Common Types Of Cyber Security Threats And How To Avoid Them.
4 min read
With the internet’s continuous advancement, information is available to us, at a touch of a button and life is more convenient. But even with the benefits of this digital era, the issue of cyber security is increasingly concerning. Still, it is astonishing to find that majority of people are ignorant of what cyber security threats exist let alone how to prevent them. That is why in this article we will educate you on the common types of cyber threats and how to avoid them.
5 Common Types of Cyber Threats and Their Prevention.
Malware and Computer Viruses.
Viruses are the most common form of cyber security threat, introduced to your device through host files or systems. They can either cause instantaneous damage or remain dormant to affect your entire network. Malware on the other hand can be described as malicious software comprised of things like spyware, worms, or ransomware. They often appear as unsuspicious click-bait links or attachments that are activated as soon as you click on them. Once active they attack your files and systems, deleting or changing your data. In ransomware, they threaten you to pay a hefty ransom for them to stop.
Prevention.
The best way to prevent this malware and viruses is by putting up firewalls and installing reputable and up-to-date anti-viruses. You should also practice caution. Do not click on attachments or links from senders you are unsure of, regardless of how inviting the offer is.
Hacker and Predators.
These are another common problem. They comprise individuals or groups with knowledge in software engineering. They exploit this knowledge to bypass your securities and access your personal information for their benefit. They could still your identity or delete or steal important files. They could even clear out your bank account and take out loans under your name. They normally target people with weak passwords and unsecured networks.
Prevention.
Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts and disable the ‘save passwords’ feature on your browser. Get into the habit of changing those passwords frequently. Always keep your Wi-Fi networks secure. Use two-factor verification for extra security.
Phishing.
This involves impersonations of financial institutions or reputable sites in an attempt to steal your personal information. The targets are normally usernames, bank card information, and passwords. They often come as emails or instant messages with URLs that prompt you to provide this information. Once they have access to your account, they could easily steal your money and identity.
Prevention.
The first step to preventing this is to invest in total security programs that will pick out and block phishing sites. You should also be cautious about where you offer your information. If you take a close look at the information provided, you’ll realize they have many spelling errors and look fishy overall. So even while streaming movies or shows, ensure you use safe sites you can trust like https://thepirateproxybay.com/.
Man-In-The-Middle (MITM).
This type of threat involves an attacker coming in between the sender and recipient of information. It puts the attacker in a position to intercept the message, change its content or even delete it. They can also filter and steal data. What’s more, neither the recipient nor the sender will be aware of it. MITMs are common, especially in open and unsecured networks.
Prevention.
One of the ways to prevent MITMs is to make use of HTML5. Also, use encryption when sending or receiving a message or data. As for your network, ensure that the access points are secure with string and unique passwords. If you have to connect to a public network then make use of a VPN to conceal your activities and IP address.
Denial of Service (DoS).
This type of cyber attack involves overloading the servers such that they are unable to take any requests. As a result, they either slow down completely or shut down. Attackers use this to launch malware into the system or network or ask for ransom. For an online business, such an attack can be catastrophic.
Prevention.
The best way to deal with this is to identify the malicious traffic crowding the server and halt it. You may need an IT professional to assist with this. They can also secure your network or system to prevent the attack from happening again.
Final Words.
Cyber Security threats are no joke and could prove to be detrimental both to an individual or business. That is why you should educate yourself on the various forms that exist and ones that keep coming up. That way you will be in a better position to prevent them.
About Author
