There are many online threats targeting individuals, organizations, and even educational institutions. You must fall in one of these categories; therefore, your online life is at risk. It is, therefore, essential to look for ways to prevent these incidences from occurring. This is because they can easily interfere with your private information and finances.
Most hackers target the information that can manipulate you or steal financial data. If they get these details, it could become a significant problem. It is estimated that small businesses are losing over $80,000 annually because of cyber-attacks. And for big companies, they continue to bleed millions after they lose their precious data.
It will be vital to plan yourself in advance with reliable computer security. The enemy will be there waiting to get the right chance and destroy everything you have built. For institutions, they are not left behind. Students’ private data should be handled with expertise, requiring you to hire schools IT support.
But what are these stubborn threats? How can you prevent them? To have a basic understanding of these questions, this is the right article. Continue reading below the common IT security threats, how you can keep them at bay, and solutions.
Let’s get started:
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Computer Viruses
Among the internet security threats, computer viruses threats remain at the top. These viruses will enter your computer through the system or attachment to a file (host). After they have entered, they can remain dormant or create damages instantly.
The reason why these viruses are created is to infect your computers and network systems.
The first thing is to ensure your computer is protected from viruses. To do that, the basic method is to set up its firewall. The firewall will block all external sources that want to access your networking systems. In addition, setting the firewall isn’t 100% foolproof. The only advantage you get is slowing down the cyber-attacks you could experience.
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Phishing
Phishing remains among the online challenges most businesses face. The target of phishing will be your essential information, such as credit cards, usernames, and passwords. In most cases, cybercriminals pretend to be financial institutions like banks or credit card issuers. Besides, these online thieves can also impersonate some trusted websites or some of your contacts.
When they target you, they will use emails or instant messages. The information they provide makes them look legitimate and hard to notice at first glance. The content of their messages contains URLs that prompt you to fill in your personal information. If you put your information, online thieves will steal your credentials. They can manipulate the data by accessing your financial accounts.
You should keep away from these phishing attacks. That is by being mindful of the messages and emails you receive. So, when you receive messages or emails that you don’t know the owner, think twice before opening such messages.
Every time you receive an email or message, double-check the content before you can open the links. If there are misspelled words, a phishing attack will be possible.
To avoid all the stresses of phishing links, install a total security program that offers you protection.
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Malware
This is the other common security threat to fear getting into your computer system. It is also referred to as ransomware. When it gets into your computer, malware will attack your files and only stop after you pay the cybercriminal a ransom. It has affected most businesses, destroying them until they can no longer operate. If you are the head of an institution, cybercriminals can take this opportunity to get money from you. They can destroy all the files in your school’s system.
It is estimated that malware is among the highest threats across the world. They affect over 32% of all computers across the world. When malware gets into your computer, they start infecting the database systems. After that, it encrypts the data and poses to delete the files.
You can easily detect malware attacks. The first sign is experiencing a slowdown of the system. When you start to realize that your computer has recently been slowing down for no reason, you have to shut it down. Then disconnect it from the internet before rebooting the system.
When done, install a security product that can scan for malware and delete it from your system. Moreover, install a trustworthy antivirus and set up the firewall for added security.
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Botnets
You may have seen different internet security threats, but botnets are among the most dangerous type. It is similar to malware. Botnet involves a network of computers compromised by online thieves.
In addition, hackers can use it to control your computer because it's already infected. And the worst thing about this threat, hackers control your computer remotely. The main reason why botnets get into your computer is for them to force you to pay them a ransom. You have to avoid such future problems by installing a security program today.
Besides, when you realize your computer has a botnet, remove the software and then run an antivirus to scan.
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Trojan Horse
This refers to a program that seems legit and harmless. However, that’s not the case: it is a vector carrying many harmful viruses. After it has gained network access to your computer, it will steal sensitive data.
Commonly, this method can attack you through emails. You will get an email that has an attachment or link that contains viruses – Trojan Horse. Immediately you open the attachment, the virus automatically downloads into your computer.
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Distributed Denial of Services
This is a type of attack that overwhelms hosted servers, forcing you to become inoperable. Perhaps you have an ecommerce business or even use social media heavily; this DDoS attack becomes catastrophic. However, you need to protect yourself from DDoS threats. That’s possible only when you have a good relationship with the internet provider. It is crucial, particularly when you use small business email hosting.
On the other hand, when cloud hosting, ensure your network is protected. And if it's your first time, invest in dependable options such as Microsoft Azure cloud.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).