unit 6 - cybersecurity

Cyber security

Protection of computer systems, networks and data from criminal activity.

Cyber security threats

Potential risks that make systems vulnerable to attacks.

Blagging

Creating an invented scenario to pretend to be someone else to gain information.

Blagging example

Calling IT support pretending to be an employee to get a password.

Worm

A malware which replicates and spreads to other computers by itself.

Pretext

Scenario used in blagging.

Phishing

Sending fake emails/texts to trick users into giving you their personal information.

Phishing e.g

An email claiming you won a prize and asking for bank details.

Shouldering (shoulder surfing)

Watching someone enter private information.

Shouldering e.g

Looking over someone’s shoulder at an ATM to steal their pin.

Malicious code (malware)

Software designed to harm computers/steal data.

Virus

A program that spreads by attaching itself to files.

Virus e.g

Deletes documents or slows down the computer.

Spyware

Software that secretly collects user info without permission.

Spyware e.g

A program that records keystrokes to steal passwords.

Trojan

Malware disguised as a legit program but Performs harmful actions once installed.

Trojan e.g

Downloading a free game that secretly installs a backdoor for hackers.

Removable media

Using external storage devices that can carry malware or sensitive data.

Removable media e.g

Plugging in a USB from an unknown source that contains a virus.

pharming

Redirecting a user from a real website to a fake one to steal data.

Pharming e.g

Typing a correct bank URL but being sent to a fake site that asks for login details.

Weak & default passwords

Passwords that are easy to guess

Weak/default passwords e.g

123456, admin, password

Misconfigured access rights

Giving users access to files or systems they shouldn't have.

Misconfigured access rights e.g

A student being able to edit teacher only files .

Unmatched and outdated software

Using software which hasn't been updated which can have security flaws.

Outdated software e.g

Running an old version of a browser that hackers can exploit .

Ransomware

Malware that prevents you from accessing your computer, usually by encrypting files.

adware

software that opens pop-ups or windows that you can’t close.

Automatic software updates

where software is automatically updated to the latest version to remove software patches.