With the tremendous improvements in internet speed and quality, almost everyone in the world is spending more and more time online. However, what can be ignored is just how we are vulnerable to cyber-crimes, viruses, spyware, hackers, and phishing. Here we explain the most common security threats and explain how to protect connections.
If you have a Wi-Fi wireless broadband router at your home, you should know that this part of your home network is probably the most vulnerable part of your Internet access setup. You can easily view it by clicking the wireless network icon on your computer or mobile device. You can see the names of your own wireless networks and other networks close to you.
Most network signals will display a “lock” icon next to them, which means that other users are not allowed to access these networks. This means that the network owner has installed simple instructions to set up a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wireless Protected Access (WPA). If you will not install the instructions, this makes them vulnerable to “war drivers”, or mobile hackers, who look around for unsecured wireless networks for fun, or professional hackers who are after personal information. If you are very much interested in learning internet security, then you should enroll in an internet security online course.
Before we talk about the types of internet security, we should know what internet security is and what measures we can follow to protect from threats
What is Internet Security?
Internet security is a branch of computer security that is not only specifically bonded to the Internet, but also including browser security, the World Wide Web, and network security as it is suitable to other applications or operating systems (OS) as a whole. Its main aim is to establish rules and measures to use against attacks over the Internet. Internet Security strategy is to protect online-driven activities and transactions shared over the Internet. These strategies are used to protect users from threats such as intrusion into computer systems, websites, or email addresses; malware can infect and intrinsically damage the system; and identity theft by hackers who steal personal information (such as bank details, credit card numbers, and other information).
In today’s digital era, we completely rely on the Internet for our daily activities like financial work, communication, entertainment, etc., and therefore, we share a large amount of data, and sensitive information constantly over the Internet. Although the Internet is primarily private and secure, it can also be an insecure channel for information exchange. With an increased risk of intrusion by cyber-criminals and hackers, Internet security becomes a top priority for every individual and business.
Although the Internet provides users with a lot of information and services, it also brings many risks. The complexity and number of cybercrime are increasing, and many cybercriminals use different types of attacks to achieve only one goal. Despite various potential threats, the following are some of the most common Internet security threats:
Types of internet security threats
Malware: An abbreviation for “malicious software” is a file or code that comes in many forms such as computer viruses, worms, dishonest spyware, and Trojans, which is delivered over the network and infects or steals sensitive data.
Computer worm: A computer worm is a software program when transferring a file throughout the network or through an internet connection; it copies itself from one computer to another. It creates multiple copies without any human interaction and the copied files will infect any insufficiently protected servers and computers connected through the network or the Internet.
Spam: Spam refers to junk mail or unwanted messages in your mail inbox. Junk mail promotes goods or services that you are not interested in. These junk mail are generally considered harmless, but they may also contain some links, when you click on these links, these links will install malicious software on your computer.
Phishing: Phishing scams are created by cybercriminals trying to solicit private or sensitive information. They can pretend to be your bank or network service and trick you into clicking links to verify details such as account information or passwords.
Conclusion:
Internet security is an important aspect of cyber-security and computer security, focusing on specific Internet threats and vulnerabilities of online usage and Internet usage. You can protect your computer or network from threats by installing internet security software and set up your wireless home network. Most computers and devices come with installed security software such as McAfee, Microsoft, Norton, and AVG which have anti-virus, anti-spyware (or malware), and firewall features.
About the Author:
The author is a leading digital learning place for consumers, freelancers, and companies. They offer many courses related to personal development, health, digital marketing courses, and so on through video lectures.
