Editing Computer security (section)

=== Physical access attacks===
{{main|Physical access}}
A direct-access attack is when an unauthorized user (an attacker) gains physical access to a computer, most likely to directly copy data from it or steal information.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Computer Security |url=https://www.interelectronix.com/computer-security.html |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.interelectronix.com}}</ref> Attackers may also compromise security by making operating system modifications, installing [[Computer worm|software worms]], [[keystroke logging|keyloggers]], [[covert listening device]]s or using wireless microphones. Even when the system is protected by standard security measures, these may be bypassed by booting another operating system or tool from a [[CD-ROM]] or other bootable media. [[Disk encryption]] and the [[Trusted Platform Module]] standard are designed to prevent these attacks.

Direct service attackers are related in concept to [[DMA attack|direct memory attacks]] which allow an attacker to gain direct access to a computer's memory.<ref name="Kroll">{{Cite web |title=What Is a DMA Attack? Analysis & Mitigation |url=https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/cyber/what-is-dma-attack-understanding-mitigating-threat |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=Kroll |language=en}}</ref> The attacks "take advantage of a feature of modern computers that allows certain devices, such as external hard drives, graphics cards, or network cards, to access the computer's memory directly."<ref name="Kroll" />