Internet Security: Five Types of Internet Security Threats

Majority of us are so much addicted towards Internet and is unable to visualize a day without them. Why are we so much dependent on internet? Internet has loads of information and we have the flexibility of knowing this information with a touch of a button. We are able to communicate with people who are staying farther; internet has reduced the distance. The world has become small now. Despite these advantages, there are lots of internet security threats that we need to be aware of. We will be able to counteract these threats only if we know them. Internet security threats, what are they? This is a walk through on different types on internet security. 

Image via ecommercesecurity

Spam:

An example of Spam e-mail:

Image via vistawiz

Spam is an internet security threat that many of are definitely aware of. These are unsolicited e-mails sent in bulk or sent to numerous recipients. When you open these spam messages the possibility of your system being infected with viruses and other malicious program is higher. Usage of e-mail filters, greylists, etc., reduces the risk from spam messages. 

Spyware and adware:

These are another group of internet security threats. Spyware are software programs that steal information from computers and sent them to hackers. These programs get installed on your system when you download music, software, videos, etc., from the internet. Adware are programs in general used by the marketers to track the interests of a user. They track information like sites visited, ads clicked, information searched, etc. Once this information is collected, this information will be used to customize ads for the user or will be sold to third-party. These customized ads may contain spyware or any other malicious software. To avoid spyware and adware, it is essential to use a good antispyware program. Make sure you update the antispyware program at regular intervals else there is no point in using antispyware program. 

Trojan horse:

Trojan horse or Trojans are programs that look harmless, but are a great security threat to internet users. These programs do not replicate themselves like viruses; however, will pose as though they are useful programs and make the user install them on their systems. Once these programs are installed they access your system to collect a variety of information, can infect your system with virus, etc.

Phishing:

Image via anz

This is one of the most popular internet security threats. Many of us would have received e-mails posing to be sent from our banks or other financial institutions asking us to visit a website and enter the password, credit card information, etc. We believe them to be sent from our banks and enter the data. Phishing attacks are e-mails appeared to be sent from trusted sources; however, not actually sent by them.   

Keylogger:

Keylogger, as the name suggests it logs the keystrokes. These are malicious programs installed secretly in the system to log keys that you type in the keyboard. This is used to capture information like username and passwords, credit card information, social security number, and other financial transactions. Once the keystrokes are captured they are transferred to the hacker who can use this information for a variety of purposes. 

If you wish to surf internet without the fear of being a victim of these internet security threats, ensure you do the following: 

1. Never open e-mail attachments from sources you don’t trust.
2. Before opening any e-mail attachments regardless of whether from trusted source or not, scan them.
3. Install and update antivirus and antispyware software.
4. Don’t click pop-up ads.
5. Download and install security patches for your system whenever they are made available.
6. Scan your system for virus, spyware, malware and adware periodically.
7. Whenever you receive e-mails asking you to enter password, PIN, etc., immediately call up the financial institution to verify whether they have sent the e-mail.  

Keep the above-mentioned points in your mind whenever you surf the web and be safe. All the best for safe surfing! 

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