Just by clicking a malicious connection from an email, it can be frightening to learn how readily your identity can be stolen. Scary right? The real question is how to protect your identity against these parasites while online? But before we dig in let’s enumerate first see what are the common types of Cyber Security Threats that you need to watch out for.
Common Types of Cyber Security Threats
- Phishing
Phishing is a type of fraud where an attacker masks in email or other communication channels as a trusted source or individual. Targets individuals are usually contacted by someone disguised as a legitimate entity through email, telephone or text message attracting people to provide sensitive information such as personal data, credit card details and banking information and passwords.
Phishing is often used by cybercriminals, as tricking someone into clicking a malicious connection in an apparently lawful phishing email.
Here is the Common Phishing Emails Example:
Includes Hyperlinks – sometimes an email includes a link that might not be everything it seems to be. Clicking over a link will show you the actual URL to which you will be directed by clicking on it. It might be completely different or it might be a popular website with a misspelling, e.g. www.bankofarnerica.com- this seems to look legit but look closely. Noticed how they play with letters? Be very careful.
Use of Attachments – some attachment often contains payloads like ransomware or other viruses which I will discuss further as we go on. If it seems to be very suspicious and irrelevant to the email, don’t open it! The only type of file that is always safe to click on is the.txt file.
Sphere Phishing – This attack usually tries to impersonate the CEO or equally important individual within the company in order to use superiority in order to force the victim to make payments or share information. Attackers will really investigate the target’s company names and roles. Email also includes references to the organization of the victim’s coworkers or managers, as well as the use of the name, place or other private data of the victim.
Voice Phishing – this uses voice or speech software leaving voicemail messages to target victim. Informing or giving notification about suspicious activity about their bank activity and soon will collect personal information and verifying one’s identity.
Sense of Urgency – this is the most commonly used tactic for phishing. Cyber Criminal usually wants their victim to act quickly as possible because the “so-called” deals that they’re trying to impose are for a restricted time only. Some of them will even inform you that you only have to answer for a few minutes. It’s best to disregard them when you come across these types of messages. Sometimes they will inform you that if you do not update your personal details immediately, your account will be suspended.
- Ransomware and Malware
This a typical use of malware or software to deny access to your desktop or system until you pay a ransom. Ransomware has been reported for several years now and often by showing an on-screen warning or alert try to extort cash from victims.
These alerts typically state that the devices of the user were locked or that the files of the user were encrypted. This is a very effective type of cyber threat as it instills panic and fear to victims. Forcing them to click on a link or pay a ransom which is equivalent to loads of cash.
Here’s a sample of a pop-up message that will appear to your pc “A virus has infected your computer. Click here to solve the problem.”
- Spyware
Spyware is unwanted software infiltrating your computer, stealing data and sensitive information about your internet usage. It is categorized as a malicious software intended to access or harm your computer, often without your consent.
Some kinds of spyware can install extra software and alter your computer settings, so it’s essential to use safe passwords and update your devices. Better obtain a reliable Internet Security Antivirus Software up and running now to avoid fraudulent acts like identity theft, invasion of privacy, fraud of personal/corporate data, etc.
- Computer Viruses
The virus will generally be connected to a program, file or document until conditions cause the computer or device to perform its code. This virus is programmed to propagate and replicate itself.
These viruses are often uploaded or downloaded to damage or take control of a computer by attackers. The logic here is to attack its core by inserting a snippet code into other applications, it executes the virus code when that application runs.
Ways to Protect you from Cyber Security Threats
- Use a trusted antivirus product for your pc like Norton AntiVirus Basic, Kaspersky Internet Security Software, BitDefender Internet Security Software, Avira Internet Security Software, and other Internet Security Antivirus Software and maintain it up-to-date with the recent definitions of viruses.
- Always use file-sharing programs to scan the documents you download.
- Do not click on any pop-up ads.
- Always scan attachments of your email before you open them.
- By keeping up-to-date with the recent software and news about your computers, you will not only prevent unwanted bugs and crashes but also boost their protection of data.
From our web browsing to mobile devices and personal computers, products installed in our homes have the potential to erode our privacy and personal security and to keep them intact, you cannot rely on vendors or ever-changing monitoring rules.
Viruses, hackers, and ransomware are just a few aspects that can damage your pc, your network, and worst your wallet too in some instances.
Isolated computer systems are not enough, they need to be networked in order to facilitate communication with external companies. This exposes them to hackers from the outside world. Hacking is using computer systems to perform fraudulent acts like identity theft, invasion of privacy, fraud of personal/corporate data, etc.
Never too late to acquire the best Internet Security Antivirus Software for your computer to avoid these parasites on-site.
Cybersafety should always be at the forefront of your mind. Stay alert at all times and never disclose sensitive data unless you are able to confirm that the source is valid.