Nuke (computer)

A Nuke, which has been confused with WinNuking, is an older way to attack computers by a network.

A Nuke generally cannot work on a newer machine, and a nuking must be done by the root administrator. The nuke sends fragmented or invalid ICMP packets to the target, which slows the effected computer down until it comes to a complete stop.

There is a recent version of this is called, "Smurfing", but Internet Service Providers, not PC owners, are at risk from this attack method.

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