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7 Internet Security Threats You Must Know About

7 Internet Security Threats You Must Know About

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Commonplace threats, quickly unfold into multi-stage cyber attacks. Read about common security threats.
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Commonplace threats, quickly unfold into multi-stage cyber attacks. Read about common security threats.

Key Takeaways

The terms virus, ransomware, and trojan are thrown around all the time when the subject of cyber security is raised, but what threats should you really be worried about when your family makes the most of their time online. Cyber security specialists are constantly searching for ways to defend clients from emerging online threats, and today, we’re sharing what they consider the biggest threats to your online activities.

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Malware

This malicious software is also known as ransomware, worms, viruses, or spyware and is activated after the user clicks on a link or attachment that is hostile in nature. This leads to the software installing itself on the user hard drive, where it set’s up shop and begins systematically destroying your computer. Malware does this by isolating different parts and disrupting the functionality, rendering the system ineffective. While this is happening, Malware can also privately obtain information by dispatching data from the hard drive.

Denial of Service

When a DOS attack occurs, your system or network is flooded by an outside attacker who intercepts any attempts your system makes to respond to requests. This flood attack is used to disturb the handshake process so that it can carry out a DOS incursion. When the DOS occurs, hackers will also deploy offer techniques to help weaken the network.

Phishing

This is usually the one that your parents call you about when their computer goes on the fritz. Phishing attacks employ fake communications, like phony emails, to trick users into supplying private financial information, like credit card numbers.

Password Attacks

Another highly used method of gaining access to private networks is for hackers to engage in password attacks. An intruder can access an immeasurable amount of confidential financial information with the correct password. From password databases to just plain old guessing, there are various ways to crack passwords. Best practice: Use a completely random password that contains a combination of alphanumeric keys.

Security Threats You Must Know

Man in the Middle

A MITM attack is when a hacker manages to insert themselves into a two-party transaction with the hope of filtering and to steal the information they find during the transmission. These attacks frequently occur when a user connects to an untrustworthy wifi signal. Using the connection between the visitor and the network, the hacker is able to download malicious software, which it uses to hijack the user's financial data.

Emotet

Quite possibly the most destructive trojan of all, Emotet is best described as a state-of-the-art, modular banking Trojan that predominantly serves as a downloader or dropper of other banking Trojans. Essentially, it adds up to a neverending parade of trojans being dropped in your hard drive, eventually destroying it forever.

SQL Injection

SQL attacks can be produced quickly and accessed via a weak website search box. SQL stands for a structured query language injection, and this specific cyberattack happens when malicious code has inserted into a server that uses SQL. When the infection is finally completed, the server releases the information back to the hacker.

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Make sure you have a personal safety plan in place. If you believe someone is stalking you online and may be putting you at risk of harm, don’t remove suspicious apps or confront the stalker without a plan. The Coalition Against Stalkerware provides a list of resources for anyone dealing with online stalking, monitoring, and harassment.

Guardio Security Team
Guardio’s Security Team researches and exposes cyber threats, keeping millions of users safe online. Their findings have been featured by Fox News, The Washington Post, Bleeping Computer, and The Hacker News, making the web safer — one threat at a time.
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