Post #6 – Network Security: Phishing & Ransomware.

Two major types of cyber threats that individuals and organizations commonly face are phishing and ransomware. Each represents a unique risk vector and can cause significant harm if not mitigated.
In today’s digitally connected world, information and system security are more crucial than ever for both individuals and organizations. With an increasing reliance on internet-connected devices, cloud computing, and digital transactions, the potential for malicious attacks grows daily. These threats not only disrupt operations but can also result in financial loss, identity theft, or damage to reputation. Understanding the types of threats and how to protect against them is essential to building resilient and secure systems.
Phishing Attacks
 Phishing is a form of social engineering that involves tricking users into providing sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. Attackers typically disguise themselves as trustworthy sources through emails, text messages (smishing), or fake websites. Systems are vulnerable to phishing primarily due to human error—users may unknowingly click on malicious links or download harmful attachments. According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishing attacks doubled between 2019 and 2021, emphasizing the growing risk.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user’s data and demands payment in exchange for a decryption key. These attacks often enter systems via infected email attachments or unpatched software vulnerabilities. Systems are particularly vulnerable when backups are outdated, or when employees lack awareness of safe digital practices.
 The consequences of ransomware can be devastating. Hospitals, schools, and corporations have had their operations brought to a halt, with some paying millions in ransom to regain access to critical systems. In 2021, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack caused fuel shortages across the southeastern United States and highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Newbie-to-Newbie: Getting Started with Java and OOP

  Newbie-to-Newbie: Getting Started with Java and OOP Hey everyone! When I first started out, I thought I could get by just using an online compiler (and honestly, it worked fine for quick tests). But as soon as we started diving deeper into Java, I realized it made more sense to install Java on my computer and use an IDE. I went with IntelliJ, which actually walked me through the Java installation as part of the setup. It felt a little intimidating at first, but following the prompts and checking the official Java download page made it pretty straightforward. For anyone new, my advice is: start with an online compiler to get your feet wet, but don’t be afraid to install Java locally—it gives you more control and gets you closer to the “real” workflow. The Four Pillars of OOP (Made Simple) When people talk about object-oriented programming (OOP), they’re really talking about four main ideas. Here’s my “newbie-to-newbie” take: 1. Encapsulation Think of it like a medicine bottle...
Read more

Post #1 – Scratch Programming Language

  For week 1 of class, i built a program in Scratch which was both enlightening and surprisingly intuitive. As a visual, block-based programming platform, Scratch simplifies logic structures by using color-coded blocks that snap together. For my project, I created a short animation involving a cat sprite that moves across the screen, changes colors, and plays a sound while interacting with user inputs. The program incorporated more than 30 blocks, including motion, looks, sounds, control loops, and event handling. The drag-and-drop format eliminated syntax errors, allowing me to focus on the logic and sequence of events. This experience helped demystify the core principles of programming such as conditionals, loops, and variables in a low-pressure environment. From this exercise, I gained a greater appreciation for computational thinking and how coding helps break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It emphasized the importance of planning before execution, particula...
Read more
Image
  Full Concept Map of Operating Systems Theory Jonathan Centeno The University of Arizona Global Campus CTP304 Pete Limon 9/29/2025                   The Fundamental Concepts of Operating Systems: A Concept Map Summary Understanding operating systems (OS) is crucial for grasping how modern computer systems function. Throughout this course, I have built a concept map that incrementally connected the major features, structures, and mechanisms of OS theory. The map visually represents how core components such as processes, memory, file systems, input/output (I/O), and security interact to form the foundation of operating systems. By integrating all five sections, I can now answer the focus question: What are the fundamental concepts that underlie operating systems? Features and Structures of Contemporary Operating Systems The first section of my concept map highlights the features and structures of contemporary operating systems. The featur...
Read more