...For a better understanding of the situation in the network of the company I decided to start the analysis by the vulnerabilities that this one presents. Many of these vulnerabilities are the cause for different types of network attacks. It should be noted that while many of these vulnerabilities may be mitigated or eliminated the possibility of an attack always exists. The first vulnerability is the email server. Although very well controlled for been within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), this is always a vulnerability with which most companies have to deal with. This vulnerability opens the way for phishing attack. One way to mitigate this vulnerability is configuring the email server so that only authorized email may enter. This is difficult because our video game company has a large list of customers and suppliers that are in constant change. The best option is to alert users about the security measures and company policies regarding private and unknown emails. The Web and FTP server can be a not very alarming vulnerability. Because it is located in the DMZ and after the Intrusion Detection System (IDS), is unlikely to be corrupted without being detected. The location of the file servers in the network is totally unprotected against internal attacks. Any successful attack in the LAN would leave the data servers exposed. The establishment of a demilitarized zone with a completely different set of log on names and password than any other machines would give these servers better...
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...it also exposes the Organization to possible attacks and threats. Such attacks have been the most challenging issue for most network administrators and a worrying topic for administrators. Organizations need to share services resources and information but they still need to protect these from people who should not have access to them, while at the same time making those resources available to authorized users. Effective security achieves these goals. The greatest threat to computer systems and their information comes from humans, through actions that are either malicious or ignorant. When the action is malicious, some motivation or goal is generally behind the attack. For instance, the goal could be to disrupt normal business operations, thereby denying data availability and production. April 13, 2000, 3:55 P.M. Pacific time: The Web site for the Motion Pictures Association of America (MPAA) is suffering intermittent outages, and the organization suspects computer vandals are to blame. A source inside the organization, who asked not to be identified, said that the MPAA is currently “experiencing problems with their public Web site, and they suspect a denial-of-service attack.” The attack was first rumored on http://www.hackernews.com/, a Web site for news on computer hacking. Most of the attacks are becoming more frequent and more damaging, and they are using well-known techniques and methods to exploit vulnerability in security policies and systems. 1. Network...
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...Categories of Computer Crimes Alan Johnson Strayer University Assignment 1 There are four general categories of computer crimes. Generally someone will target a computer to forbid that person access. This is known as your hacker. He could be a single stand-alone hacker or part of a network hacking club or group similar to some of the ones known as Anti-Sec that are affiliated with the group known as ‘Anonymous’ that hacked into some 70 mostly rural law enforcement websites throughout the United States. Then there is the hacker that uses the computer as an instrument of crime to commit such acts as theft of services, fraud and the theft of information technology that can be traded and sold on the black market. This information can damage some financial institutions for years. Many hackers use the instrument of crime to steal phone and computer services. This allows them to use the phone and have internet access free of charge until caught or shut down by officials. Pyramid schemes, lottery schemes and overseas bank fraud transactions are very popular and target your unsuspecting older new computer user that hasn’t been exposed to the criminal world of the computer crimes and they innocently respond to these online criminals with information and money that causes them to become victims of devastating financial crimes without ever leaving their homes. Other aspects of instrumental computer crimes is government sensitive information access or that of a large financial institution...
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...Recently the Chief Information Officer of our company Celtic Gamers Frontier Inc. (CGF) has read of an increase in the threat space regarding the electronic game industry and he is concerned with regards to our Companies overall architecture, and the risks to our Research and Development efforts and other Intellectual Property. He has tasked the company’s corporate information technology group to produce an information paper detailing the types of cyber threats and malware are being reported on the internet. They would also like the security group to give the company’s executive leadership a detailed report regarding the threats, vulnerabilities and the overall risks that may be present in our current corporate infrastructure. The security department for the organization is relatively small and short on resources so this task has been given to me to do the research and create an executive report detailing the current vulnerabilities, risks and threats and potential impact to our network should we have any security incidents. “Unfortunately, there are inherent risks to computer usage — hackers, viruses, worms, spyware, malware, unethical use of stolen passwords and credentials, unauthorized data removal by employees with USB flash drives, or servers crashing and bringing productivity to a halt” ("Cybersecurity," 2013) . The CGF network is a typical office network composed of an external firewall with an external DMZ with public use servers, and internal firewall protecting...
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...Identifying Potential Malicious Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities Networking Security Fundamentals – CIS 333 April 29, 2012 Identifying Potential Malicious Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities There are a myriad of potential threats and vulnerabilities that leave a system open to malicious attack, anytime you have a computer network that connects to the internet there is a potential for malicious attack so it is important that you know the vulnerabilities of a system to protect it from potential threats and malicious attacks. “A vulnerability is any weakness in a system that makes it possible for a threat to cause harm.” (Kim & Solomon, 2012, p. 96). There are several common vulnerabilities that exist within the seven domains of an IT infrastructure for example there is the lack of awareness or concern for security policy vulnerability in the User Domain as well as intentional malicious activity ( Kim & Solomon, 2012). Within the Workstation Domain there exists unauthorized user access, weakness in installed software, and malicious software introduced vulnerabilities, unauthorized network access, transmitting private data unencrypted, spreading malicious software, exposure and unauthorized access of internal resources to the public, introduction of malicious software, loss of productivity due to internet access, denial of service attacks, brute-force attacks on access and private data are all examples of vulnerabilities within the seven domains of IT infrastructure...
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...Assignment 2: Identifying Potential Risk, Response, and Recovery Emory Evans August 26, 2012 Dr. Robert Whale CIS 333 There are a myriad of potential threats and vulnerabilities that leave a system open to malicious attack, anytime you have a computer network that connects to the internet there is a potential for malicious attack so it is important that you know the vulnerabilities of a system to protect it from potential threats and malicious attacks. “A vulnerability is any weakness in a system that makes it possible for a threat to cause harm.” (Kim & Solomon, 2012, p. 96). There are several common vulnerabilities that exist within the seven domains of an IT infrastructure for example there is the lack of awareness or concern for security policy vulnerability in the User Domain as well as intentional malicious activity ( Kim & Solomon, 2012). Within the Workstation Domain there exists unauthorized user access, weakness in installed software, and malicious software introduced vulnerabilities, unauthorized network access, transmitting private data unencrypted, spreading malicious software, exposure and unauthorized access of internal resources to the public, introduction of malicious software, loss of productivity due to internet access, denial of service attacks, brute-force attacks on access and private data are all examples of vulnerabilities within the seven domains of IT infrastructure which are User, Workstation, LAN...
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...Assignment 1: Identifying Potential Malicious Attack CIS 333 Assignment 1: Identifying Potential Malicious Attack Potential malicious attacks and threats that may be carried out against the network include illegally using user accounts and privileges, Stealing hardware and software, Running code to damage systems, running code to damage and corrupt data, modifying stored data, stealing data, using data for financial gain or for industrial espionage, performing actions that prevent legitimate authorized users from accessing network services and resources, and/or performing actions to deplete network resources and bandwidth. Threats to the network can be initiated from a number of different sources, hence the reason for network attacks being classified as either external or internal network attacks/threats. Individuals carry out external threats or without assistance from internal employees or contractors. A malicious and experienced individual, a group of experienced individuals, an experienced malicious organization, or inexperienced attackers (script kiddies) carry out these attacks. Such attackers usually have a predefined plan and the technologies or techniques to carry out the attack. One of the main characteristics of external threats is that they usually involve scanning and gathering information. Users can therefore detect an external attack by scrutinizing existing firewall logs. Users can also install an Intrusion Detection...
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...Malware The major threats that were outlined in the Symantec Security Report were mostly occurring in the United States. This was due to a weakness in the Internet Explorer. Attackers used a Web-Based attack exploited in the Internet Explorer 7 uninitialized Memory Code Execution Vulnerability accounting for 6 percent of the total. This vulnerability was published on February 10, 2009. The second most widely exploited attack was the downloading of a suspicious PDF file. Attackers tried to aim this one towards people trying to get information on the H1N1 virus, since this was the latest news that most consumers wanted information about. The attack exploited vulnerabilities in Foxit Reader. These two types of vulnerabilities took up 79% of the threats aimed at financial institutions. Threats are separated into different types of categories for example; Allowing for remote access, exporting email addresses, and exporting system data). Separating the threats into different categories helps with securing against cyber criminals. The importance of identifying these threats is to combat against them. By observing the malicious activity by region helps different companies prepare for what type of threats are most likely to be used against their systems. For example if there are threats about a PDF document that may contain code to execute a bot that will take all of your contacts and forward them to the Malicious user, you would want to prevent this by identifying the code that is being...
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...click Word Count. Title of Paper In this assignment, I will write a four to five report in how to thwart a malicious attacks, threats, vulnerabilities to a game system. I have just been hired as an Information System Engineer for a videogame development company. The organization network structure have been identified by the company as having 2- firewall, 1- Web/FTP server, 1-Microsoft Exchange Email Server, Network Intrusion Detection System(NIDS), 2-Windows Server 2012 Active Directory Domain Controllers(DC) 3-File servers 1-Wireless access point(WAP) 100-Desktop/Laptop computers VoIP telephone system. The CIO of this company has just received a report of malicious activities on the rise and has become extremely concerned with the protection of intellectual property and highly sensitive data maintained by his organization. As part of my job task with the organization, I will identify and draft a report identifying potential malicious attacks, threats, and the vulnerabilities that is specific to his organizations. It has been requested that in the report, I give a brief scenario explanation and how what kind of potential impact it will have on the organization. Any threat is alarming because it could damage the assets of the company if this is true we first need to have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) which allows the company to keep operating in case of an attack. My order of planning would be to discover the disaster recovery...
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...Identifying Potential Malicious Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities Joseph Escueta Strayer University CIS 333 Dr. Emmanuel Nyeanchi January 30, 2014 Abstract The world of any organization lays a network structure that controls all the operations of the company. Every company has its own sensitive information about their success and why they such a good reputation. Because of the growing technology various enchantments have been develop to make sure that its investments are secured and locked hidden in its networks. However network attacks have been around for decades and each new security can be breach. This is one of the major causes of any company to lose money or its capital after being attack by network attackers. It is proven to be a nuisance for any organization trying to make a living. However, this attacks can be avoided if one should take precautions and to be aware of the network attacks. In this case study I will identify its causes and threats against the network. I will also expose the vulnerabilities that exist in networks today. Identifying Potential Malicious Attacks, threats and Vulnerabilities There are many attacks in the network but the most important purpose is to protect the company’s assets. We are not taking about average hackers who just do it for fun but rather want to cause damage to a company’s reputation. In a network security there are two important categories which is logic attacks and resource attacks. A logic attack usually...
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...Identifying Potential Malicious Attacks The CIO Company will use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virus scanners and other protective software to provide some assurance that the security policies for the site are properly implemented. Firewalls are the basis of computer and network security defense. They are widely deployed. They are very hard to configure properly, and people who configure them may not know the current threats and attacks. For example, an administrator maybe working on some task and might leave something open in a firewall where attackers can enter through. Some firewalls have the vulnerability that enables attackers and be defeated. By identifying the network components, you can evaluate their vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can have flaws in the technology, configuration, or security policy. Vulnerabilities can be fixed different ways, applying software patches, reconfiguring devices, or deploying countermeasures such as firewalls and antivirus software. Threat is when people take advantage of vulnerability and cause a negative impact on the network. If threat occurs it needs to be identified, and the associated vulnerabilities need to be addressed to minimize the risk. As of today, most of the hackers are interested in hacking services such as HTTP (TCP Port 80) and HTTPS (TCP Port 443), which are open in many networks. By using access control devices, they can detect malicious exploits aimed at these services. Now these days applications...
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...Information Security Threats NAME CMGT400 – Intro to Information Assurance and Security DATE INSTRUCTOR Common Information Security Threats Information is one of the biggest and most important assets an organization has. This information is what drives a company, such as Bank of America, to be profitable and retain a customer’s trust. Without the customer’s trust, an organization will lose those customers, and therefore will be unsuccessful. So, in order to manage information securely, a risk assessment of all data storage devices and data transmitters should be produced to weigh the potential risks involved, the vulnerabilities of the risks, the impact the risks may cause, and the mitigation needed to safeguard any threats from occurring. The most well known, and one of the biggest threats to information loss are undoubtedly viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. These threats are no longer only considered childish annoyances as they once were. They can cause serious damage to an organization whether it’s financially, or to their reputation. Often referred to as malware, which means malicious code, these programs infect information systems that can replicate at a rapid rate by exploiting vulnerabilities in a computer’s operating system or network. These malicious tools can be used to steal company data, destroying information completely, or bringing down an entire corporation to its knees. In addition to malware, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are specifically...
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...Week 3 Lab Part 1: Web and Database Attacks & Malware and Malicious Software Learning Objectives and Outcomes Upon completing this lab, students will be able to: * Identify web application and web server backend database vulnerabilities as viable attack vectors * Develop an attack plan to compromise and exploit a web site using cross-site scripting (XSS) against sample vulnerable web applications * Conduct a manual Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attack against sample vulnerable web applications * Perform SQL injection attacks against sample vulnerable web applications with e-commerce data entry fields * Mitigate known web application and web server vulnerabilities with security countermeasures to eliminate risk from compromise and exploitation Overview This Lab will demonstrate a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) exploit and an SQL Injection attack on the test bed web application and web server using the Damn Vulnerable Web App (DVWA) loaded on an Apache Web Server on “TargetUbuntu01” Linux VM server. They will first identify the IP target host, identify known vulnerabilities and exploits, and then attack the web application and web server using XSS and an SQL Injection to exploit the web application using a web browser and some simple command strings. Assignment Requirements Watch the Demo Lab in Learning Space Unit 5 and then answer questions 1-10 below. Lab Assessment Questions & Answers 1. Why is it critical...
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...Evaluating the Security of Computer Networks Security in Systems Architecture and Applications SE579 2 Table of Contents Evaluating the Security of Computer Networks I. Vulnerabilities A. Design Flaws B. Poor Security Management C. Incorrect Implementation II. Firewalls A. Packet Filtering B. Circuit Level Gateway Proxy Server C. Application Gateway III. Antivirus A. Scans IV. Intrusion Detection Systems V. Disadvantages VI. Conclusion 3 One of the major computing challenges in today’s economy is the lack of adequate security over the information computer networks, and internet applications in which business, government, and economy depend on. Businesses have become more dependent on information. The gathering, organizing, managing, finding, and analyzing of information are crucial to businesses. Computer viruses created by hackers cost businesses $55 billion in 2003. In 2011, a single instance of hacking on the Play Station cost Sony more than $170 million, while Google lost $500,000 due to hacking in 2005.(Coyne) 2003 Single instances of hacking may cost as much as $600,000 to $7m a day for...
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...mission critical assets, identifying and reducing vulnerabilities, Risks and threats to the firms confidential proprietary intelligence, sensitive customer data and other important assets within each of the Seven Domains that make up the core for the IT infrastructure as a whole. An aggressive approach should be mapped out in a 3-5 year progressive implementation achievement plan starting with one or two security initiatives where success can be clearly demonstrated and evaluated. First, indentifying Risk, Threat and Vulnerabilities within each of the seven Domains that make-up the firms IT infrastructure. Secondly, proposed security measures and controls for headquarters and each branch office. Keeping information assets secure is challenging for any business, regardless of its size. It seems there's no limit to the ingenuity and maliciousness of today's cybercriminals, hackers and identity thieves. In fact, hackers have become so sophisticated and organized that their operational methods are similar to those of traditional software development and business practices(Symantec 2008). What's more, while yesterday's attack activity consisted of a single compromise aimed at gaining access to the data on a computer, current attack techniques are multi-staged. Hackers use their initial compromise to establish a beachhead from which they can launch subsequent attacks. With an estimated 1...
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