Maximum Security, Fourth Edition

Chapter 9. Dispelling Some of the Myths

IN THIS CHAPTER

• When Can Attacks Occur?

• What Kinds of Attackers Exist?

• Operating Systems Used by Crackers

• Is There a Typical Attack?

• Who Gets Targeted Most Frequently?

• What Is the Motivation Behind Attacks?

The explosive growth of the Internet has thrust the topic of computer security directly in the face of everyone, whether they work with computers or not. Everywhere we read about viruses, system break-ins, malicious software, and a myriad of other threats. It really comes as no surprise that there is also a rising number of hoaxes, myths, and exaggerations about the risks you might face every time your computer is turned on and connected to the Internet. Although you should definitely be concerned about those ...