IT Security Threats

Submitted By billbitch
Words: 1307
Pages: 6
Open Document
Cheryl Hayes

Threats to IT Assets

Information technology systems work to transmit, store, receive, and manipulate data. These systems are vital to everyday life and are often underrated and underappreciated. However, with every upside there are ways in which theses systems are threatened every day. With IT systems there are numerous threats involved. These threats are classified into two categories as either intentional or unintentional. Many of them can be prevented and treated in order to keep these systems and assets running up to par. The biggest and most widely known threat to organizations would have to be viruses. These viruses have the power to completely dismantle a system and break it down, sometimes with little chance of repair. The Microsoft website defines a computer virus as “a small software program that spreads from one computer to another and interferes with computer operation”. The thing that makes these viruses so deadly is that they can be transferred easily without notice through functions even as simple as email use. They can hide in downloadable files as well as pirated software. They can also spread from sharing music, files or photos with other users, visiting an infected Web site, opening attachments, and installing mainstream software applications without fully reading license agreements. Fortunately there are ways to deal with viruses threatening an IT system. By installing reliable anti-virus software and anti-spyware/malware programs companies and organizations can prevent these viruses from accessing private data and doing damage to one’s machine. Installing a firewall helps greatly also. A firewall is a program that screens incoming Internet and network traffic. Along with a virus program, it can help prevent unauthorized access to a system.

Sometimes it also comes down to basic computer knowledge and knowing what to look for. Even as a casual computer user, people should have an idea of how their machine operates, what normal pop up windows look like and what popular viruses are out there, that way, when a computer begins exhibiting tell tale signs, they will know. Individuals can help prevent computer viruses by staying updated and educated. One of the biggest threats that utilize viruses is cybercriminals. Malicious software is written by cybercriminals with the purpose of making money illegally. It’s called crime ware and may take the form of viruses, worms, Trojans or other malicious programs. Crime ware is malicious software that is covertly installed on computers. Also, most crime ware programs are in fact Trojans. Another deadly threat to IT systems and assets are hackers. In relation to computer security a hacker is a person who seeks and exploits the weaknesses found in a computer network and/or system. Webroot goes into further detail on how hackers operate: “Anyone who uses a computer connected to the Internet is susceptible to the threats that computer hackers and predators pose. These online villains typically use phishing scams, spam email or instant messages and bogus Web sites to deliver dangerous malware to your computer and compromise your computer security.”(Webroot and Computer Hackers and Predators, 2013). By using these methods to access personal information they can hijack usernames and passwords, steal money and open credit card and bank accounts in someone’s name, ruin credit, request new account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or additional credit cards and make purchases. With the consequences of letting a hacker gain access to one’s information it is no question why this threat can be just as, or even deadlier, than a virus. The same preventative measures that need to be taken to prevent viruses should be taken to prevent hackers from infiltrating a computer system. By continually check the accuracy of personal accounts, limiting the personal information posted on Web sites,
Show More

Related Documents: IT Security Threats

Anonymous Group Essay

by Anonymous is the one on Sony’s PlayStation Network in 2011, including their website and their online store. The members of Anonymous called this “Operation Sony”. This became potentially dangerous for the members of PlayStation Network (PSN), because the hackers gained access to usernames, passwords, addresses, e-mail addresses, and credit card information, which could be used in a very lucrative manner if that was the purpose. Additionally, gamers of the PSN weren’t able to play online games…

Words 1598 - Pages 7

Essay about Right To Privacy

employees. In this essay, three types of workplace privacy issues will be discussed: e-mail and other office communications, employee drug testing, and the use of background checks. E-mail has rapidly become a staple of the modern office. Currently, two-thirds of employees in medium and large companies in the United States now have Internet access, compared with fifteen percent only two years ago. The availability of e-mail allows for messages to be widely and rapidly distributed, improving efficiency…

Words 1649 - Pages 7

How Technology Affect Us

computers, and it would be worthy to mention physical security aspects when talking about external hard drives. When the internet first came about it was a simple tool used for networking. It’s safe to say the more powerful technology became, the more dangerous it was. How did it become so popular and become an everyday part of our lives? Let’s take a look back to where it all started. Master Sergeant (MSgt) James Peterson, the network manager for the 158th Fighter Wing since 2007, shared his knowledge…

Words 3019 - Pages 13

Essay on Aviation Security

AVIATION SECURITY RESEARCH ESSAY Introduction This paper aims to address the impact of aviation security systems at airports which are implemented through controlled security programmes. It is without a doubt that our society has patterned to continually evolve into a technologically-based information age. With the ease of acquiring information even for the ‘average joe’ today, governing authorities must respond by continually placing newer and improved security systems, particularly in the aviation…

Words 3668 - Pages 15

Domain Name System and Engineering Cmpe Essay

testing? • The malicious hackers have all the information they need to do all kinds of nasty things • Our focus is on defense – Must understand the offensive tools used by our adversaries COMPUTER ENGINEERING CMPE 209 Dr.Park The Threats from Outside • Threats coming from outside – Organized crime – attackers look for sensitive data for identity theft or other fraud, e.g., • Counterfeit credit cards based on stolen credit card information • Money laundering • Extort money from a target by…

Words 4692 - Pages 19

ADHD Medications in College Essay

medication known as Adderall. This medication gives students increased focus and energy, giving them the upper hand when it comes time to study. While Adderall can be very beneficial when taken properly, the illicit use of Adderall can be very dangerous, as it has many psychological side effects. Because of these side effects, as well as the unfair advantage it gives to students using them illegally, the regulation of Adderall must be reformed. Adderall is a psychostimulant prescription drug used…

Words 2424 - Pages 10

Essay on Hkvd; F

Magdalen Court School 16.1 ICT – E-safety, including Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures Legal Status:  Based on guidance from the DfE, BECTA and CEOP. Applies to:  the whole school including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), out of school care, the breakfast club, the after school clubs, the holiday club and all other activities provided by the school, inclusive of those outside of the normal school hours;  all staff (teaching and support staff), students on placement, the proprietor…

Words 8959 - Pages 36

Hacking: Computer Security and Hackers Essay

hackers, with a special emphasis on fame-driven versus profit-driven hackers. We use simple economic analysis to examine how each of these hacking “markets” work. The resulting framework is employed to evaluate current U.S. policy aimed at reducing the threat of computer hacking and shows that this policy is largely effective. We consider policy adjustments consistent with the insights of the framework provided as a means of strengthening cyber security. We thank Peter Boettke, Tony Carilli and Tyler…

Words 9555 - Pages 39

03 EBusiness Essay

3-4 DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY • How can a company like Polaroid go from $60 share in 1997 to $.08 a share in 2002 and eventual bankruptcy? They had a 50% market share with their instant camera. – Using Porter’s Five Forces, they may have seen two threats: one-hour film processing and digital cameras • Digital Darwinism – implies that organizations which cannot adapt to the new demands placed on them for surviving in the information age are doomed to extinction 3-5 Disruptive versus Sustaining…

Words 7508 - Pages 31

Essay on Bullying and People

actions; make it clear that you don't stand for cyber bullying by setting a good example for others. If your friends start teasing someone online or via text, don't participate. Ask them to stop, and let them know that cyber bullying has the same dangerous consequences as in-person bullying does. Don't take photos or video of someone else without their knowledge and permission. It's against the law to secretly record someone else's behavior when they believe no one is watching. Even if you take photos…

Words 3700 - Pages 15