1.4 Threats to Network

Question 1

What could malware do?

Answer 1

• Files are deleted, become corrupt or are encrypted
• Computers crash, reboot spontaneously and slow down
• Internet connections become slow
• Keyboard inputs are logged and sent to hackers

Question 2

What could happen if you are a victim of phishing?

Answer 2

• Accessing a victim’s account to withdraw money, or purchase merchandise and services
• Open bank accounts and credit cards, cashing illegitimate cheques
• Gain access to high value corporate data
• Financial services can blacklist the company, resulting in damage to brand reputation

Question 3

What threat does a brute force attack pose to a network?

Answer 3

• Theft of data
• Access to corporate systems

Question 4

What threat does a denial of service attack pose to a network?

Answer 4

• Loss of access to a service for customers
• Lost revenue
• Lower productivity
• Damage to reputation

Question 5

What threat does data interception and theft pose to a network?

Answer 5

• Usernames and passwords compromised, allowing unauthorised access to systems
• Disclosure of corporate data
• Theft of data

Question 6

What threats does a SQL injection pose to a network?

Answer 6

• Contents of databases can be output, revealing private data
• Data in the database can be amended or deleted
• New rogue records can be added to the database

Question 7

What are examples of system vulnerabilities being caused by people being careless?

Answer 7

• Not installing operating system updates
• Not keeping anti-malware up to date
• Not locking doors to computer rooms
• Not logging off or locking their computer
• Leaving printouts on desks
• Writing passwords down on sticky notes attached to computers
• Sharing passwords
• Losing memory sticks/laptops
• Not applying security to wireless networks
• Not encrypting data