Today, internet has become a necessity for us. With technological advancement, the internet is being used not only to gather information, but also to advertise, buy and sell products and services in numerous different forms. Not only that, people also use it to communicate with others as well as perform online financial transactions. This has increased cyber-crimes, hacking and other cyber attacks like spreading malware, virus, etc. Cyber security, thus has become an important and a hot topic for the awareness of people, especially students. Also known as Information Technology or IT security, Cyber security basically refers to the various different processes and technologies that are designed to protect your devices, applications, data and networks from any sort of cyber-attacks.
The experts at assignment help perth explain it in very simple terms. They say that Cyber security simply means the protection of data, networks, etc. from any unintended or unauthorized access, modification or destruction. It is also defined as all the operations and processes undertaken in order to minimize any kind of threats or risks to your devices by administering the required policies to prevent any data loss, recover lost data, etc. Cybersecurity therefore, aims to protect your devices, programs and software from such kind of attacks. In most cases, these attacks aim at accessing, modifying or deleting important sensitive information, stealing money from people via online frauds and so on.
In today’s environment, cyber security has become crucial for individuals as well as business organizations such as the military, government, educational and financial institutions, etc. that accumulate and store a wide range of data, which is confidential and important, on computers and share that with other computers across different networks. For families, the protection of children and other family members from cyber-crime is equally important. For any individual, protecting information and data that could impact their social as well as personal life and finances is important. The trusted scholars at algebra homework help also explain that students are mostly dependent on the internet. Not only do they have their social lives on display, they are also at risk of many cyber-crimes. Photos, videos and other personal information shared by them on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter can be inappropriately used by others and may lead to serious and even life-threatening situations. These sites have created various opportunities for cyber-crimes, compromised personal identities and gave chances for information leakage. Therefore, it is important for students to understand how to protect themselves and others against cyber threats, while learning the difference between virtual and real world.
Subject matter experts known for assignment writing believe that with the internet becoming an important part of the lives of people, especially students these days, the need to protect sensitive and important information has also become necessary. People, more specifically students, use the internet to not just communicate with each other, but also access banking information, study, shop online and so much more. This has also increased the chances of a computer being infected with malicious viruses which could allow hackers to gain illegal access to the data stored in the computer. With the growth of data networks, digital programs and applications and internet users, there has also been a growth in cyber-crimes. Opening email attachments from people you do not know, clicking on malicious web links or unintentionally downloading applications or programs are some of the most common ways through which your computer or device can get infected with virus leading to data loss. Due to such crimes, there is a need to have potent cyber security, in order to protect and prevent inappropriate use of data.
TYPES OF CYBERSECURITY:
Cybersecurity has been classified into the following different types by our friends at term paper writing help:
- INFORMATION SECURITY- this protects the private information of users from unwarranted access and identity thefts. It also protects the data privacy along with the hardware that stores and transfers the data. Examples include Cryptography and User Authentication among others.
- APPLICATION SECURITY- this protects the software applications from any risks that could take place due to defects in the development, installation, upgradation or maintenance of an application and its design.
- NETWORK SECURITY- this protects the safety and usability of a network along with its related components and the data that is shared over it. Examples include Antivirus and Anti-spyware software programs, Firewalls and Virtual Private Networks.
TYPES OF CYBERSECURITY THREATS:
Cybersecurity threats are of many different types, some of which are listed below:
- VIRUSES- these are a type of malware/malware programs which are specifically designed to trigger damage to the user’s (victim) computer/device. These are known to infect a system without the user’s permission or knowledge. Viruses can not only replicate themselves, but can also attach themselves into different computer files along with corrupting and stealing information and data, like credit card details, etc.
- PASSWORD ATTACKS- this involves hacking attempts to crack saved passwords of the user. Usually done with a hacking program or tool, the hackers can enter many passwords every second to crack the user’s account and thus gain access to their private information. This is done not only on computers but also to gain access to bank details of the users.
- IDENTITY THEFT- the most common threat to cybersecurity, this involves the stealing of the victim’s personal information from various social media websites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on, and then using that information to create a new person altogether. Not only can it harm your reputation, but it can also allow the criminal to pretend to be you in a different way.
- TROJANS- according to websites that provide credible information on such threats and are alternate to SEMrush, trojans are another common cybersecurity threats. They affect your computer while pretending to be harmless and useful software. These can not only download malicious programs onto your computer, but can also delete, modify and steal files stored in it.
- ADWARE- these are malwares that generate pop-ups and try to gain permissions that would allow them to further install additional software to your computer. This could delete as well as steal your data. Adwares are most commonly in the form of advertisements.
- SPYWARE and KEYLOGGERS- spyware are a malware that can spy on your computing habits. Keyloggers can record your keystrokes like passwords, credit card details as well as the PIN numbers. These gather your information, browsing history, etc and transfers such information to the hackers who either use it or sell that information to third parties.
- ZERO-DAY ATTACKS- carried out using zero-day malwares, these attacks exploit an unknown risk in your computer that has not yet been solved. These occur without the user’s consent and knowledge.
- PHISHING EMAILS- different from spam emails, phishing emails steal the user’sprivate information like credit card details and login credentials. These are used by hackers who trick the user to click malicious attachments or links provided in the emails that contain malware.
According to specialists at research paper writing service, cyber threats can infect a user’s computer in many ways. From shady websites that lure users into downloading malware on the pretext of free applications and games, or free money, to sharing of movies, music, documents, games, etc. online using P2P (peer to peer) networks, or even downloading torrents from the numerous torrent sites and clicking on phishing emails, cyberthreats can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any given time without their knowledge.
Expert writers at law assignment writing service suggest examples of cyber attacks like the GoldenEye or WannaCry ransomware attacks which incapacitated so many organisations and even forced some to shut down operations. With the new tactics and sophistication of cyberthreats, there has been an increased awareness of cyber-attacks among people.This has led to an increased need of better cybersecurity measures. In order to prevent cyber attacks from causing any damage to users, especially students who are the most vulnerable to these threats, proper cybersecurity measures need to be planned and taken.
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).