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Network Security

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Ahmed Amr
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3 views

Network Security

Uploaded by

Ahmed Amr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Security

Here’s a beginner-friendly explanation of network security concepts with key


points highlighted:

1. What is Network Security?


Goal: Protect computer networks from attackers (“bad guys”) who aim to
disrupt, steal, or damage information.

Main Areas:

Attack Methods: Understand how attackers exploit networks.

Defense Strategies: Learn how to block or defend against these


attacks.

Design Secure Architectures: Create networks that are resistant to


attacks.

Why Network Security is Challenging:

The Internet wasn’t originally designed with strong security; it was built
for trusted, cooperative users. Now, security measures are being added
across all layers to address modern threats.

2. How Attackers Compromise Computers and Networks


Malware: Malicious software that can infect computers in different ways:

Virus: Spreads by attaching itself to files like email attachments. The


virus replicates when a user opens the infected file.

Worm: Similar to a virus but spreads on its own without user action
(passively).

Spyware: A type of malware that secretly records information, like


keystrokes or visited websites, and sends it to the attacker.

Botnets: A network of compromised computers (infected by malware) that


attackers control remotely.

Usage: Attackers can use botnets to send spam or launch large-scale


attacks, like DDoS (explained below).

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3. Types of Attacks on Network Infrastructure
Denial of Service (DoS) Attack:

Goal: Overwhelm a server or network resource, making it unavailable


for legitimate users.

Process:

1. The attacker chooses a target.

2. Compromises multiple computers to act as “zombies” in a botnet.

3. Sends a flood of data (packets) to the target, overwhelming its


capacity.

Packet Sniffing:

What it is: In shared networks (e.g., Wi-Fi), attackers can use software
to intercept and read data packets traveling through the network.

Risk: If data isn’t encrypted, attackers could see sensitive information,


like passwords.

Example Tool: Wireshark is a free tool used to analyze network traffic


and often demonstrates packet-sniffing for educational purposes.

IP Spoofing:

What it is: Sending packets with a fake source IP address to disguise


the attacker’s identity or to impersonate another device.

Purpose: Can be used in attacks to mislead defenses or to launch


attacks under a false identity.

Key Points to Remember


Network Security Goals: Stop attackers from damaging, stealing, or
controlling network data.

Types of Malware:

Virus: Needs user action to spread (e.g., opening an infected file).

Worm: Spreads automatically.

Spyware: Secretly collects user data.

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Botnets: A group of infected computers attackers can control remotely,
used for spam or large attacks like DDoS.

Attack Methods:

DoS Attack: Overloads a server to make it unavailable.

Packet Sniffing: Intercepting data on shared networks.

IP Spoofing: Sending packets with a fake source address.

Analogy:

DoS Attack: Like a crowd blocking the entrance to a store so real


customers can’t get in.

Packet Sniffing: Like eavesdropping on a conversation in a crowded room.

IP Spoofing: Like putting a fake return address on a letter to hide the


sender's identity.

Network security aims to prevent and defend against these kinds of threats,
ensuring safer and more reliable communication on the Internet.

Network Security 3

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