What are the common attacks in a computer network?

Common Attacks in a Computer Network

Cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to computer networks, ranging from individual devices to large-scale infrastructure. These attacks aim to compromise data integrity, system accessibility, and overall network security. Here are some of the most common types of attacks:

1. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks:
DoS attacks flood a target server with excessive traffic, overwhelming its resources and preventing legitimate users from accessing it.

2. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks:
Similar to DoS attacks, DDoS attacks involve multiple compromised devices known as botnets that simultaneously flood a target with traffic, making it difficult to mitigate.

3. Phishing Scams:
Phishing emails or websites deceive users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, by impersonating legitimate sources.

4. Ransomware Infections:
Ransomware encrypts files on a victim’s computer or network, demanding a ransom payment for their release. If the ransom is not paid, the files may be permanently lost or destroyed.

5. SQL Injection Vulnerabilities:
SQL injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that allow attackers to execute unauthorized SQL queries, potentially retrieving sensitive data or compromising the database.

6. DNS Manipulation:
DNS manipulation techniques redirect web traffic to malicious websites or disrupt the resolution of legitimate DNS addresses, enabling attackers to steal data or compromise systems.

7. Brute-Force Attacks:
Brute-force attacks use automated tools to try numerous password combinations until the correct one is discovered, enabling unauthorized access to accounts or systems.

8. Trojan Horses:
Trojan horses are malicious programs that disguise themselves as legitimate software or files but execute harmful actions once installed, allowing attackers to gain control of a system or steal sensitive data.

These common attacks highlight the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect computer networks. Organizations and individuals should regularly update software, use robust anti-virus and anti-malware programs, implement network segmentation, and educate users on common attack techniques to mitigate potential threats.