Question

Explain in short, any four ways by which system security can be attacked. 

Answer 1

There are several techniques to attack and penetrate the security system, including: 

1. Authentication Attacks: 
   1. By stealing and using someone else's password, and then utilizing it.
   2. Use the vendor-supplied password, which can only be used by system administrators. Finding a password through trial and error (i.e., guessing).
   3. If a person logs on and then exits, an intruder can utilize the terminal.
   4. Making fake login programs to deceive the user. 
2. Browsing:
   1. Some systems have files with relatively permissive access permissions.
   2. System file browsing can provide access to unprotected files and databases.
   3. Confidential information may be read or even modified.
3. Trap doors:
   1. Software engineers may leave a secret access point for modifying applications.
   2. These are known as trap doors. Others can abuse them.
4. Electric data capture: Electric data capture refers to using active or passive wire traps to detect screen radiation and recognize displayed content.
5. Invalid parameters: Passing invalid parameters may cause serious security violations.
6. Line trapping: A special terminal is used to tap into a communication line. It causes access to confidential data.
7. Waste recovery: Using some technique, deleted files can be recovered, and passwords may be recollected.
8. Rouge software: Certain programs like worms and viruses attack the system.