Course Code Section
Course Details Information Quality Assurance 1 Date
Name Student No.
Prelim Laboratory Exercise 3
Researching Network Attacks and Security Audit Tools/Attack Tools
Objectives
Part 1: Researching Network Attacks
Research network attacks that have occurred.
Select a network attack and develop a report for presentation to the class.
Part 2: Researching Network Security Audit Tools and Attack Tools
Research network security audit tools.
Select a tool and develop a report for presentation to the class.
Background / Scenario
Over the years, attackers have developed many tools to attack and compromise networks. These
attacks take many forms, but in most cases, they seek to obtain sensitive information, destroy
resources, or deny legitimate users access to resources. When network resources are inaccessible,
worker productivity can suffer, and business income may be lost.
An administrator must identify network vulnerabilities to understand how to defend a network against
attacks. Specialized security audit software developed by equipment and software manufacturers can
be used to help identify potential weaknesses. Network professionals can also use these same tools
individuals use to attack networks to test the ability of a network to mitigate an attack. After the
vulnerabilities are discovered, steps can be taken to help protect the network.
This lab provides a structured research project divided into Researching Network Attacks and
Researching Security Audit Tools. Inform your instructor about which network attack(s) and security
audit tool(s) you chose to research. This will ensure that the class members report on various network
attacks and vulnerability tools.
In Part 1, research network attacks that have occurred. Select one of these attacks and describe how
the attack was perpetrated and the extent of the network outage or damage. Next, investigate how
the attack could have been mitigated or what mitigation techniques might have been implemented to
prevent future attacks. Finally, prepare a report based on the form included in this lab.
In Part 2, research network security audit tools and attack tools. Investigate one that can be used to
identify host or network device vulnerabilities. Create a one-page summary of the tool based on the
form included within this lab. Prepare a short (5–10 minute) presentation for the class.
You may work in teams of two, with one person reporting on the network attack and the other
reporting on the tools. All team members deliver a short overview of their findings. You can use live
demonstrations or PowerPoint to summarize your findings.
Required Resources
Computer with Internet access for research
Researching Network Attacks
In Part 1 of this lab, you will research real network attacks and select one on which to report. Fill in
the form below based on your findings.
Research various network attacks.
List some of the attacks you identified in your search.
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Step 1: Fill in the following form for the network attack selected.
Name of attack:
Type of attack:
Dates of attacks:
Computers / Organizations affected:
How it works and what it did:
Mitigation options:
References and info links:
Presentation support graphics (include PowerPoint filename or web links):
Part 2: Researching Network Security Audit Tools and Attack Tools
In Part 2 of this lab, research network security audit and attack tools. Investigate one that can be
used to identify host or network device vulnerabilities. Fill in the report below based on your findings.
Step 1: Research various network security audit tools and attack tools.
List some of the tools that you identified in your search.
________________________________________________________________________________
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Step 2: Fill in the following form for the network security audit tool/attack tool selected.
Name of tool:
Developer:
Type of tool (character-based or GUI):
Used on (network device or computer host):
Cost:
Description of key features and capabilities of product or tool:
References and info links:
Reflection
1. What is the impact of network attacks on the operation of an organization? What are some key steps
organizations can take to help protect their networks and resources?
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2. Have you worked for an organization or know of one where the network was compromised? If so,
what was the impact on the organization, and what did it do about it?
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3. What steps can you take to protect your PC or laptop?
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