As there is a large consumption of technology in all the areas in which we operate, the risk of computer vulnerability is constantly growing. This is nothing more than the probability that a company has of attacking the information systems and at the same time our personal data.
It is because of that, it is necessary to be aware of all the risks to which we are exposed and that many times we are completely unaware. In this article we will talk about what computer vulnerability is and we will analyze the different types that exist. We will also mention the consequences of these virtual attacks.
Don’t miss any detailsince you will be able to know how a hacker works and what is the best option to solve it.
What is a computer vulnerability?
It is called a computer vulnerability the result of programming errors that exist in an information system. In this way, the availability of access, the confidentiality of the data and the programs that the user has installed on a specific device are 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 equipment and cause intentional damage. These can go from the copy of the buffer to the loss of the connection of different resources, both as cheap.
What are the types of vulnerabilities that exist in computing and what causes them?
Due to constant software development, Computer weaknesses come in different types, which we will explain below:
low severity
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 reducing the risk, is the situation that a hacker can least take advantage of. Usually these risks are caused by adware or spyware that collects the information for advertisements or simple things.
Medium risk
It is also generated by files that are stored in the cache 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 with it the danger can be eliminated without major complications.
Major vulnerability
At this point we are talking about a risk aimed especially at the integrity of the user’s information and data, since it produces the loss of confidentiality. To eliminate the risk, the work will have to be much more precise and on some occasions all 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 us being able to have control over them. It usually spreads like a worm and attacks the entire computer environment as it is carried out automatically.
It can bring very negative consequences to the entire network. In these cases, it is necessary to reformat the computers, reinstall the operating systems and carry out a deep audit again in order to verify that the attack risks have been eliminated.
Vulnerability risks How dangerous are they for users?
As we have seen so far, computer vulnerability is caused by holes that exist in the development of software. This is used by attackers who manage to enter the systems to perform different actions, which will vary with respect to the danger they generate on the user’s computer.
In this way we can say that there are different types of attackswhich will be classified according to the role played by the hacker and how is the quality with which the information arrives (or not) to the receiver.
A risk of interruption It occurs when the data delivered by the sender to the receiver is interrupted by the intruder, but does not modify it and prevents it from reaching its destination. An example of this could be when applications are deleted from our computer or mobile without proper authorization.
A bit more complex is when the interception of the information released. In other words, on the way of the data packets to the receiver is the intruder who becomes aware of all the information sent. He 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 modify information sent to the recipient, the software may be altered or data removed to make it work differently. Although it is true that detection in this case is much simpler than others, it is also necessary to mention that it is more complex in order to detect where the data flow is intercepted and modified.
Finally, there remains the most dangerous of risks. Occurs when the attacker supplants or fabricates 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 vulnerabilities in your computer system and protect your data
As you may have already realized, it is inevitable that these computer vulnerabilities exist, because it is beyond the control of the user. This happens because these are generated in the development with errors of the software that is used in the devices.
So what we can do is reduce that “front door” of hackers with actions that are within our reach. Because of this, we will show you how you will be able to prevent intruders from attacking your computer system. Let’s get started!
virus update
Many people think that just by downloading one of these programs 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 every month.. Therefore, the companies, owners of these antiviruses, are optimizing new protocols for the detection of the most modern malicious files.
For all this, it is necessary to always have the latest update of an antivirus 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 like the rest, it has a configuration to defend against viruses and threats. In this way, it is necessary to activate the option “Protection in real time” and also the “Cloud-based protection”.
To do this we must go to the Windows menu and choose the second option called “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 “hotfixes” or patches designed by the engineers on our teams.
Email Settings
This is another great access door for hackers.. Since one of the means by which intruders access our equipment is through deception or sending false emails, where they persuade us to click on certain links to access unrealistic promises or prizes. In this matter, we must be very careful and not open ads from people we do not know or who directly offer us an unclear message.
If we want to have an updated email, it is convenient to have the “most popular platforms”since these offer the possibility of dividing the mails into and malicious emails, the really important ones. They can do this work thanks to the large database that they have and the notices that users make.
Internet browsing
We must be cautious with those web pages in which we navigate. This is because cyber attackers are constantly looking to break into our computers. through unpopular websites either “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 in the URL. It is preferable to access all those that have a security certificate and have https. While this is not an absolute guarantee, it will help improve our protection.
Unknown file download
When you download applications or programs for your computer or mobile device, try to do it from sites recognized by many users and Avoid accessing app stores other than Google or Apple.
Although it is true that you can safely download files with formatit is necessary to be very careful when we drive in or similar sites.
Since at “go down blind” and accept the download of a file only by its name, we do not know the content until we have it on our computer. To carry out this task, it will be necessary for users who have an advanced level to do it.
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