Network Security Breach can be defined as any unauthorized intrusion into a network or computer system. With the aim to damage or steal information.
A network security breach is a severe violation of computer security. The target of such breach is usually to gain unauthorized access to confidential data, damage the system or steal information.
In order for such an attack to be successful, hackers usually use various methods. Further, breaking into a computer system or network. They might install Malware or Trojans onto the computers, and exploit vulnerabilities. And even use social engineering tactics in order to steal your passwords and other sensitive data.
Usually, network security breaches come in two forms: internal and external. Internal breaches are by people who have access to the network. While external breaches occur as a result of hackers penetrating the system from outside. However, it is important to note that internal breaches can sometimes cause just as much damage as external ones.
Network security breaches are one of the most serious cyber threats that you have to deal with. Especially if you have confidential data stored on your computer. Such an event not only jeopardizes your reputation but can also cause huge financial losses for your company.
What are the possible causes of Network Security Breach?
There are numerous ways in which a hacker might break into your network and cause a network security breach:
Using Social Engineering Tactics:
Many times hackers employ social engineering tactics in order to gain access to confidential data and cause a network security breach. A simple example is when they call you up pretending to be someone else and ask you for certain confidential details that they can use to their advantage later on. Hackers might also send phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links that when clicked upon infecting your computer with malware or Trojans; allowing them access to your system. Finally, there are some websites that hackers set up in order to trick you into giving them confidential information such as credit card numbers, usernames and passwords etc.
Exploiting Software Bugs:
Hackers often look for vulnerabilities in the software on your computer so that they can take full advantage of those vulnerabilities and cause a network security breach. Software bugs might include issues such as improper permissions, buffer overflow and scripting flaws among others. By exploiting such vulnerabilities hackers can easily gain access into your computer system and cause all sorts of havoc on it (eg: stealing data).
Software Bugs Exploited by Hackers
Buffer overflow – Buffer overflow occurs when too much data is written into a data buffer or an array. Such a vulnerability can allow the hacker to run malicious code on the computer.
Improper Permissions – Improper permissions are usually the result of not changing default settings when installing software. This can result in unauthorized access to critical and confidential information by the hacker.
Scripting Flaws – Scripting flaws usually occur when website scripts contain bugs that can be exploited by hackers to cause a network security breach. These flaws can also be used to gain access to your computer remotely.
Vulnerable Applications – There are some applications that have vulnerabilities hard-coded into them. Such vulnerabilities might allow hackers to install malware or Trojans onto your computer without you even knowing about it. These applications include outdated versions of Internet Explorer, Adobe Flash Player, Java etc.
Vulnerable Operating Systems – There are some operating systems that have inherent vulnerabilities such as Windows NT and Windows XP. By exploiting such vulnerabilities, hackers can easily gain access to your computer system and cause all sorts of havoc on it.