Bad Networking: What is a Botnet?

Author(s):

Patrick Putman, ,

Botnet Bot Herder

What is a Botnet? There are countless threats to computer security. Many of these threats are nothing more than good technologies used for bad reasons. One example of this is a botnet. Short for “Robot Network,” it is a group of connected computers controlled by software. This software is then used to perform a specific … Read more

Denial of Service: Access Denied

Author(s):

Patrick Putman, ,

Denial of Service, girl at laptop, access denied

As an internet user, you have likely experienced an interruption in service at some point. Maybe your favorite website was unavailable. Or perhaps your internet service was completely down. Sometimes this happens due to scheduled maintenance. Other times it happens due to hardware or software issues. However, interruptions are occasionally the result of what is … Read more

What is a Hacktivist?

Author(s):

Patrick Putman, ,

Anonymous Hacktivist Mask

Hacking is no longer just about breaking into a computer to steal money or data. Hackers have developed new methods of influencing policy and bringing about change. Especially with society’s heightened sense of political awareness. Subsequently, they are turning internet activism as a way of spreading their idealism. Simply put, a hacktivist is someone who … Read more

Pretexting: The Art of Impersonation

Author(s):

Patrick Putman, ,

Pretexting, hacker working on business interface, sinister, animated

What is Pretexting Pretexting is a social engineering tactic that uses deception and false motives. Simply put, pretexting crafts fictional situations to obtain personal, sensitive, or privileged information. Pretexting often involves researching the target prior to the attack. The data collected is then used to manipulate and deceive the victim. The main goal of the … Read more