Network Security Threats and Solutions
This page provides an overview of network security threats and solutions, essential knowledge for OCR Computer Science Level students. It covers various forms of attack, qualities of strong passwords, types of malware, and methods to identify and prevent vulnerabilities.
Forms of Attack
Network attacks can be categorized into four main types:
- Active: Attempts to modify or delete data, or disrupt network operations.
- Passive: Aims to gather information about the network without making changes.
- Internal: Attacks originating from within the organization.
- External: Attacks coming from outside the organization.
Definition: Data interception in computer science refers to the act of observing data traveling over a network, often using software called a packet sniffer.
Social Engineering and Common Attacks
Social engineering exploits human error and involves tricking users into revealing information. Common attacks include:
- Phishing: Deceptive emails that trick users into providing sensitive information.
- Brute force attacks: Systematically trying all possible passwords until the correct one is found.
- Denial of Service (DOS): Overwhelming a computer or network with traffic.
- SQL injection: A technique used to manipulate or retrieve data from SQL databases by inserting malicious code into input fields.
Example: An example of SQL injection in GCSE Computer Science might involve entering SQL code into a website's search bar to access unauthorized data from the database.
Highlight: To prevent SQL injection in GCSE Computer Science, it's crucial to validate and sanitize all user inputs before processing them in database queries.
Qualities of a Strong Password
Strong passwords are essential for network security. They should:
- Be at least eight characters long
- Include upper and lower case letters
- Contain special characters and numbers
- Avoid using names or complete words
- Not be related to personal information
Vocabulary: Qualities of a strong password in computer science OCR GCSE include length, complexity, and uniqueness to resist various types of password attacks.
Types of Malware
Malware is malicious software designed to harm systems or networks. Common types include:
- Viruses: Hide within other applications and spread by infecting files.
- Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads through networks.
- Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installation.
- Spyware: Monitors user activities and sends information to attackers.
- Ransomware: Blackmails users by encrypting files or threatening data loss.
Definition: Malware in GCSE OCR computer science refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network.
Identifying and Preventing Vulnerabilities
To protect against network threats and forms of attack in computer science, organizations can implement various security measures:
- Penetration testing: Scanning for security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
- User access levels: Limiting user actions to reduce risks of data theft and damage.
- Secure passwords: Implementing strong password policies to defend against brute force attacks.
- Encryption: Encoding data to protect against interception and theft.
- Anti-malware software: Preventing and removing malicious software.
- Firewalls: Monitoring and controlling network traffic.
- Physical security: Protecting hardware through measures like security guards and CCTV.
Quote: "Penetration testing allows organisations to find and fix threats before attackers can use them."
This comprehensive overview of network security threats and solutions provides essential knowledge for students studying Computer Science Paper 1 OCR and preparing for Computer Science Paper 2 OCR revision.
