1.4.3 Online Security and Attacks Flashcards
What is a virus?
- A virus is a program or piece of software
- It is a program that copies itself …
- … in order to damage or destroy files files
- Often causes the computer to crash
How can I protect myself from a virus?
- Install anti-virus software
- Don’t use software from uknown sources
- Be careful when opening attachments
What does antivirus software do?
- Scans files for virus
- Also checks data before it is downloaded
- Can constantly run in the background
- Can run scheduled scans
- Automatically updates virus definitions
- Can quarantine or delete a virus
What is a Spyware?
- Spyware is a program or piece of software
- It records the key presses on the users keyboard …
- … and sendsback the key presses to the creator
- Data can be analysed to find user passwords
How can I protect myself from spyware?
- Install anti-spyware software
- Input random characters (of a password)
- Use drop down menus (instead of key presses)
- Generate time sensitive pins that change regularly
What does anti spyware software do?
- Finds and removes spyware installed on a computer
- Stops the recording of key presses …
What is a Hacking?
- The act of gaining illegal access to a computer system …
- …without the owners consent or knowledge
How can I protect myself from hacking?
- Install anti-hacking software
- Use firewalls
- Use strong passwords
What are the consequences of hacking?
- Can lead to identity theft
- Can lead to the loss of personal information
- Data can be deleted, changed or corrupted
What is a hacker?
A person who tries to gain illegal access to a computer or a network
What is a cracker?
Someone who edits program source code usually for a malicious purpose
What is cracking?
The act of illegally changing the source code of a program so that it can be exploited for another use
Explain what is meant by a DOS attack
- Denial of Service (DoS) attack
- A large number of requests are sent to the network or server all at the same tim
- Designed to flood a network/server with useless traffic/requests
- The network/server will come to a halt trying to deal with all the traffic/requests
- Prevents users from gaining access to a website/server
What are the signs of a DOS attack?
- Slow network performance e.g. accessing websites
- Unable to access particular websites or files
How can you prevent a DOS attack?
- Using an up-to-date malware/virus checker
- Setting up a firewalls to restrict traffic to a server
- Applying email filters to manage unwanted spam.
- Be careful when opening attachments
What is a Phishing?
- Creator sends a legitimate looking email
- User then clinks on a link and they are sent to a fake website
How can I protect myself from phishing?
- ISP’s can filter out phishing emails
- Don’t click on links
- Look out for spelling errors
- Look out for lack of personalisation e.g. Dear customer
- Check the URL (link) is correct
What are the consequences of pharming?
- Steals personal data when user enters details
- This leads to fraud or theft
What are the consequences of phishing?
- Steals personal data when user enters details
- This leads to fraud or theft
What is a Pharming?
- Malicious code installed on a computer or web server
- Code redirects the user to a fake website
- Hacker can change IP address on the DNS server
How can I protect myself from Pharming?
- Install anti-spyware/virus software
- Check the URL of any links you click on
What is a Wardriving?
- Locating and using wifi connections illegally
- Equipment needed is a …
- Laptop
- Wireless Network Card
- Antenna to pick up wireless signals
How can I protect myself from Wardriving?
- Use of WEP encryption
- Strong password protection for router
- Use of firewall to prevent outside access
What are the consequences of wardriving?
- Steals a users download/data allowance
- Can access wireless network to steal personal data
What is a SPAM?
- Junk/ unsolicited email
- Sent to large numbers of people
How can I prevent SPAM?
- Use a spam filter
- Do not give out your email address
- Keep an eye out for tick boxes when signing up
What is SPAM used for?
- Advertising
- Spreading malware
