Dangers of visiting unsecured websites

Most individuals think they are only susceptible to internet dangers if they download files from the web. Unfortunately, this is not accurate. Many attacks start when the user accidentally or unknowingly takes action, while others can occur without the online visitor's knowledge. While some websites may not look malicious, they can teem with dangerous malware and viruses. While it may not be what we hoped for, other popular sites could be compromised and affected by third-party hackers. In both cases, visitors' computers can be malware infections or data theft victims.

Websites as popular as Facebook can be a site where you can be a victim of several scams. People post so much information there without knowing the risks. Hackers have taken advantage of this and have created scams specialized on this platform. Luckily, there are helpful resources to understand how to get money back from Facebook scammer.

What are the threats of visiting an unsecured website?

Stealing sensitive information: Anytime you visit a website with a "Not Secure" warning, all the data and sensitive information sent to that site can be stolen or modified. So take caution before entering personal details on an unsecured websites, such as passwords and credit cards, because attackers could steal them. The HTTP protocol is considered unsafe, so a warning appears when accessing this website.

Altering exchanged information: HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the web protocol that sends requests to a web server. The website we want to visit is then retrieved and displayed on our browser. This protocol does not encrypt data by default, so all information is exchanged with the server without any security measures. Keep in mind that anyone who accesses the network can easily intercept and modify the content of your connection, which could lead to the theft of sensitive information. For example, hackers could change the bank account number to steal money or insert code into retrieved web pages.

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Redirecting to other websites: Because unencrypted websites lack security, hackers can redirect your connection to any malicious destination. If an attacker changes the URL, they can send you to a malicious website that can install the malware in your device without taking action.

Man in the middle attack: A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a cyberattack tactic where attackers eavesdrop or copy an ongoing conversation or data transfer. Hackers will "hijack" information by appearing as though they are participating in a conversation or data transfer. The attackers position themselves between the user's browser and the website server. Next, they steal or change the information that you just exchanged.

Eavesdropping, Sniffing or Snooping: A passive MITM attack, such as eavesdropping, snooping or sniffing, is where hackers secretly listen to private conversations. This purpose is to gather data while not interfering with the connection.

Parameter Tampering: A web-based cyber-attack that aims to change the request parameters, which might include configurations and other transactional details, is known as parameter tampering. Parameter tampering usually occurs with URL query strings, HTTP headers, form fields, and cookies. Parameter Tampering is an unauthorized modification of data in a URL request. This data can include things like information entered into fields on web pages or variables in the URL itself. This causes the browser to go to a site, page or link other than the client expects. Crooks and con artists use tampering to get business or personal data about the client without them knowing.

Final thoughts

There are many potential threats associated with visiting unsecured websites. These include stealing sensitive information, altering exchanged data, redirecting to malicious sites, and engaging in man-in-the-middle attacks or eavesdropping. It is essential to be vigilant about the websites you visit and take steps to secure your online activities to protect against these threats. Some tips include using encryption tools whenever possible, avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and being aware of any warnings that may indicate an unsafe site. Ultimately, staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats is essential to protect yourself best online.

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Guardio is a Chrome extension that monitors suspicious activity and blocks hackers from stealing your data.