How to Avoid Common Network Security Vulnerabilities & Threats

Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2024 and filed under Articles

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It’s no secret by now that cybersecurity threats are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Between 2021 and 2023, successful attacks increased by 72%. However, this doesn’t mean your organization is doomed to fall victim to an attack. Understanding the types of attacks in network security and common network vulnerabilities is your best defense.

“Cyber attacks are on the rise, so education and proactive preparation need to be too!” – Jim Stackhouse, Founder & Chief Technologist, NeoLore Networks

This article is here to get you started. We’ll discuss the difference between network security vulnerabilities and threats, provide examples of each, and name some quick and easy tips to protect your network from them.

What’s The Difference Between Network Security Vulnerabilities & Threats?

Network security vulnerabilities are possible entry points in a system that can be exploited in a way that compromises cybersecurity. On the other hand, network security threats are potential dangers that aim to exploit these vulnerabilities.

In this sense, vulnerabilities in and of themselves aren’t dangerous. However, they have the potential to become dangerous if a threat actor finds them. For this reason, it’s vital that you find and close any network vulnerabilities in your system before they are used in a security breach.

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5 Common Types of Vulnerabilities in Network Security

1. Unpatched Software

One of the reasons why vendors regularly update applications, operating systems, and firmware is that older versions may have known vulnerabilities. However, if the user doesn’t install recommended updates when requested, their security flaws remain open to exploitation.

2. Weak Authentication Methods

Authentication methods that rely on weak passwords or weak cryptographic algorithms are a problem because they don’t provide sufficient access control.

Additionally, one compromised password can lead to a widespread issue. According to CloudSecureTech, the average user has 90 different online accounts. If the average user uses the same weak password for all of them, one compromised account means 90 compromised accounts.

3. Default Configurations

Default configurations are pre-set settings that might not suit your unique network needs. If left unchanged, they could offer excessive permissions or unnecessary open ports that provide opportunities for unauthorized access or misuse.

4. Open Ports & Unused Services

Leaving ports open or keeping unused services running allows parts of your network that shouldn’t be accessible accessible. This vulnerability may allow unwanted traffic or connections, increasing your overall attack surface.

5. Improper Network Segmentation

Networks that don’t properly isolate sensitive areas from general access create vulnerabilities. Poor segmentation makes it easy for cyber threats in one network segment to spill over and affect others, potentially compromising valuable or confidential data.

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5 Types of Network Security Threats

1. SQL Injections

SQL injections happen when an attacker manipulates a standard SQL query to access or manipulate the database. If successful, the attacker can view, modify, delete, or steal data they should not have access to.

2. Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering includes phishing, vishing, and pharming and accounts for 98% of all successful cyber attacks. In simple terms, social engineering exploits human psychology rather than employing technical hacking techniques. These attacks occur when attackers deceive individuals into breaking normal security procedures.

3. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks

A denial-of-service (DoS) attack is triggered when an attacker overwhelms a network or service with excessive traffic, rendering it unavailable. These attacks are increasingly common and easy to enact.

Even if they lack technical skills, bad actors can employ a DDoS-for-hire service to do the dirty work for them. Such services are on the rise; 20% of DDoS-for-hire services appeared in 2023 alone.

4. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into content that other users see. Attackers could steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information displayed on web pages, potentially leading to identity theft or fraud.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks happen when an attacker intercepts communication between two parties to either eavesdrop or alter the communication. This cyber attack could compromise the confidentiality of data exchange.

How to Avoid These Cyber Vulnerabilities & Threats

Vulnerabilities

Unpatched Software	Regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware. Enable automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest security patches. Monitor patch status to verify compliance.
Weak Authentication Methods	Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems. Enforce strong password policies that require complex passwords. Regularly review and update authentication protocols.
Default Configurations	Change default usernames and passwords immediately after installation. Customize security controls according to your organization’s specific needs. Remove unnecessary features and permissions.
Open Ports & Unused Services	Close ports and disable services that aren’t required for daily operations. Regularly audit network traffic to identify any unexpected activity. Use firewalls to block unauthorized ports.
Improper Network Segmentation	Separate networks based on sensitivity and access requirements. Limit access between network segments with firewalls and access controls. Regularly review segmentation policies to ensure data integrity.

Threats

SQL Injections	Validate and sanitize all input data to prevent malicious code execution. Use prepared statements and parameterized queries in databases. Restrict database user permissions to only what’s necessary.
Social Engineering Attacks	Conduct regular employee training on identifying phishing and scam attempts. Create clear policies on how to handle sensitive information requests. Establish a process for reporting suspicious communications.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks	Implement network traffic monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns. Use firewalls or specialized DDoS mitigation tools to block harmful traffic. Design network architecture to handle unexpected traffic spikes.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)	Sanitize all user input data before displaying it on web pages. Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution. Regularly conduct vulnerability scans on web applications.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks	Encrypt data transmission using SSL/TLS protocols. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, or use a VPN if necessary. Implement strong authentication processes to prevent unauthorized access.

Avoid Common Network Vulnerabilities & Prevent Threats With Expert Help

We get it. You’re a busy business owner who doesn’t have the time to consistently chase your employees about enforcing cybersecurity policies. You also simply might not be sure what the right strategy is for you and need some advice on the matter.

Luckily, NeoLore Networks can help with both. We’re the third largest managed IT provider in the Ottawa region, and we’re known for our fast, effective IT support and ability to take over your cybersecurity management!

Reach out today to find out more!