As the years pass by, technology continues to innovate and improve. It has come to a point where accessing the internet is the new norm in every household. The internet has also been the primary medium for students and workers during this pandemic. The internet and its websites have also become our primary source of entertainment. It provides us with content, whether it’s news, films, video logs, gaming videos, or songs. With the surge in users in cyberspace, the targets for ransomware attacks, scams, hacks, and other internet threats also increase. A significant number of older and younger generations do not know or are aware of the vast cyber threats that exist. We may not even realize how vulnerable we are to these attacks. Follow along as we unravel common internet threats that we might face.
1. Virus
The most prominent and widely-known malware or cyber threat is a virus. A virus is a computer program that usually attaches itself to regular files. Once it enters your device, it can start to progressively multiply itself until your gadget is overwhelmed and unable to process simple tasks. This type of threat can come from files or applications that can be downloaded from a suspicious and unauthorized website.
2. Phishing
This threat is common among students, employees, businesses, and others who utilize emails or online messaging platforms. The potential danger occurs when you reply to or access these suspicious emails or messages. The credentials saved on that device would be leaked and within reach of suspicious individuals as soon as this happens. This is the primary root of ransomware attacks, which use your vital information against you.
3. Spam
Similar to Phishing, this threat pertains to unwanted emails or messages that can clog up and fill your inbox. Most spam emails do not cause harm other than being a nuisance as it blocks other essential messages. Although, some of these spam messages can contain other malware and even be a source of phishing.
4. Adware
Adware is another computer program that disguises itself under legitimate-looking applications or programs. It can activate itself once it enters your device. This threat floods your gadget with distracting and unwanted advertisements. If you accessed or interacted with the ads, your browser information regarding ad preference would then get leaked. This information can then be sold to online businesses and websites targeting you and woo you to purchase their products. These ads can also lead you to suspicious websites that can lead to other threats such as viruses or phishing.
5. Trojan
Originating from the story of the Trojan horse, this threat acts harmless and safe until it accesses the internet through your device. Whoever controls or has access to the trojan program can obtain sensitive and essential data from the affected device. Your data would then be sold or used against you to achieve what they desire. Trojan can enter your gadget through apps, files, or attachments from emails and messages.
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Conclusion
These internet threats pose an issue, especially for our safety when surfing cyberspace. It presents potential danger and harm with regard to the data we share and utilize in websites and programs. There are simple ways to prevent and protect our devices from these threats. Basic preventive measures include having a long and secure password, saving backup files, and encrypting sensitive data. This can make the people who intend to obtain your data have a hard time doing so. If you encounter malicious things similar to this, you can report it to official personnel within the government that handles cybercrime. Whatever demographic or job you belong to, knowing these methods ensures the safety of your data and upkeeps your privacy.