Top 10 Digital Security Risks you need to know, In today’s world, the digital realm has become an integral part of how we live our lives. But with so much information stored digitally, it comes with the unfortunate side effect of making us vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches. While it can be overwhelming to think about all the ways you could potentially fall victim to one of these online threats, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common security risks so you can take steps to protect yourself from them in the future.
Top 10 digital security risks you need to know about
- Phishing
- Spyware
- Trojans
- Malware
- Password Cracking
- Brute Force Attacks
- DDoS attacks
- Keyloggers
- Ransomware
- Crypto viruses
1) Phishing
The most widespread form of internet scam. Phishing is when someone (usually an imposter) uses deceptive email or text messages and spoofed websites in order to steal personal information. Phishing emails are often designed to mimic legitimate business communications in order to fool recipients into revealing personal information, such as account numbers, social security numbers, or credit card details by following a link or opening an attachment. If you receive an email that looks suspicious do not open it and contact your bank immediately.
2) Spyware
Spyware is malicious software that tracks your Web activity and sends information back to a hacker. Some spyware programs collect passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card information. Other forms of spyware include trackers—software that monitors your activity on social networking sites or blogs—and rogue antivirus software that deactivates your current virus protection and asks for money upfront to fix problems found on your computer. Companies use trackers to determine how their websites are being used, while hackers use them for more nefarious reasons: They might create fake websites and phishing schemes in order to get people’s personal data.
3) Trojans
Trojans are baddies that can come in many forms, including emails and links. When opened by an unsuspecting user, they’ll do all sorts of things like steal passwords or even hold your computer hostage until a ransom is paid. Trojans can also be installed on home computers through software vulnerabilities. The majority of trojans are created to commit identity theft, so even if a computer isn’t held for ransom (which is rare), it could end up being part of a botnet used for other nefarious purposes like sending spam or stealing personal information. No matter what form they take or why someone might use them, trojans aren’t good news for anyone trying to stay safe online.
4) Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is bad stuff. Viruses and Trojan horses are types of malware that infect computers—and steal valuable information like credit card numbers and passwords. Hackers use malware to gain control of other people’s computers—then use those computers to send spam emails or even launch cyberattacks on other systems. Malware can also be used by identity thieves looking for ways into your bank account.
If you’re worried that your system might have been infected with malware, run an anti-virus scan immediately! Always keep up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer as well; some free ones include AVG Antivirus Free Edition, Avast!, and Microsoft Security Essentials.
5) Password Cracking
Whether it’s a corporation, government agency, or just your run-of-the-mill everyday website, all systems—digital and analog alike—are vulnerable to attack. Even something as simple as password cracking can be enough to compromise otherwise secure accounts. Choosing hard-to-guess passwords is essential when it comes to protecting your information from cyber criminals.
If a hacker knows (or can figure out) what your username is, he or she will usually try each word in a dictionary of common terms until they crack your code. A secure password should be at least 15 characters long with numbers and symbols thrown in for good measure. As new platforms for account access evolve (think fingerprint scanner technology), so too do requirements for stronger passwords.
6) Brute Force Attacks
A brute force attack is a form of cyber-attack in which an attacker attempts multiple guesses of a password or passphrase, either sequentially or simultaneously. This can be accomplished through software or bots that cycle through possible values for certain bits of data, such as passwords. Hackers use brute force attacks when they crack passwords by cycling through every possible combination of letters and numbers until they find one that works.
The more complex your password is (think long and complex) with mixed characters and capitalization, it becomes exponentially harder for hackers to guess your password by trying random combinations. It’s good practice to frequently change your password with each new login; many sites allow you to change your password in order not to reuse one when prompted on the login page – so take advantage!
7) DDoS attacks
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the most common types of DDoS attacks. DDoS attacks occur when multiple compromised systems, usually infected with a Trojan or some other type of malware, send such a large amount of malicious traffic to an Internet-connected server that it cannot respond to legitimate traffic, effectively shutting it down.
The denial-of-service attacks are typically carried out using botnets—groups of Internet-connected computers that have been compromised by malware and controlled remotely without their owners’ knowledge. These botnets are then instructed to contact a target computer at the same time in order to overload its system and render it unavailable for users.
8) Keyloggers
A keylogger is a type of spyware, often associated with hacking and malicious intrusions. Hackers can install keyloggers on your device, often in conjunction with other forms of malware like trojans or viruses. A keylogger is malicious software that monitors your computer activities and steals sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, banking details, etc. Once installed on your computer or mobile device (usually via a Trojan horse), a keylogger will silently record any activity performed by your device’s keyboard. These logs are then sent back to whoever planted them into your computer—all without your knowledge!
9) Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that can encrypt files and restrict access until a ransom is paid. It has been around for years but it isn’t anything new, but ransomware is rising in popularity as cybercriminals have figured out how to implement it effectively. The growing interest in cryptocurrency has made Bitcoin a popular payment method, giving crooks more incentive than ever before to push ransomware onto their unsuspecting victims. Luckily, there are steps people can take to protect themselves against such attacks; read below for some helpful information on what you can do when facing off against ransomware.
10) Crypto viruses
crypto-ransomware is a form of malware that targets computers and encrypts files on those computers. You may not be able to open those files or even see them at all. The hackers typically require payment in Bitcoin (using an anonymous electronic transfer) in order for users to regain access to their computers. The best way to prevent crypto-ransomware? Have regular backups of your data on a drive or server that isn’t connected to your computer. This way, if hackers get into your computer, they won’t be able to use encryption tactics against your data; instead, you can just restore it from backup. Need help? I gotcha covered!
