METHODS TO PREVENT NETWORK ATTACKS

 

Threats to computers and networks are a major issue as long as information is accessible and transferred across the Internet. Different defense and detection mechanisms are developed to deal with these attacks

1.FIREWALL

A firewall is a system of computer hardware and software that provides security to the computer network in an organisation. A firewall controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic by analysing the data and determining whether they should be allowed through or not, based on a rule set. Firewalls deny malicious data from entering into the computer networks.

2.ANTI-VIRUS SCANNERS

Viruses, worms and Trojan horses are all examples of malicious software (malware). Antivirus tools are used to detect them and cure the infected system. Anti-virus software scans files in the computer system for known viruses and removes them if found. The antivirus software uses virus definition file containing signatures (details) of viruses and other malware that are known. When an antivirus program scans a file and notices that the file matches a known piece of malware, the antivirus program stops the file from running, and puts it into 'quarantine' Quarantine is a special area for storing files probably infected with viruses. For effective use of antivirus software virus definitions must be updated regularly.

3.COOKIES

Cookies are small text files that are created when we use a browser to visit a website. Cookies keep track of our movements within the website - remembers our user name, preferences, e-mail address, etc. Browser store cookies for an interval of time, usually in a cookie folder on the client's computer. Cookies are treated as data and so it is not a virus, but it is always possible for a hacker to use it for malicious purposes. Cookies can be used to act as a spyware. Most browsers provide facilities to manage or delete harmful cookies. Frequent deletion of cookies helps to prevent illegal access and use of personal information.