WK3 Introduction to Network Intrusion Tactics: How Intrusions Compromise your System Flashcards
why do we need secure networks?
As you’ve learned, networks are constantly at risk of attack from malicious hackers. Attackers can infiltrate networks via malware, spoofing, or packet sniffing. Network operations can also be disrupted by attacks such as packet flooding.
Network interception attacks
Network interception attacks work by intercepting network traffic and stealing valuable information or interfering with the transmission in some way.
Packet Sniffing
Malicious actors can use hardware or software tools to capture and inspect data in transit.
n addition to seeing information that they are not entitled to, malicious actors can also intercept network traffic and alter it. These attacks can cause damage to an organization’s network by inserting malicious code modifications or altering the message and interrupting network operations.
For example, an attacker can intercept a bank transfer and change the account receiving the funds to one that the attacker controls.
Backdoor Attacks
In cybersecurity, backdoors are weaknesses intentionally left by programmers or system and network administrators that bypass normal access control mechanisms. Backdoors are intended to help programmers conduct troubleshooting or administrative tasks. However, backdoors can also be installed by attackers after they’ve compromised an organization to ensure they have persistent access.
Denial of Service (DoS) attack
A DoS attack is an attack that targets a network or server and floods it with network traffic.
Impact of attacks on organisations
Financial
When a system is taken offline with a DoS attack, or business operations are halted or slowed down by some other tactic, they prevent a company from performing the tasks that generate revenue. Depending on the size of an organization, interrupted operations can cost millions of dollars. In addition, if a malicious actor gets access to the personal information of the company’s clients or customers, the company may face heavy litigation and settlement costs if customers seek legal recourse.
Impact of attacks on organisations
Reputation
Attacks can also have a negative impact on the reputation of an organization. If it becomes public knowledge that a company has experienced a cyber attack, the public may become concerned about the security practices of the organization. They may stop trusting the company with their personal information and choose a competitor to fulfill their needs.
Public safety:
Impact of attacks on organisations
Public safety
f an attack occurs on a government network, this can potentially impact the safety and welfare of the citizens of a country. In recent years, defense agencies across the globe are investing heavily in combating cyber warfare tactics. If a malicious actor gained access to a power grid, a public water system, or even a military defense communication system, the public could face physical harm due to a network intrusion attack.
Key takeaways
Malicious actors are constantly looking for ways to exploit systems. They learn about new vulnerabilities as they arise and attempt to exploit every vulnerability in a system. Attackers leverage backdoor attack methods and network interception attacks to gain sensitive information they can use to exploit an organization or cause serious damage. These types of attacks can impact an organization financially, damage its reputation, and potentially put the public in danger. It is important that security analysts stay educated in order to maintain network safety and reduce the likelihood and impact of these types of attacks. Securing networks has never been more important.
