Zero-Day exploits and Cyber Weapons

by | Mar 1, 2023 | Home Science

 

Discuss all three topics below. Respond to posts from other students.

Analyze the significance of the STUXNET malicious code events in Iran, and the significance of the Dragonfly malicious code currently found in the US and Europe (Do not dwell on describing the effects, instead describe the significance).
Analyze the effects of the global market for sale of ZDEs. Can the proliferation of ZDEs and cyberweapons be controlled or managed by a treaty similar to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty? Is it possible to keep a count of cyber weapons the same way we can monitor nations to count their nuclear weapons? Explain your answer.
Describe the characteristics and possible effects on computer equipment and businesses due to a cyberattack using Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) or Microwave Directed Energy. Compare those characteristics and effects on computers to the traditional effects that are commonly associated with a malicious code cyberattack. Look up the costs for various commercial EMP devices found for sale on the Internet.

 

Sample Solution

The STUXNET and Dragonfly malicious code events both represent significant moments in the history of cyber warfare. STUXNET was an attack launched against Iran’s nuclear program in order to disrupt its operations, while Dragonfly targeted energy companies in Europe and the US by infiltrating their networks and stealing data. Both attacks were highly sophisticated, with each utilizing different methods of infiltration.

 

Sample Solution

The STUXNET and Dragonfly malicious code events both represent significant moments in the history of cyber warfare. STUXNET was an attack launched against Iran’s nuclear program in order to disrupt its operations, while Dragonfly targeted energy companies in Europe and the US by infiltrating their networks and stealing data. Both attacks were highly sophisticated, with each utilizing different methods of infiltration.

 

The significance of these events lies in the fact that they demonstrate how powerful cyber weapons can be when used for malicious purposes; not only do they provide insight into the level of sophistication available to attackers ,but also highlight potential targets and even show us what can happen if such tools are left unchecked.

The proliferation of Zero Day Exploits and Cyberweapons is a major concern as we move further into the digital age. ZDEs are computer programs or scripts designed to exploit undisclosed software vulnerabilities, often allowing attackers to gain access without being detected .Cyberweapons on the other hand are typically created with more nefarious goals in mind such as espionage or sabotage campaigns . Although it is possible to create a treaty similar to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which focuses on controlling/managing these types of threats ,the sheer amount complexity associated managing them makes this process difficult . As such there currently is no way accurately count all existing cyber weapons meaningfully reducing effectiveness any related measures undertaken over time henceforth

Finally Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks utilize high frequency electromagnetic waves which when directed onto certain electronic devices can render them useless; this differs greatly from traditional malicious code based approaches where instead exploiting software vulnerabilities within systems order compromise them instead damage caused herein comes form direct physical means rather than exploitations alone. Such devices can range anywhere between $200 -$1000 depending upon intended power output associated therewith with businesses typically bearing brunt cost associated repair/replacement equipment affected by same during course said event(s).

This question has been answered.

Get Answer