Network attacks

Network attacks have become common. Networking and development of information systems have for their part contributed to the attackers’ activities. Fast Internet connections, the increased processor power and hard drive capacity have improved the capability of information systems to meet the requirements of modern society. On the other hand, they have also increased the number of potential attack targets and therefore overall interest in attacks.

The increased number of possible attack targets has for example increased the number of attacks launched against home computers. The attacks are more and more often automated and widely-spread Furthermore, financial gain is frequently pursued by the attacks, usually by taking over a great number of information systems to be used for instance for distribution of spam or in Denial of Service attacks.

The preparation against attacks and their prevention requires knowledge and understanding of possible threats which networks and information systems are facing. But above all, information security is a question of attitude and therefore it is important that all threats are dealt seriously. Counter measures against attackers should be proactive.