples: Melissa, Sasser, Conficker, CodeRed, WannaCry, Nimda.

Computer Worm

  • Self-replicating malware that spreads without the need for a host program.
  • Can slow down networks and cause data breaches.
  • Notable types: Morris Worm, Slammer, Blaster, Mydoom, Sasser.

Phishing

  • Cyberattack technique that deceives individuals into disclosing sensitive information.
  • Often impersonates trustworthy entities like companies or government agencies.
  • Variants include email phishing, spear phishing, smishing, vishing, pharming, clone phishing, and whaling.

Botnet

  • A network of compromised computers, termed "bots" or "zombies," which are controlled remotely by an attacker.
  • Often used to send spam, phishing emails, and engage in various malicious activities.

Rootkit

  • Malicious software designed to gain unauthorized control over a computer system while remaining undetected.
  • Alters system functionality to conceal its presence, making detection by antivirus software difficult.

Keylogger

  • Software or hardware that records every keystroke made on a keyboard.
  • Designed to capture sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Can be used for legitimate monitoring or malicious data theft.

Types of Cyber Attacks

  • Direct attacks: Attackers use their own computers to break into systems.
  • Indirect attacks: Compromised systems are used to target other systems.

Social Engineering

  • Manipulative tactics to obtain sensitive information or access to systems.
  • Exploits human psychology instead of technical vulnerabilities.

Password Attacks

  • Techniques to gain unauthorized access by exploiting weaknesses in passwords.
  • Aim to either guess or circumvent passwords to breach accounts.

Forms of Attacks

  • Active attacks: Involves modifying message contents, threatening integrity and availability.
  • Passive attacks: Involves monitoring communications, threatening confidentiality (e.g., traffic analysis, data capturing, eavesdropping).

Denial of Service (DoS)

  • Aim to make a network service unusable, typically through overload.
  • Types include SYN flooding, SMURF attacks, and distributed attacks.
  • Example case: Code-Red outbreak.

Measures to Improve Information Security

  • Security Awareness Training: Educate employees to identify and address threats.
  • Encryption: Secures sensitive information during transmission or storage.
  • Firewalls: Control network access and protect against unauthorized intrusions.
  • Access Controls: Restrict sensitive information access to authorized personnel.
  • Penetration Testing: Identifies system vulnerabilities and tests defenses against attacks.

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