As there is a large consumption of technology in all areas in which we move, the risk of computer vulnerability is constantly growing. This is nothing other than the probability that a hacker has of attacking information systems and at the same time our personal data.
That is why, it is necessary to be alert of all the risks to which we are exposed and that many times we do not know completely. In this article we will talk about what is the computer vulnerability and analyze the different types that exist. We will also mention the consequences of these virtual attacks.
Do not miss any details , as you can learn how a hacker works and what is the best option to fix it.
Index:
What is a computer vulnerability?
The result of programming errors in an information system is called computer vulnerability. In this way, the availability of access, the confidentiality of the data and the programs that the user has installed on a given device is put at risk.
Due to this situation, a cyber attacker can take advantage of this “computer hole” , produced by a technological limitation, to remotely enter the user’s computer and cause intentional damage. These can range from the copy of the buffer to the loss of the connection of different resources, both hardware and economic.
What are the types of vulnerabilities that exist in computing and what cause them? ?
Due to the constant development of software, computer weaknesses are presented in different types, which we will explain below:
Low gravity
It is the vulnerability that least affects the information system of our computer or mobile. The way to solve it is very simple and we will not have problems to reduce the risk , it is the situation that less can take advantage of a hacker. Usually, these risks are caused by adware or spy files that collect information for advertisements or simple things.
Medium risk
It is also generated by files that are cached and that produce a slightly more important risk than the previous one. Since these manage to reduce some of the configurations presented by the user’s equipment . The solution will be given with an audit, since it can eliminate the danger without major complications.
Vulnerability of great importance
At this point we are talking about a risk aimed especially at the integrity of the information and data of the user, since it causes the loss of confidentiality. To eliminate the risk, the work must be much more precise and in some occasions all the computer systems will have to be reinstalled.
Critical vulnerability rating
If we have this classification is because our equipment and personal data are being handled by intruders without being able to have control over them. It usually expands like a worm and attacks the entire computer environment, since it is carried out automatically.
It can bring very negative consequences to the entire network. In these cases, it is necessary to format the computers, reinstall the operating systems and redo a deep audit to verify that the risks of attacks have been eliminated.
Vulnerability risks How dangerous are they for users?
As we have seen so far, the computer vulnerability is caused by the holes that exist in the development of software. This is used by the attackers who manage to enter the systems to perform different actions, which will vary with respect to the danger they generate in the user’s equipment.
In this way we can say that there are different types of attacks , which will be classified according to the role of the hacker and how is the quality with which it arrives (or not) the information to the receiver.
A risk of interruption occurs when the data delivered by the sender to the receiver is interrupted by the intruder, but does not modify them and ensures that they do not reach their destination. An example of this could be when applications are deleted from our computer or mobile phone without proper authorization.
A little more complex is when the interception of the information issued occurs. That is, in the way of the data packets to the receiver is the intruder who takes knowledge of all the information sent. It does not modify it, so no one notices such a situation. It is one of the most difficult risks to detect.
When the hacker decides to modify the information sent to the receiver, software alteration or deletion of data may occur so that they work in a different way. While it is true that the detection in this case is much simpler than others, it is also necessary to mention that it has more complexity to be able to detect the place where the data flow is intercepted and modified.
Finally, the most dangerous of the risks remains. It occurs when the attacker impersonates or manufactures elements in an information system , such as an IP, email address or anything else that resembles official sites. In these cases the user confidently receives completely false information.
Tips to prevent them from taking advantage of your system’s vulnerabilities protect your data
As you may have noticed, it is inevitable that these computer vulnerabilities exist, because it exceeds user control. This happens because these are generated in the development with errors of the software that are used in the devices.
Therefore, what we can do is reduce that “gateway” of hackers with actions that are within our reach. Because of this, we will show you how you will prevent intruders from attacking your computer system. Let’s get started!
Antivirus update
Many people think that just by downloading a program from them they already have their computers controlled and away from any risk of cyber attack. Unfortunately this is not the case, since viruses or malware are programs that are stored, especially in the temporary files folder, and new developments appear monthly, . So companies, owners of these antivirus, are optimizing new protocols for the detection of the most modern malicious files.
For all this, it is necessary to always have the latest antivirus update and “make it run” at least once a week or when we have entered pages or websites that may seem dangerous .
Updated operating system
As with the antivirus, the operating system, both Windows and the rest, has a configuration for defense against viruses and threats. In this way, it is necessary to activate the “Real-time protection” option and also the “Cloud-based protection” .
To do this we must go to the Windows menu and choose the second option called “Protection against viruses and threats” . It is important to keep this point in mind, since the operating system is one of the programs that presents the most computer vulnerabilities, so it is necessary to always obtain the “hotfixs” or patches designed by engineers on our equipment .
Email settings
This is another great gateway to hackers . Since one of the means by which intruders access our equipment is through deception or sending fake emails , where they persuade us to press certain links to access promises or unreal awards. On this issue you have to be very careful and not open notices from people we don’t know or who directly offer us an unclear message.
If we want to have an updated email, it is convenient to have the “best known platforms” , since these provide the possibility of dividing the mails into spam and malicious emails, of which they really are the important ones. This work can be done thanks to the large database they have and the notices that users make.
We must be cautious with those web pages in which we navigate. This is because cyber attackers constantly seek to enter our teams through unpopular websites or “similar to other originals” (for example, a bank or a recognized store ) that hide certain information or where it is not clear.
To detect malicious sites many times we must read the security protocol they have at the URL . It is preferable to access all those that have a security certificate and have https. While this is not an absolute guarantee, but it will help improve our protection.
Download of unknown files
When you download applications or programs for your computer or mobile device, try to do so from sites recognized by many users and avoid accessing app stores other than Google or Apple .
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While it is true that files with torrent format can be downloaded with ease, it is necessary to be very careful when dealing with uTorrent or similar sites .
Since “go down blindly” and accept the download of a file just by name, we don’t know the content until we have it on our computer. To perform this task it will be necessary for those users who have an advanced level.