Data breaches have become quite common over time. With some of the world’s worst cases of security breaches to those same security threats now being wiped out using mere small anti-virus programs, the world of tech has advanced rapidly. If you come across a Trojan horse program in your system you will know its not a big threat. A quick system scanning and the virus is wiped out for good. However, with everything now so easy to detect and remove, we still shouldn’t keep our guard down and be wary of the types of internet security threats that exist. Some malware programs aren’t that big of a threat but you can come across a fatal one.
So before it’s too late, here are some of the existing internet security types you should be aware of.
Adware
Probably the least threatening internet-based virus is Adware. Most times, these programs don’t infiltrate your system without your consent. Commonly found on websites, if you happen to click on an ad and it displays permission pop-up its basically asking to show you adverts similar to your interest, understand browsing habits, and on your next visit similar ads will be shown. That is one way of monetization that certain companies and website owners use to earn.
However, while that may be the case with most adware programs, there is some malicious adware too. Especially if you find adware has entered your browser and then slowly creeps into your system without your consent then it’s considered a concoction of spyware and adware. Your security comes to risk this time as spyware programs commonly start storing your details like emails, passwords, and even credit/debit card information.
Phishing attacks
Your security measures and concerns escalate when a phishing attack takes place. Phishing involves the work of cybercriminals that extract crucial private data such as passwords, email addresses, and credit card information. But these attacks don’t infiltrate your system as a typical spyware does rather these are disguised as emails or links posing as your bank or any website you registered to.
Phishing attacks tend to replicate authentic emails that’s why it’s sometimes confusing to differentiate what’s authentic and what’s not. If a phishing email convinces you it’s genuine and you end up clicking on the link, it takes all your personal and private information and can use it against you.
Worms and malware programs
All of us have encountered malicious worms at some point. These worms aren’t of a single type though. That’s why detecting one through sheer guessing and observation isn’t quite easy. But if you happen to feel your computer performance is reducing and when you look deeper into your system files you see files that aren’t only unfamiliar but also keep duplicating then it sounds like a case of malicious worm infection. But you should run a malware scan the moment you diagnose this issue. In case you get late, it is likely to get out of hand and the worms can potentially begin to infiltrate all the computers that are currently in contact with the infected system.
Trojan Horse
There’s a strong correlation between Trojans and email-based malware attacks. Now many secure browsers and operating systems can easily detect a Trojan, but it can still go overlooked if the email medium you have been using is not secure. Many Trojan emails also head to the spam folder of your email so you already know that particular email is fishy to open.
But in case the email lands in your primary inbox, the email is disguised by the sender as someone you are possibly familiar with. Hence you will be more confident to click on the email and its contents. If there’s any link and you happen to click on it, the Trojan penetrates a malicious code or application into the system. The Trojan is then downloaded in your system and gets access to all your private information.
To conclude
Reading into the existing types of malicious software and worms is scary. You end up thinking that if you fall as a victim to one, how will you get it fixed but you shouldn’t fret over it. Even the greatest of security breaches were contained and now there have been measures that help contain these digital abominations. So a mere Trojan or malware won’t do much harm if you have all the right measures intact. However, make sure you have a secure internet connection as such conferred by telefono de spectrum or you have a security suite pre-installed in your PC. With a secure connection and every other security measure intact, you will not have a lot to worry about anymore.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.