Understanding Computer Security: From Worms to Encryption
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Understanding Computer Security
Common Threats
- Worm: Designed to replicate itself, a worm operates as a standalone application, unlike a virus.
- Trojan: Disguised as a legitimate program (e.g., a screensaver), a Trojan operates covertly to inflict damage.
- Phishing: Attackers impersonate trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information, exploiting social engineering tactics.
Network and Security Concepts
- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): A standard for email communication, SMTP is known for its lack of robust security.
- Sandboxes: Software environments that isolate programs to prevent them from harming the host system, commonly used in web browsers.
Wireless Security
- Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): Enables wireless communication between devices, forming local area networks (LANs) using radio waves.
- Service Set Identifier (SSID): The name of a Wi-Fi network, visible when connecting devices.
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): An outdated encryption standard for Wi-Fi, known for its vulnerabilities.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2): The recommended security protocol for Wi-Fi, employing stronger encryption for data transmission.
Internet Protocols
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): Ensures reliable data transmission over the internet.
- Internet Protocol (IP): Responsible for routing data packets across the internet, with IPv4 and IPv6 being the major versions.
Cryptography
- Asymmetric Cryptography: Employs a key pair (private and public keys) for secure communication. The private key remains confidential, while the public key can be shared.