Attacks on Home Computers and Network security

How is my computer attacked?

There are a number of ways your computer is attacked. Sometimes you are the person who aids in the attack.

• Reading an email that activates the virus
• Intruders use software programs that take advantages of flaws in your operating system or applications
• Flaws are difficult to test due to increasing complexity of programs. Usually when flaws are detected then the corrections are made by issuing patches or service packs that are a number of patches together. If your computer does not have a patch it can be compromised.
• Some software applications allow other users to access the computer through a remote connection. These include chats and web browsers.
• Trojan horse programs are the most common way to installing backdoor programs and this is done by tricking you to download something you think is useful. Once they enter your computer they change your systems setup as they like and do other harmful activities that make your computer vulnerable to other viruses and even participate in a Zombie army.
• Remote administration programs are normally loaded onto your computer after a Trojan has attacked your computer and opened a door(usually called ports in computer terminology) Once a port is opened the attacker then uses your present application programs for the task they need.
• Denial of Service will cause your computer to crash or hang as though it is very busy processing data. (install patches offered by your OS and software vendors to prevent such attacks)
• Distributed denial of service (DDoS) makes you an intermediary for an attack as the intruder installs a program that remote controls your computer and awaits further instructions. Once the intruder instructs thousands of computers including your own will attack another computer.
• Windows network share help you in common tasks and comprises of file sharing print sharing and other resources. These create problems if it is unprotected. Site security is interdependent and so one compromise creates problems not only for that computer but for the internet community as well. DDoS tools are utilized here. 911 worm is an example of a worm propagating through windows shares.
• Mobile code (Java, Java Script & Active X) can be useful for intruders to get information or run mal ware on your computer. In case you do not trust a site do not open it.
• You can expose your web browser to malicious scripts by following links in web pages, email messages, newsgroup postings etc… Interactive forums and other dynamically generated pages for online discussion are some more examples. This is known as cross site scripting
• Email spoofing is a way of the intruder sending you a mail and making it appear as though it is a mail from someone you know. This is used to trick the user to give away sensitive information like personal details and passwords. This is also used to send viruses that you download thinking it to be a file sent by a friend. Many times your email client hides the extension of the file type. This is also dangerous as the Trojans and viruses have an extension as vbs or exe. Some examples are Anna Kournikova.jpg.vbs and quickflick.mpg.exe
• Internet Chat Applications such as instant messaging and Internet Relay chat provide a mechanism for a bi-directional communication between computers. Means to exchange files web URL’s and also allow executable code have been the means of many intruders to download and execute Trojans and viruses on your PC.
• Packet Sniffer is a program meant to look into the data you are transmitting on the internet. Your user name and passwords are gleaned from the packets and are used for further attacks.

Securing your home network

A few tips on securing your home network can go a long way in keeping your computer and network secure.

• Install all the latest patches and critical updates from the Operating systems and application program vendors.
• Install an anti-virus program and regularly update anti-virus definitions
• Install a anti spy ware /ad ware software
• Use a firewall to block out unwanted sites.

Wireless home network security is also important especially if you have installed a Wi-Fi hotspot for wireless networking in your house. You need to protect yourself from nearby radio receivers that can pick up your wireless signals and hence get the necessary data. To prevent this you could use encryption technology so that your data is not transmitted as plain text. Laptop and computer home security need to be taken care of and this will definitely help your friends and others on the internet as you will not spread infections to them.

Related Articles

Essentials of a Network: Network Security
How is the Security of your Network Compromised?
How Secure is your Windows Network?
Network Security and Linux: Is it really better?
How Secure is Your Wireless Network?

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