HealthPOINT Security Services | Monthly Education Blast

Education Blast JULY 2015

Blended Threats

A Blended Threat is often referred to as a "blended attack", but may also be referred to as "combined attacks" or "mixed techniques". This malicious software is one of the worst things that could happen to a computer network, it is exactly what it sounds like, a blend or combination of several threats put together.

Blended attacks are deadly for a network system because attacks are executed one after the other and contain a zero day attack. Blended Threats combine the characteristics of viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, and malicious code to make use of server and internet vulnerabilities, therefore allowing the attack to initiate, transmit and spread throughout a network.

By using multiple methods and techniques, blended threats can rapidly spread and cause widespread damage. Some of the most widely known devastating web attacks have been caused by several types of Blended threats like Nimda, Code Red, Bugbear, and Conficker etc. For instance, the code red attack on Anthem Inc., the second-largest health insurance company in the nation, allowed hackers to gain access to the company's computer system to retrieve information including names, birthdays, medical IDs, Social Security numbers, street addresses, e-mail addresses, employment information, and income data.

Blended Threats are designed to propagate quickly, using whatever propagation path exists. These propagation paths may be pre-existing or may be caused by malware distribution as part of the attack.

The intent of a Blended Threat is to cause a mass destruction over multiple layers of the system by attacking the system from multiple angles and damage them severely. To guard against Blended Threats, network administrators need to be vigilant about system management, update firewall products, use server software to detect malware, also educate users about proper e-mail handling and online behavior.

For more information on Blended threats, click here.

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HealthPOINT Security Services | Monthly Education Blast

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