NST - Network and System Threats (Overview)

Network and System Threats

Introduction

The goal of this module is to arm learners with a comprehensive understanding of the vast landscape of cybersecurity threats and the practical skills necessary to defend against them. This module delves into the intricacies of IP addresses and subnet masks, revealing their critical roles in network reconnaissance, and underscores the paramount importance of securing networks against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, which can cripple the availability of services. Through exploring digital exploits, students will learn about the nuances of penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and the ethical considerations that differentiate malicious attacks from security practices.

The module also sheds light on the subtle yet dangerous techniques of spoofing and sniffing, highlighting the necessity of vigilance and robust security measures to protect data integrity and confidentiality. Furthermore, it navigates through the vulnerabilities inherent in wireless devices and networks, equipping learners with strategies to mitigate risks associated with Bluetooth, cellular, and wireless technologies, including the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for enhanced privacy and security. By the end of this module, participants will be well-equipped to identify and address a variety of network and system threats, making them invaluable assets in the ongoing battle to secure the cyber landscape.

Learning Questions

  1. How do IPv4 addressing and subnet masks function in network communication, and why are they crucial for cybersecurity?
  2. What are the characteristics of Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and how can organizations protect against them?
  3. What is the difference between penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, including their roles in identifying network and system vulnerabilities?
  4. What strategies can be employed to detect and prevent spoofing and sniffing attacks, and how do these attacks threaten data confidentiality and integrity?
  5. What are the various types of spoofing attacks (IP spoofing, ARP poisoning, DNS spoofing) and their potential impacts on network security? How can these be mitigated?
  6. What are the vulnerabilities associated with wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, cellular networks, and Wi-Fi, and what measures can be taken to secure them?
  7. How do Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enhance security and privacy for both organizational and personal use in the context of wireless vulnerabilities?
  8. Why is understanding network and system threats essential for developing effective cybersecurity strategies in the prevention, detection, and response to cyber incidents?

Key Terms

  • ARP Poisoning (Spoofing): A form of attack in which an attacker sends falsified ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) messages over a local area network to link the attacker's MAC address with the IP address of a legitimate computer or server on the network.
  • Bluetooth Threats: Security risks associated with Bluetooth technology, including Bluejacking, Bluesnarfing, and Bluebugging.
  • Denial of Service (DoS) / Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): Attacks aimed at overwhelming a system or network, rendering it inaccessible to intended users by flooding it with excessive traffic.
  • DNS Spoofing (Poisoning): The act of diverting traffic from a legitimate server to a fake one by corrupting the domain name system data.
  • Evil Twin Attack: A cyber-attack where a fraudulent Wi-Fi access point is set up to mimic a legitimate access point, tricking users into connecting to it so that their data can be intercepted.
  • IP Spoofing: A technique used to gain unauthorized access to computers, wherein the attacker sends messages to a computer with an IP address indicating that the message is from a trusted host.
  • IPv4 Addressing: Internet Protocol version 4, a foundational technology that allows devices to communicate over a network by assigning unique identifiers known as IP addresses.
  • Network Reconnaissance: The practice of gathering information about a network, its systems, and its vulnerabilities, often used in the planning phase of a cyber-attack.
  • Penetration Testing: A simulated cyber-attack against a system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities.
  • Rogue Access Points: Unauthorized wireless access points installed on a network, which can be used by attackers to bypass network security and gain access to network traffic.
  • Sniffing: The act of intercepting and logging traffic passing over a digital network, used by cybercriminals to eavesdrop on network traffic.
  • Spoofing: A malicious practice where communication from an unknown source is disguised as being from a known, trusted source.
  • Subnet Masks: A numerical mask that separates the IP address into the network and host parts, determining which portion of an IP address designates the network and which part addresses the specific device.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): A service that allows you to connect to the internet via a server run by a VPN provider, encrypting your data and hiding your IP address to ensure privacy and security.
  • Vulnerability Assessment: The process of identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing (or ranking) the vulnerabilities in a system.
  • Wireless Vulnerabilities: Security weaknesses inherent in wireless networks that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.