Title: Module 1 Introduction
Course: CET 2660 Network Security Fundamentals > Section: Module One - Introduction to Security and Types of Attacks

Introduction

Security is a primary concern for computer professionals. This is because computers are compromised more and more every year. “Anti-spyware” in 2011, a Trojan that attacks Win. 9x, 2000, XP, Vista, Win 7 posing as anti-spyware program, disabled security-related processes of anti-virus programs. It also blocked access to the Internet and prevented updates. The “Morto” worm emerged in the summer of 2011. It spreads itself to Microsoft Windows RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). In July 13, “Zeroaccess Rootkit” or AKA “Max++” was discovered.

In 2012 “Flame”, AKA “Flamer”, “sKyWIper”, and “Skywiper” malware was discovered. It attacks the computers that are running Microsoft Windows. This program is being used for targeted cyber espionage in Middle Eastern countries.

Again in 2012, “Shamoon”, a computer virus designed to target computers running Microsoft Windows in the energy sector was discovered disabling networks in Saudi Arabia.

Without security measures and controls, your data might be subjected to an attack without your knowledge. Some attacks are passive, means your information is monitored. Some are active which means the information is altered, corrupted or destroyed. In this module we will explain the challenge of information security and why it is important. We will also examine the attacks of different types of malware.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

Describe the challenges of securing information
Define information security and explain why it is important
Identify the types of attackers that are common today
List the basic steps of an attack
Describe the five steps in a defense

Describe the differences between a virus and a worm
List the types of malware that conceals its appearance
Identify different kinds of malware that is designed for profit
Describe the types of social engineering psychological attacks
Explain physical social engineering attacks

Readings & Resources

Chapter 1: Introduction to Security p. 2-27
Chapter 2: Malware and Social Engineering Attacks p. 42-66