What Are Common Network Security Threats?
As the world is fast becoming a digital textbook, network security threats are a significant concern , where the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information are paramount.
These threats can come in various forms and from different sources, often seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in network systems. Understanding these threats is crucial for effective network defense strategies.
Three common factors emerge when dealing with network security, these are vulnerability, threat, and attack.
Vulnerabilities
An experienced hacker knows that every network or device has a certain degree of vulnerability or weakness, and they take advantage of each security weakness or loophole to exploit the network. Computer network hackers work round the clock in search of unsecured networks or devices to exploit. These include routers, switches, desktops, servers, and even security devices.
They use a variety of tools, programs, and scripts to accomplish these threats. The primary network vulnerabilities or weaknesses are:
Technological, Configuration, and Security policy weaknesses:
Technological weaknesses: as mentioned earlier, every computer network and device has an inherent security weakness. These include TCP/IP protocol (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, SNMP) on which the Internet was designed, operating system (Unix, Linux, Mac OS, Windows OS, and network equipment weaknesses (Routers, Firewalls, Switches, etc).
Configuration weaknesses: incorrect configuration or application of security software or firewall devices due to laxity can help compromise a network. These include unsecured user account information or passwords, system account information or passwords, misconfigured internet services, unsecured default settings within products, and misconfigured network equipment – ACLs or routing protocols. All of the above enable the creation of security holes that every experienced hacker is looking out for.
Security policy weaknesses: Every organization must have a security policy that governs and maintains how the network or company information should be used. Security risks to the network exist if users do not follow the security policy. Security weaknesses emerge when there is no clear-cut or written security policy document. A security policy meets these goals:
i. To Inform users, staff, and managers of their obligatory requirements for protecting technology and information assets
ii. Specifies the mechanisms through which these requirements can be met
iii. Provides a baseline from which to acquire, configure, and audit computer systems and networks for compliance with the policy.
IoT (Internet of Things) Vulnerabilities: IoT devices often lack robust security measures, making them susceptible to attacks. Attackers can compromise these devices to gain access to a network or launch attacks.
Network Threats And Attacks.
Malware: Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses various types such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware. These programs are designed to infiltrate, damage, or steal data from a computer or network.
Phishing Attacks: Phishing involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or financial data by posing as a trustworthy entity via email, websites, or other communication channels.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: DoS attacks flood a network or system with excessive traffic, overwhelming its resources and rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks are similar to DoS attacks but involve multiple compromised devices, creating a coordinated effort to flood a target, making it even more challenging to mitigate.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: In a MitM attack, an attacker intercepts and possibly alters communications between two parties without their knowledge. This can lead to data theft or manipulation.
Insider Threats: Insider threats come from within an organization, where employees or authorized individuals misuse their access to steal data, commit fraud, or compromise network security intentionally or unintentionally.
Password Attacks: Password attacks involve attempts to guess or crack passwords through techniques like brute force, dictionary attacks, or credential stuffing to gain unauthorized access.
SQL Injection: SQL injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to manipulate SQL queries and gain access to databases, potentially revealing sensitive information.
Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: Zero-day vulnerabilities are unpatched software flaws that cybercriminals exploit before developers can release a fix or patch, posing a significant threat.
Social Engineering: Social engineering attacks manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security through psychological manipulation.
Ransomware: Ransomware encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. This threat has become increasingly prevalent and damaging.
Data Leakage: Data leakage occurs when sensitive information is unintentionally or maliciously exposed to unauthorized individuals or entities, leading to data breaches.
Insecure Network Configuration: Poorly configured network settings and misconfigured devices can create security weaknesses that attackers exploit to gain unauthorized access or disrupt operations.
Web Application Vulnerabilities: Flaws in web applications, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF), can enable attackers to manipulate or compromise user data.
It is important for organizations and individuals to stay vigilant against these threats and implement robust security measures to safeguard their networks and data, comrade.
