Computer Attacks

Computer attacks
Computer attacks, often referred to as cyberattacks, are malicious activities that target
computer systems, networks, and data. These attacks can vary widely in method and intent.
Here are some common types of computer attacks in detail:
1. Malware Attacks:
o Viruses: Malicious programs that attach themselves to legitimate files or
software and spread when the infected file or software is executed. Viruses
can corrupt or delete data, use system resources, and spread to other systems.
o Worms: Similar to viruses, but they can spread independently without human
interaction, exploiting vulnerabilities in network services.
o Trojans: Malicious software disguised as legitimate software. Once executed,
they can create backdoors for attackers, steal data, or cause other harm.
o Ransomware: Encrypts the victim's data and demands a ransom for the
decryption key. This can cause significant disruption and financial loss.
o Spyware: Collects information about users without their knowledge, often for
malicious purposes such as identity theft.
o Adware: Displays unwanted advertisements on the user's computer,
sometimes tracking user behavior for targeted advertising.
2. Phishing Attacks:
o Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails that appear to come from reputable
sources, tricking recipients into revealing sensitive information such as
passwords or financial details.
o Spear Phishing: A more targeted form of phishing where the attacker
customizes the message for a specific individual or organization, often using
personal information to appear more convincing.
o Whaling: Targeted phishing aimed at high-profile individuals like executives,
often with significant organizational access.
3. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks:
o DoS Attack: Overloads a system or network with traffic, making it
unavailable to legitimate users.
o DDoS Attack: Similar to a DoS attack, but the traffic comes from multiple
compromised systems (often part of a botnet), making it harder to defend
against.
4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks:
o Intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties without
their knowledge. Common MitM attacks include eavesdropping on encrypted
communications or injecting malicious data.
5. SQL Injection:
o Exploits vulnerabilities in a web application's database layer by inserting
malicious SQL code into queries. This can lead to unauthorized access to or
manipulation of the database.
6. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):
o Injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This can lead
to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites.
7. Brute Force Attacks:
o Attempts to gain access to accounts by systematically trying all possible
combinations of passwords until the correct one is found. This can be
mitigated by using strong, complex passwords and implementing account
lockout mechanisms.
8. Credential Stuffing:
o Uses lists of previously stolen username-password pairs to gain unauthorized
access to accounts on different services, exploiting users who reuse passwords
across multiple sites.
9. Zero-Day Exploits:
o Targets vulnerabilities in software or hardware that are unknown to the vendor
and for which no patch is available. These attacks can be particularly
damaging because they exploit unprotected systems.
10. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
o Long-term targeted attacks often carried out by well-resourced and skilled
attackers, such as nation-states. APTs aim to gain persistent access to systems
for espionage, data theft, or sabotage.
11. Social Engineering Attacks:
o Pretexting: Involves creating a fabricated scenario to steal personal
information.
o Baiting: Leaves a physical device (like a USB drive) infected with malware in
a place where someone will find it and use it, thereby infecting their system.
o Quid Pro Quo: Offers a service or benefit in exchange for information.
12. Insider Threats:
o Attacks or data breaches caused by individuals within the organization, either
maliciously or accidentally. Insiders may have legitimate access to systems
and data, making detection and prevention challenging.
Understanding these types of attacks is crucial for implementing appropriate security

measures and mitigating risks in computer systems and networks.
Computer viruses are malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized
access to computer systems. Here's an overview of common types of computer viruses, their
signs, and methods to get rid of them:
Types of Computer Viruses
1. File Infector Virus:

o Description: Attaches itself to executable files (.exe, .com) and spreads when
the infected program is run.
o Signs: Slow performance, frequent crashes, and corrupted files.
2. Macro Virus:
o Description: Infects macros in documents and spreadsheets, typically
targeting applications like Microsoft Word or Excel.
o Signs: Unusual behavior in document applications, unexpected changes in
documents.
3. Boot Sector Virus:
o Description: Infects the master boot record (MBR) of a hard drive, causing
issues during system boot.
o Signs: Problems booting the computer, error messages during startup.
4. Polymorphic Virus:
o Description: Changes its code each time it infects a new file to avoid
detection.
o Signs: Similar to file infector viruses but harder to detect due to changing
code.
5. Resident Virus:
o Description: Embeds itself in the computer’s memory and can infect other
files or programs that are opened.
o Signs: Sluggish system performance, unexplained system behavior.
6. Multipartite Virus:
o Description: Can infect both the boot sector and executable files, spreading in
multiple ways.
o Signs: Combination of symptoms from boot sector and file infector viruses.
7. Direct Action Virus:
o Description: Activates when the infected file is executed and tries to infect
other files, but does not remain in memory.
o Signs: Slower performance when running infected files, noticeable only when
infected files are executed.
Signs of Virus Infection
• Unusual System Behavior: Frequent crashes, slow performance, programs acting

strangely.
• Unexpected Pop-ups: Frequent and unexpected pop-up windows.
• File Changes: Files disappearing, new files appearing without explanation, or files
becoming corrupted.
• Excessive Hard Drive Activity: Constant hard drive activity even when not in use.
• Network Activity: High network usage when the computer is idle.
• Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized access attempts, unusual login activity.
• Error Messages: Frequent error messages, especially during startup.
• Disabled Security Software: Antivirus software being disabled or failing to update.
How to Get Rid of Computer Viruses
1. Disconnect from the Internet:

o To prevent the virus from spreading and to protect your data from being
transmitted, disconnect from the internet.
2. Enter Safe Mode:
o Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode. This loads only the essential
system programs and helps prevent the virus from loading.
3. Run a Full System Scan with Antivirus Software:
o Use a reputable antivirus program to perform a full system scan. Ensure the
antivirus software is up to date.
o Recommended antivirus programs include: Norton, Bitdefender, Kaspersky,
McAfee, and Windows Defender.
4. Delete or Quarantine Infected Files:
o Follow the antivirus program’s instructions to delete or quarantine the infected
files.
5. Update Your Software:
o Ensure that your operating system, browsers, and all software are up to date
with the latest patches and security updates.
6. Use Malware Removal Tools:
o Use specialized malware removal tools such as Malwarebytes to scan and
remove stubborn malware that regular antivirus might miss.
7. Restore Your System:
o If the virus persists, consider restoring your system to a previous state using
System Restore. Make sure to restore to a point before the infection occurred.
8. Reinstall the Operating System:
o As a last resort, back up your important files and perform a clean installation
of your operating system. This will remove all data, so ensure backups are
clean and virus-free.
Preventing Future Infections
• Use Antivirus Software: Regularly update and run antivirus software.

• Enable Firewalls: Ensure that your firewall is active to block unauthorized access.
• Be Cautious with Email Attachments: Avoid opening email attachments or clicking
on links from unknown sources.
• Regular Backups: Regularly back up important data to external drives or cloud
services.
• Secure Browsing Practices: Avoid downloading software or files from untrusted
websites and be cautious of online ads.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update all software to patch vulnerabilities.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about new threats and educate others
who use your computer on safe practices.
By recognizing the signs of infection and taking prompt action, you can effectively remove
viruses and protect your computer from future threats.

Computer Attacks

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Computer Attacks

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Computer attacks

Understanding these types of attacks is crucial for implementing appropriate security

Types of Computer Viruses

1. File Infector Virus:

Signs of Virus Infection

• Unusual System Behavior: Frequent crashes, slow performance, programs acting

How to Get Rid of Computer Viruses

1. Disconnect from the Internet:

Preventing Future Infections

• Use Antivirus Software: Regularly update and run antivirus software.

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