In this modern world we live in, internet connection is a must. Whether for school research, office works, business endeavors or for personal pleasure, internet is here to stay. It has literally changed and revolutionized every aspect of societies’ lifestyles. You have to catch up or be left behind.
Surfing the internet is like cruising the superhighway where constant vigilance is needful to ensure safe journey. As in any highways, no matter how careful you are, there are drivers who are reckless and irresponsible. They pose a potential danger to you and your vehicle.
In the cyber world, there are lots of threats that you face. As soon as you connect to the internet, you expose yourself and your computer to dangers. Sometimes with only a slight mistake in your judgment can be damaging, if not fatal, to your identity or computer.
There are many innocent people who surf the net without even knowing the dangers that looms around the corner. They are just waiting for a click of the mouse to gain entrance and wreck havoc. They could do damage and inconveniences once they gain entrance to your system. Your identity can be stolen; passwords to your bank accounts can be known which means goodbye hard-earned money. Your days, months or even years of work in research, important documents, or compilations of important photos and documents can be lost without a trace. These are just a few of the dangers you face in this information highway.
To be safe, educate yourself. You don’t have to have a course in computer science to protect yourself. Below are some computer threats you have to deal with:
- 1. Viruses – This is the number one threat to any computer whether connected to the net or not. They are programs made by malicious persons for the purpose of destroying or altering the functions of the computer or software of other people without your permission or knowledge.
- 2. TROJANS – These are not viruses but they act as carrier of viruses or other programs which will enable hackers to gain access to your personal accounts. They are attached to harmless programs or files and once opened they will also open your computer to threats.
- 3. PHISHING – These are programs attached to e-mails and are hidden in the links where you will be instructed to click. Once executed, a pop-up window will appear that may ask for your personal information (i.e. name, address, birthday, etc) and of course credit card number and other details. They look like genuinely from banks, online stores, service providers and even the websites appears to be genuine, too. But once you enter the details, they automatically store it, including your passwords.
- 4. WORMS – They are programs that when able to gain entrance to your system will make a portal for hackers to gain access to your files.
- 5. ADWARES AND SPYWARES – These programs are made to spy on the sites you frequent in the web and record it. They can automatically download programs into your system without your knowledge. These programs can slow down your computer considerably.
What is your best protection?
- 1. Install a reliable antivirus program into your computer. Even if you are not connected to the internet your PC can still be infected through infected disks.
- 2. Make sure you have also a real-time protection against spywares, adware’s and other cyber threats.
- 3. Always update these protective software’s as viruses and all other malicious scripts are eventually evolving.
- 4. Do not open files from unreliable sources.
- 5. Do not divulge all your personal details in an unproven websites.
- 6. MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you are using a public PC, do not leave it unattended and always log-out when you are done. Make sure your sign-up details are not saved.
With these, you are sure you will have a wonderful time in the net. HAPPY SURFING!
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