INFORMATION MARATHI

Active attack and passive attack

An active attack is a cyberattack in which the attacker actively tries to compromise a system or network. A passive attack is a cyberattack in which the attacker monitors a system or network without trying to compromise it.

Active attack and passive attack

Malware: Malware is malicious software that can damage or disable a system or network. Denial-of-service (DoS) attack: A DoS attack is an attack that attempts to make a system or network unavailable to its intended users. Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack: An MitM attack is an attack in which the attacker intercepts communication between two parties and impersonates one of them. Phishing attack: A phishing attack is an attack in which the attacker sends fraudulent emails or text messages that attempt to trick the recipient into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Examples of active attacks

Eavesdropping: Eavesdropping is the act of monitoring communication between two parties without their knowledge or consent. Traffic analysis: Traffic analysis is the act of examining network traffic to identify patterns and trends. Social engineering: Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.

Examples of passive attacks

Data loss or corruption: Active attacks can result in the loss or corruption of sensitive data, such as financial information, customer records, or intellectual property. Financial loss: Active attacks can result in financial losses, such as through theft of funds or disruption of business operations. Reputational damage: Active attacks can damage a company's reputation by causing disruptions to its services or compromising its customers' data.

Dangers of active attacks

Passive attacks can also be dangerous, as they can provide attackers with the information they need to launch active attacks. For example, an attacker could use eavesdropping to steal passwords or traffic analysis to identify vulnerabilities in a network.

Dangers of passive attacks

Installing and maintaining security software: Security software can help to detect and prevent malware attacks. Implementing strong password policies: Strong password policies can help to prevent unauthorized access to systems and networks. Educating employees about security: Employees should be educated about security best practices, such as how to spot phishing emails and avoid social engineering attacks.

How to protect against active attacks

Encrypting data: Encrypting data makes it unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Using firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS): Firewalls and IDS can help to prevent unauthorized access to systems and networks and detect malicious activity. Monitoring network traffic: Monitoring network traffic can help to identify patterns and trends that may indicate an attack.

How to protect against active attacks

Both active and passive attacks can pose a serious threat to organizations. By implementing appropriate security measures, organizations can reduce their risk of being attacked.

Conclusion

Keep software up to date: Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect against known vulnerabilities. Be careful about what links you click on and what attachments you open: Phishing emails and malicious attachments are a common way for attackers to gain access to systems and networks.

Additional tips

Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them vulnerable to attack. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept it. Be aware of your surroundings: Social engineering attacks can take place in the real world as well as online. Be careful about what information you share with strangers and be suspicious of any requests for assistance.

Additional tips

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and your organization from active and passive attacks.

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