When it comes to cybersecurity, the most insidious threats are often those that manage to go unnoticed, such as security bugs. The first case of a computer “bug” dates back to the 40s of the twentieth century when the United States Navy Lieutenant Grace Hopper noticed that a moth was stuck between the circuits of the Mark II, the computer supplied to the crew. The removal of the insect was reported by Hopper in the logbook and went down in history as the first “debugging” procedure. Today the integrity of data and digital networks is threatened daily by “bugs” of a completely different nature, such as those we have listed in this list of the 7 worst security bugs that can happen to a computer system. Let’s start with a bug concerning the “invincible” Apple.
Table of Contents
1) I see you
Let’s start with what is probably the most disturbing bug of this process: I see you can hit the iSight webcam of any Apple laptop, taking control of it and effectively becoming an external eye on the unfortunate user.
2) Specter
Specter is a type of vulnerability first detected in 2018, affecting the microprocessors of nearly every computer, laptop, tablet, and smartphone out there. Specter can compromise a device’s memory, allowing cybercriminals to steal sensitive personal data (passwords, images, credit card numbers, etc.). This is not a bug specially created by a hacker, but a real flaw in the security of modern microprocessors, which can lead to unpleasant consequences if proper precautions are not taken.
3) Heartbleed
Heartbleed is a vulnerability in the OpenSSL cryptographic library. This bug allows information protected by SSL / TLS encryption to be stolen, which protects the privacy of information exchanged via email, instant messaging, and some Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). After the discovery of Heartbleed, Google decided to set up Project Zero, a team that is responsible for identifying and reporting similar bugs in any software used by Google users.
4) Zerologon
Identified in 2020, this bug is believed to be one of the most serious Windows flaws. Zero login hits the Microsoft Netlogon authentication system, allowing you to gain access with administrator credentials within an Active Directory domain, thus taking control of it. A real danger for corporate networks, which through this terrible bug can be infected with malware and ransomware.
5) Krack
Krack (Key Reinstallation Attack) is a flaw in the WPA2 security system of WiFi networks, which came to light in 2017. A cybercriminal could exploit this vulnerability thanks to a “man-in-the-middle” attack, gaining unauthorized access to the network and exposing the data on the device.
6) BlueBorne
When you have to go out and there is nobody at home, you always lock the front door, right? Likewise, the “digital inputs” of our electronic devices, such as Bluetooth, should not be left open. BlueBorne is a bug that affects Windows, Linux, Android, or iOS systems and puts any device with Bluetooth at risk, as it allows attackers to take control and access the data it contains.
7) MDS (Michroarchitectural Data Sampling)
MDSs are a series of weaknesses in the security of Intel x86 microprocessors, which could provide cybercriminals capable of exploiting them with access to sensitive information. Bugs like MDS expose the vulnerabilities of modern processors, whose extreme speed is not always synonymous with total security.
Yes, we know, this list is particularly long and distressing, but don’t worry: there are several strategies to protect yourself from software and hardware vulnerabilities, the best is undoubtedly to rely on those who know how to manage the cybersecurity of your personal and corporate network. Try taking a look at our Managed Security services by visiting this page, or contact us if you need more information.
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