Dear Wisam Mohammed Abed Alqaraghuli,

Security Risks in computer networks arise mainly when the primary objectives of computer network security cannot be guaranteed/achieved.

My picture is intended to express this more clearly.

Best regards and good luck

Anatol Badach

Computer networks are essential for businesses and organizations of all sizes. They allow us to share information, collaborate on projects, and access resources remotely. However, computer networks also pose a number of security risks.

Here are some of the most common security risks related to computer networks:

• Malware: Malware is a software program that is designed to harm a computer system. There are many different types of malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Malware can be installed on a computer through a variety of ways, such as clicking on a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or downloading a file from an untrusted source. Once malware is installed on a computer, it can steal data, damage files, or take control of the computer.📷Opens in a new window📷www.ikusi.comMalware
• Phishing: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that is designed to trick users into giving up personal information, such as their username and password. Phishing attacks can be carried out through email, text messages, or even social media. Once a user provides their personal information to a phisher, the phisher can use it to steal their money or identity.📷Opens in a new window📷frontiersin.orgPhishing
• Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: A DoS attack is an attempt to make a computer system unavailable to users. DoS attacks can be carried out by flooding a computer system with traffic, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in the system. DoS attacks can prevent users from accessing essential services, such as email, online banking, and e-commerce.📷Opens in a new window📷thesecmaster.comDenialofservice (DoS) attacks
• Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks: A MitM attack is an attack in which an attacker intercepts communication between two parties. This can allow the attacker to steal data, modify data, or even impersonate one of the parties. MitM attacks can be carried out on a variety of networks, including Wi-Fi networks and public networks.📷Opens in a new window📷www.imperva.comManinthemiddle (MitM) attacks
• Insider threats: Insider threats are security threats that come from within an organization. Insider threats can be caused by employees, contractors, or even vendors. Insider threats can be difficult to detect and prevent, as they often involve people who have access to sensitive information or systems.📷Opens in a new window📷www.crowe.comInsider threats
• Zero-day attacks: A zero-day attack is an attack that exploits a vulnerability in software that is unknown to the software vendor. Zero-day attacks are often difficult to defend against, as there is no patch available to fix the vulnerability.📷Opens in a new window📷cloudkul.comZeroday attacks
• Cloud security: Cloud security is the practice of protecting data and applications in the cloud. Cloud security is a complex issue, as it requires organizations to consider the security of their own systems as well as the security of the cloud provider's systems.📷Opens in a new window📷ridge.coCloud security

These are just a few of the security risks related to computer networks. It is important for businesses and organizations to be aware of these risks and to take steps to mitigate them.

Here are some tips for mitigating the security risks related to computer networks:

• Keep your software up to date. This includes your operating system, web browser, and other applications.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Be careful about what you click on and what attachments you open.
• Use a firewall and antivirus software.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using public Wi-Fi.
• Educate your employees about security risks.
• Have a plan for responding to security incidents.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your computer network from security risks.

Dear Doctor

"7 Common Network Security Issues

If your company is aware of the threats listed below, you can create more comprehensive strategies and practices to ensure that your organisation will not fall prey to the cyber world's worst.

1) Internal Security Threats

Over 90% of cyberattacks are caused by human error. This can take the form of phishing attacks, careless decision-making, weak passwords, and more.

Insider actions that negatively impact your business's network and sensitive data can result in downtime, loss of revenue, and disgruntled customers.

2) Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

A DDoS attack causes websites to crash, malfunction, or experience slow loading times. In these cases, cybercriminals infect internet-connected devices (mobile phones, computers, etc.) and convert them into bots. Hackers send the bots to a victim's IP address.

This results in a high volume of internet traffic bombarding the website with requests and causing it to go offline. These attacks make it difficult to separate legitimate and compromised traffic.

3) Rogue Security Software

Rogue security software tricks businesses into believing their IT infrastructure is not operational due to a virus. It usually appears as a warning message sent by a legitimate anti-malware solution.

Once a device is infected with a rogue program, the malware spams the victim with messages, forcing them to pay for a non-existent security solution, which is often malware. Rogue security software can also corrupt your pre-existing cyber security programs to prolong their attack.

4) Malware

Malware are malicious software programs used to gather information about victims through compromised devices. After successful deployments, hackers can mine devices for classified information (email addresses, bank accounts, passwords, etc.) and use them to commit identity theft, blackmail, or other business-damaging actions.

Malware includes:

• Worms – exploits weaknesses in computer systems to spread to other devices.
• Rootkits – grants unauthorised access to systems in the form of fraudulent access privilege without the victim's knowledge.
• Trojan viruses – slips under a network's radar by hitchhiking on other software and provides hackers with unprecedented access to systems.
• Spyware – gathers information on how devices are used by their owners.

5) Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files within infected systems and holds them for ransom, forcing victims to pay for a decryption key to unlock the data. This can take the form of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS).

RaaS is like software-as-a-service (SaaS), specifically for ransomware. RaaS dealers develop codes that buyers can use to develop their own malware and launch cyberattacks. Some common RaaS examples include BlackMatter, LockBit, DarkSide, and REvil.

6) Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are scams where hackers disguise themselves as a trusted entity and attempt to gain access to networks and steal personal information, such as credit card details. Phishing scams take the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls.

Similar to rogue security software, phishing attacks are designed to appear legitimate. This encourages victims to click on malicious links or download malware-laden attachments.

7) Viruses

Computer viruses are commonly attached to downloadable files from emails or websites. Once you open the file, the virus exploits vulnerabilities in your software to infect your computer with malicious code to disrupt network traffic, steal data, and more.

Viruses are not to be confused with worms. Though they both are a type of malware, the difference is in how they penetrate networks. Simply put, computer viruses cannot infect systems until their host (the file) is opened. Worms can infect networks as soon as they enter a business's IT infrastructure."

Security vulnerabilities, including unauthorized access and data interception.

Computer networks, as convenient as they are, come with their own set of security risks. These risks can threaten the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of your data and systems. Here are some of the most common ones:

Malware: This broad term encompasses various malicious software programs like viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. They can steal data, disrupt operations, or hold your systems hostage for ransom.

Phishing: This deceptive tactic lures users into revealing sensitive information like passwords or financial data through emails, websites, or text messages that appear to be legitimate.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks: These aim to overwhelm a network with so much traffic that it becomes unavailable to legitimate users. This can disrupt online services and cause financial losses.

Insider threats: Malicious or negligent actions by employees, contractors, or anyone with authorized access to the network can pose a significant risk. This could involve data breaches, sabotage, or even espionage.

Weak passwords and access controls: Simple, guessable passwords and lax access control policies make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your network and data.

Unpatched vulnerabilities: Software vulnerabilities are like open doors for attackers. Failure to install security patches promptly leaves your systems exposed to known exploits.

Social engineering: This manipulative tactic uses psychology to trick users into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

Insecure Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted, making it easy for attackers to eavesdrop on traffic and steal data. Even private Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable if not properly secured.

Cloud security: While cloud computing offers many benefits, it also introduces new security challenges. Data stored in the cloud is beyond your physical control, so it's essential to choose a reputable provider with robust security measures.

These are just some of the most common security risks related to computer networks. By understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you can help protect your data and systems from harm.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe:

• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails.
• Use a firewall and antivirus software.
• Be aware of social engineering tactics and never share sensitive information with strangers.
• Secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and encryption.
• Choose a reputable cloud provider with strong security practices.

Remember, network security is an ongoing process. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your networks and data safe from harm.