On the internet, there are so many things that can go wrong. So much of our daily lives are preserved online, we don’t think about how bad a cybersecurity breach could be. Cybersecurity issues can put a stop to your online business, disrupt your financial transactions or simply leave you bored when your feed is locked up.
Being familiar with what kind of security attacks are out there will help you stay ahead of the game and give you insight to protect yourself.
Something Smells Phishy
Phishing is not unlike fishing. When a cybercriminal is phishing, they will send out mass amounts of e-mails to people asking for things, information or making fraudulent claims about a situation. For example, you may get an e-mail that says your bank account has fraudulent activity and to click to confirm. In a panic, you click, but what happens is you enter your bank account information on a false website and accidentally give them access to your finances.
Another phishing expedition, as they say, is when e-mails are sent out from someone important like the CEO with an expectation to do something, usually buy something, wire money or send your credit card to “secure information.”
With phishing scams, it’s always better to not open anything or enter any data without confirming with the sender. It may be that you call them (or a customer service line) or e-mail them directly (but not using the address from the phishing e-mail).
Assault on the Password
Password requirements are becoming more complicated. No more are they only eight characters long with a variety of upper and lower case letters and a number thrown in for good measure. Now, most sites ask for more complicated passwords with as many as 10 letters, numbers and special characters. This is all in an effort to preserve the password. Even with a complicated password, you still may be asked to verify or use multi-factor authentication to prove that you are who you say you are.
Hackers enjoy solving the riddle that is your password and gaining access to your entire online world. They get access to everything you have access to and likely lock you out. Using an appropriately complicated password and yielding to the frustrating method of verification will keep you protected.
Just Downright Malicious Malware
Malicious malware can come in a variety of forms, including viruses, spyware and worms. Malware can lock down your computer, slow down your processer and upload everything you have on your computer to the attacker’s database. The varieties are broad and have varying levels of concern, so be wary of any suspicious e-mails asking you to download an attachment or click on a link.
What to Do?
These are only three of the common attacks you can come across as a regular internet user. It can be difficult to know what exactly you’re supposed to do to protect your social media accounts, your bank accounts, even your identity. There are many programs out there that provide full-service cyber protection. For instance, LifeLock can help protect your identity by providing a variety of security systems to keep the cyber criminals out of your life. It’s the easiest way to secure yourself.
Protect Yourself!
Cybercriminals have no shame. They go after hospitals and banks – hurting innocent people. You have to be proactive when you’re working and interacting online to ensure that you too won’t become victim to one of these villains. There are many ways that you can protect yourself — the easiest being having a service do it for you. Regardless of what route you take, you’ll be able to surf the internet with piece of mind that your identity is secure.
