Most networks are vulnerable to attacks from hackers or malware. There are different types of security threats that can affect your network.
Understanding them helps you identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate their impact.
What Are the Different Types of Network Security Threats?
#1: Malware
Malware is software that is harmful to computers and networks. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
Some malware is used for criminal activity and can be a threat to your computer or network.
Hackers use it for a variety of purposes. This includes stealing your personal information or using your computer as part of a botnet.
#2: Denial-of-Service (DOS) Attacks
A denial-of-service (DOS) attack is an attempt to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users. It typically occurs when an attacker sends multiple requests to a server to overload the system’s capacity.
The attack can make a network resource unavailable by exploiting a weakness in the system.
It can also be the result of a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. It is where the attacker uses multiple systems to amplify an attack.
The goal of a DOS attack is to make it so an organization cannot do business as usual. It can cause lost revenue, damage a reputation, and even cost jobs.
#3: Phishing attacks
These are attacks that use email or other messaging services. This is to trick you into giving out your personal information.
In some cases, they may even be used to get you to click on links that install malware or ransomware onto your device.
Phishing emails can be used to steal your information. They may ask you to provide your credit card information.
The emails can also be used to get you to click on links that install malware onto your system. This is done by using a carefully crafted email address or message body.
#4: Vishing Attacks
Vishing is short for “voice phishing.” It is a type of phishing attack that uses the phone to trick you into providing your personal information.
Vishing attacks are used by scammers and cybercriminals to get your banking account, credit card, or other information. They can also be used to install malware or ransomware onto your device.
Unlike traditional phishing methods, vishing can be difficult to detect. This is because callers can spoof their caller ID and use voiceover IPs (VOIPs).
#5: Ransomware
Ransomware attacks involve an attacker using malicious software to lock a computer or network resource.
The attacker will then demand a ransom from the victim to unlock that resource.
Ransomware typically arrives on your computer through an infected email attachment or an infected website.
Once installed, the ransomware may encrypt all of your files or just specific files. The attacker will typically make you pay a ransom to decrypt the files.
#6: Malicious Mobile Code (MMC) Attacks
Malicious mobile code is any code that can be used to compromise your mobile device or computer.
For example, it can include codes that cause a buffer overflow on your computer’s operating system. This is when the program causes the computer to crash or run slowly.
It can also be used to send messages from your phone without your permission. This means that the attacker may have access to your contact list as well as other information stored on your phone.
Malicious mobile codes can also be used to send premium text messages from your phone. This can cause you to incur large charges on your mobile bill.