What's Threatening Your Computer Network?

Written: August 1, 2007

If you have a firewall for your business network, you could easily believe "all is well on the home front" as you go about your business tasks. But is this really the case? Think again. There are at least a dozen ways to have your "paradise perfect" network crumble down. Here is a brief review of a few of threats you could be facing:

Vandalism

If there is any conceivable way to hijack computer hardware, criminals will find a way to do it. Others may choose to intentionally deface or destroy physical hardware and accessories, the actual network, share drives, or even Web sites.

Pharming

According to Microsoft, "Attackers access the giant databases that Internet providers use to route Web traffic. Once inside, they can make modifications on the spot so that you are diverted to the criminal site before you access the site you intended. This is called 'DNS poisoning.'"

Misuse

When authorized end users (inside a network) abuse their network privileges by inadvertently opening up or downloading malicious code, they threaten the computer network in use.

Malware

Malware is always lurking around the corner. "Malware" is short for malicious software. The term refers to software that is designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or computer network. Worms, viruses, adware, spyware, and Trojan Horses can enter a network through a variety of ways - when using a firewall.

Phishing

"Phishing is a criminal activity using social engineering techniques. Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. eBay and PayPal are two of the most targeted companies, and online banks are also common targets" (Wikipedia).

Denial-of-Service (DoS)

DoS attacks block end users from getting the online service they are requesting. "One common method of attack involves saturating the target (victim) machine with external communications requests, such that it cannot respond to legitimate traffic, or responds so slowly as to be rendered effectively unavailable. In general terms, DoS attacks are implemented by:

forcing the targeted computer(s) to reset, or consume its resources such that it can no longer provide its intended service; and/or,
obstructing the communication media between the intended users and the victim so that they can no longer communicate adequately" (Wikipedia).

Spam

Spam is equivalent to telemarketing, but it is in another form; namely, unsolicited email messages bombarding private Inboxes. Spam is considered to be the abuse of using email addresses without permission.

Extortion

Extortion occurs when someone demands any type of concession from their victims accompanied with threats. On the Internet, extortion usually occurs when perpetrators threaten to harm business computer networks or systems.

Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized access occurs when end users access areas within a network that they are not allowed. This is considered to be an invasion of privacy, and firewalls are of no help when access codes are stolen, misused, or broken.

Fraudulent Transactions

Firewalls can easily be bypassed when fraudulent transactions occur. Fraudulent electronic transactions and identity theft go hand-in-hand.

Summary

As you can see, there are many areas to look at as you try to protect your business computer network. The enemy that threatens your network may be innocent, ignorant, reckless, or a criminal. Knowledge alone can help to lower the risks for any one of these threats, but good network equipment is paramount.

How Can You Better Protect Your Network?

The GGI Networks' sales team will find you the network equipment you need! For questions call 1-800-908-9665 or email us at: sales@gginetworks.com.

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About GGI Network's Author:

Debbie Jensen, an expert writer for business and technology for GGI Networks, has a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication (Multimedia). With her twenty year history of creative expressions and formalized study of Information Technology of digital print/web design and development, she is now publishing articles about networking for GGI Networks.