The 7 Most Common Attacks on Computer Systems
August 26, 2008 by Antivirus Ware.com - Download Norton Antivirus software instantly!
The following 7 categories are used to classify the different types of attacks used on a computer operating system.
- Backdoor – Any method that is used to bypass normal authentication, secure remote access, gain access to text, while not being detected is known “backdoor.”
- Denial of Service Attacks – Rather than gain unauthorized access to (or control of) a computer system, this type of attack is designed to render the computer completely unusable.
- Direct Access Attacks – When the person who has accessed to your system installs any device to compromise its security platform — e.g. covert listening devices, key loggers, operating system modifications, and software worms — this is known as a direct access attack.
- Eavesdropping – Just like in law enforcement terminology, this refers to the act of listening to private conversations while not being detected.
- Exploits – Any data (or chunk of it), any software (or piece of it), or any command sequences that take advantage of bugs, glitches, or vulnerabilities in order to cause unanticipated or unintended behavior to happen with hardware or software applications, as well as something that is electronically computerized is considered an exploit.
- Indirect Attacks – Attacks that are launched by third-party computers are considered indirect attacks. Because of the fact that another computer is used to launch the attack, it is much more difficult to trace.
- Social Engineering or Human Error – Typically, a computer system is no more secure than the individual operating it. Well designed, secure systems have been desecrated by malicious individuals who have taken advantage of a person’s carelessness by deceiving them.
