7 popular online threat affecting our computers and cyber life.

In the world today, internet has proven itself to be a great useful tools for us and our society. But as you shouldn’t leave your house unlock or without good security, so you shouldn’t leave your online world without precautions. Because, internet itself is a world on its own. So I call it digital world.

From research, 50%-60% of computer face security issues in the last two years. So that’s why I’ll like to introduce you to 7 major popular online threat that affects your computers. Most of this threats are malware though not all. Malware is short word used for combination of two words, Mal- malicious, Ware- Software. (i.e. Malicious software). This malware are the software that install itself on your computer without your consent and multiply their selves. Examples are trojan horses, viruses, worms etc.

The ones that are malwares:

1. Trojan horses :

These are destructive computer program that manipulate itself through as a good usable file for your computer like (.jpg .png etc.) and then open an access to your computer without you knowing then destroy it.

2. Viruses :

These are computer malicious software that spreads from one computer to another. They used to corrupt file saved on the system. They can corrupt and even go to the extent of deleting your files like; pictures, videos, documents even applications on the system without your consent.

3. Spyware :

These are the software that are used monitor a user online activities and personal information. Though sometimes they are legitimate, but they are also dangerous because they can be used by cyber criminals. They are hidden from users and they are hard to detect.

4. Worms:

These are self replicating malicious software that transfer itself through a computer network to other computers using the same network. Though it doesn’t attach itself to an existing programs like virus. But it usually cause some damages to the network.

5. BOTNET:

Botnet is a large network of compromise computer. While “BOT” is a malicious software that allows cyber criminal to have access over your computer without your authorization and use it for illegal purposes like spreading virus, sending spam massage etc.

Read Also: Negative impact of technology in our society.

While the ones are not malware:

6. Cyber criminals:

This are criminals who use their malevolent softwares to commit illegal act online. They do things like breaking into computer and stealing personal/corporate information, disrupting operations, etc.

7. Phishing:

This is the act of sending email that falsely claims to be from a legitimate organization. This is usually combined with a threat or request for information: for example, that an account will close, a balance is due, or information is missing from an account. The email will ask the recipient to supply confidential information, such as bank account details, PINs or passwords; these details are then used by the owners of the website to conduct fraud.

Tips

1. Protect your computer with AntiVirus/AntiSpy software with firewall.
2. Keep all your computer softwares up to date with the latest security patches.
3. Beware of open/insecure network. As the may affect your system security. It’s better not to connect with them.
4. Beware of suspicious email on your computer. It will be better if you open the reputation website directly on your browser to login or download software.
5. Create a strong standard and unique password for your self.

Why not just add your own by dropping comment below?