Ten Threats to Computer Security

Ten Threats to Computer Security

Digital threats are becoming more dangerous and malicious with each passing day. Attackers are becoming smarter and intelligent. They are developing threats capable of operating automatically, hard to detect and causing the system to crash. Leaving user with only one option, to buy new machine.

But there are ways that can help you know if the nasty threat is in your system.

  • System suddenly starts to run slow.
  • Always a 100% memory usage.
  • Same Pop-up appears every time you open the web browser.

If you witness any of them or all of them your machine has been compromised. In such cases computer security becomes important to protect Internet users. These threats are dangerous, cause trouble and even cause loss of personal information. There are ways that can help you remove these threats without buying a new system. But, before that you need to know what these threats are and what they can do.

In this article, we will list 10 of the most dangerous threats.

1. Internet Worms

We haven’t heard a lot about Internet worms as compared to virus. Internet worms are programs that can interfere with working of another computer on the same network. They don’t need to attach themselves to a program to be dangerous and to multiply. What they need is a network to spread by consuming the bandwidth. Have you ever noticed a speed breakage in networks bandwidth? If yes then it might be caused via a worm.

Worms are dangerous they can turn down a server or can make data inaccessible or can create a backdoor. No one can ever know how these worms can make use of the network.

So, to stay protected against them one must have a security software installed on the server and always keep a check on the security.

Also Read: Malware and Other Online Nasties Are Coming to your Mac

2. Rootkit

Rootkit a common term that most of us fail to understand, they can disguise themselves as a Windows process making it hard for the security programs to detect.

Rootkits can create backdoor on the compromised machine, thus giving hacker the access to send spam emails or to use the machine to perform denial-of-service attack on servers. As it is hard to detect rootkits they can easily stay in and can spread infection to other system on the network.

The only way to detect them is by running virus scanner at the boot time.

3. Zombies

An infected machine is like a treasure trove for hackers. They can use it to infect other machines or can use it for malicious purpose without user’s notice. Such a machine is known as zombie, as it can be used in different ways.

It can be sold by a hacker to someone who needs a compromised machine to target other systems. If a spammer gains access to such a machine it will be used to send spam and to infect number of systems.

4. Browser Hijacker

Browser hijacker is a malicious code used to alter browsers home page, search engine and other browser settings. Furthermore, it can disable Internet option so that no one can change the home to page to default. Also, it makes changes to the registry so that browser hijacker can run each time at Windows startup.

Also Read: Tips To Create Secure Passwords To Protect Your Account

5. Email Virus

Email virus is dangerous it can distribute itself using email as an attachment. When the attachment is opened the virus gets into the machine and then uses it to send emails to other machines.

It also finds files with email addresses on the compromised machine to send the infection to other address. Sometimes, it can get launched itself even when the user doesn’t even open the attachment.

6. Mousetrapping

Ever found yourself unable to leave a website? If yes, then you have become a victim of mousetrapping. The website uses a script that doesn’t allow user to leave the website and even when a new tab is opened the same page opens up. This all is done via a java script to stop it from happening you need to disable java script.

7. Phishing

Another online threat that we face regularly is phishing, a term derived from fishing.

As the fisherman catches the fish same way phisher sends out a false email and tries to obtain personal information using it. If the attacker wants to obtain your PayPal username and password, they develop a false website that looks same as PayPal and send an email asking you to enter your username and password using the link provided. Once it is done the email is not sent to PayPal, instead, it goes to the phishing website and they use the information to get your money out of PayPal.

8. Spam

Spam Emails are junk mails sent by the spammer in bulk to advertise something, scam, or to send virus. They are sent out to steal personal and confidential information from the victim.

9. Spyware

A spyware is software used by hackers to steal your information. When you visit a website, they show certain advertisements which have a malicious code in it. Sometimes even when you install a legitimate program a malicious software gets installed and keeps a watch on your information.

Also Read: Do I Need an Antivirus Program for My Mac?

10. Adware

Software that displays advertisement in your computer are known as adware. Some of them get installed itself without user even knowing it. Once an adware gets installed it’s difficult to get rid of it. Adware can hijack your web browser, slow down the computer and cause all sort of damages

These ten threats are dangerous and knowing them will help to be aware about them. We hope this blog has been able to assist you in keeping your system safe!

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