When you use the Internet you open doors and invite many threats to enter into your system. There are many types of threats online, but the top four threats to computer security are viruses, Adware/spyware, hackers and phishing sites.
4 Online Threats To Computer Security
Viruses
A virus is a computer program that is made with the intent to replicate itself. This computer virus copies itself from a single computer to other computers and forms a chain. A virus is one of the top online threats to computer security because of the damage it can cause.
- Viuses can increases in number and drain the resources of the host computer.
- Some severe Trojan viruses and rootkits can actually completely disable Internet functions, and other internal system process. Browser hijackers, for example, cause healthy websites you visit to redirect to phishing and malware sites and other such malicious actions.
- Many viruses cause unusual strain to internal operating system processes and therefore slow down the computer until it is impossible to use.
- The most complex viruses can bypass securities of virus software because they mas themselves as authentic Windows files and therefore they are very difficult to eliminate and clean out.
- Rogue anti virus software is the latest in severe infections, and this is where a virus will download itself on to your computer automatically, and mascarade itself as a legitimate virus alert. It will then create pop up windows on your screen that show alerts that your system is infected and that you need to run a scan immediately. Most people unwittingly click the scan button and that’s all it takes for the virus files to spread all over your system.
- Keyloggers are another serious infection that allows malicious people to see every keystroke you make online. This could mean, banking logins, credit card loginsm online payment shopping details and other such sensitive activities.
- Many times these types of infections can cause loss of all data and computer settings because, unless you are an expert at virus clean ups, the only way to fully get rid of them is to reformat the drive and resintall the operating system. This can be costly since most people do not know how to do it and techs charge a lot of money.
Adware And Spyware
Adware and Spyware are created to show advertisements to users. These advertisements may be in the form of pop ups or any user interface and are implanted in applications. The purpose of threatening with an Adware program is to gain revenue from the breached computer user. These serve as a threat because certain Adware are capable of tracking your Internet history and then show ads that are in relation to your Internet browsing history. Not only are these annoying, they can slow down your web browser’s performance as well.
Hackers
Hackers are computer programmers that use their skills for negative purposes. These individuals program software so that they may enter into unauthorized computers and programs. This can result in private sensitive data being stolen, identity theft, data corruption and other catastrophic events.
Phishing Sites
Phishing sites are becoming more like a business venture. A phishing site is an exact duplicate of a real website, usually these are for financial entities, like banks and Paypal.
These sites send out emails that show them as a legitimate corporation. Their purpose is to scam the user. They provide a link in the email to the phishing website which grabs hold of personal information like email, bank accounts, login information to the real site, Social security numbers and names. This information is then used for theft of money, identity theft and other illegal stuff.
How To Protect Computers
If people take proper precautions to protect themselves online disaster can be avoided.
Anti Virus Software
A strong anti virus either with Adware and Spyware protection or a standalone Adware program is essential to have proper security. There are plenty of choices in anti virus software, one of the best free options is Avast, which has a free version for home users. Kaspersky offers excellent protection as well, and has a reasonable price tag.
The most important feature of any anti virus software you choose is that there is adequate real time protection, and that is where the software is activelhy working while you surfing the webto block threats, block bad sites and keep you safe. This is essential because many viruses can download without you even knowing it just by being on an infected website.
Make sure to run regular scans.
Firewall
A good firewall is necessary to keep hackers and other intrusions from your system. Comodo offers a great free firewall.
Email Security
Always use common sense when checking emails, and you should never click on the links sent inside emails by banks, Paypal or other financial institutions. Always visit those sites directly or call them if you get some kind of email. Make sure that either your virus software or the email program you use is scanning emails for viruses, especially in attachments.
Avoid File Sharing Sites And Watch Downloads
Lastly, avoid file sharing sites, and always check to be sure that whatever you download on any website is from a trusted source. The anti virus you choose should have the feature of scanning each and every download for viruses prior to it being placed on your PC.
Make Sure All Programs Are Up To Date
Always make sure that all your software is up to date. Outdated software is an easy way for a virus to slip in. And also be sure to run Windows updates regularly and install all critical updates as they become available.
If You Have Been Infected
If you think you have been infected and want to clean out your system, then go to a site called Bleeping Computer, they have a section with free help to remove severe infections. But, be prepared to be patient, as the techs over there are volunteers and they serve a lot of people.