Types Of Network Attackers

Types Of Network Attackers

Before leaning about the characteristics of specific network attacks, you need to understand the different types of attackers. Attacks are defined by the goal of the attack rather than the motivation of the attacker. The three major types of network attack, each with its own specific goal, are as follows

Reconnaissance Attacks

A reconnaissance attack is designed not to inflict immediate damage to a system or network but only to map out the network and discover those systems. One must”access” a system or network to some degree to perform reconnaissance, but normally the attacker does not cause any damage at that time.

Access Attacks

An access attack is designed to exploit vulnerability and gain access to a system on a network. When access is gained, the user can do the following:

·         Retrieve alter, or destroy data

·         Add, remove, or change network resources, including user access

·         Install other exploits that can be used later to gain access to the system or network.

Dos Attacks

A Dos (and DDos) attack is designed solely to cause and interruption to a system or network.