Computer Security

Question 1

3 Most Common Computer Attacks

Answer 1

• password
• phishing
• malware

Question 2

Password Attack

Answer 2

• bulk guessing common usernames and/or passwords
• also known as “dictionary attack”
  
  • try all the words in a dictionary

Question 3

Phishing Attack

Answer 3

• the bad guy sends out bait and “fishes” clumsy users
• fake emails tricking you into typing your username and password into a fake web site
  
  • look for HTTPS and lock logo
• “spear phishing” refers to a sophisticated attack at a specific person

Question 4

HTTPS and Encryption

Answer 4

• HTTPS = secure variant of HTTP of transferring the bytes over the internet
• blends 2 security provisions
  
  • verifies HTTPS certificate from server
  • encrypts all the packets of communication
• encryption = scrambling the bytes so that even if intercepted, they are meaningless

Question 5

Malware Attack

Answer 5

• generic term for malicious software
• .txt and .jpg = passive
• .exe and .doc = active
• 2 types
  
  • Trojan = malware disguised as something else
    
    • SuperAntiVirus.exe = Trojan ruse
  • Vulnerability = exploiting bug in Flash
    
    • visiting the page is enough to compromise machine
    • auto-update programs