Security threats to networks14 April 2005
As with all criminal activity, there are always easy-targets. So when it comes to online criminal activity - networks -wired or wireless - are often vulnerable to hackers. Wireless networks pose an even higher risk, the main reason being that they work of a signal and any computer within this range could be attached to a network.
The main problem with networks lies in the fact that most businesses (big or small) do not take the time to do a complete risk assessment of the security threats they face. As a result, they never really know how vulnerable they are and so do not take the appropriate measures and therefore leave themselves open to attack.
There are some well-known risks that networks face, according to trusted sources like Microsoft:
Spoofing
We've covered email spoofing before, but where networks are concerned, there is an even higher risk known as 'IP spoofing' or 'DNS spoofing'. This means that criminals send out packets of information and make it look like it comes from a trusted IP address.
Tampering
Tampering is when a hacker breaks in to your network and alters information leaving your network or alters information on your PCs.
Information leaks/disclosure
As the term suggests it exposing your data to the world so people who normally wouldn't be able to access it - can view it freely.
Denial of service
When a hacker assaults a network and overloads its server so that it stops functioning, it's known as DoS or Denial of Service.
Elevation of privilege
This is a process by which a criminal can trick a system into giving him or her access and then usually destroys it.
Avoiding security attacks on your network:
Remember that as with all networks you have to worry about controlling access to your network, and about securing your individual computers. Some of the ways you can avoid malicious attacks are:
- Do a thorough risk assessment - check all your vulnerabilities to get a full measure of the type of security you're going to need.
- Use a firewall: Firewalls control access to you network and can go along way to stop infiltration. Make you sure you do your research in to hardware and software firewalls.
- Have a password policy: Even if you're a homeworker - there are some basic rules to passwords that will keep your data safe.
- Set up your wireless security features - most Wi-Fi products come with their security features turned off by default - make it your business to check your manuals and switch these features on.
- Follow secures file-sharing practices - this means sharing only what you need to share and password protecting anything that is shared.
