4 Most Common Types of Online Threats (And how to Avoid Them)
There is no doubt that the internet has become an integral part of our lives. It provides countless opportunities, from conducting business to staying in touch with loved ones. However, the internet poses a risk to our personal computers. In this blog section, we will discuss some of the most common ways your computer can be compromised online and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Computer Viruses
Computer viruses are a type of malware designed to replicate themselves and spread to other computers. They are usually spread through email attachments, file-sharing networks, and websites. When a virus is executed, it will infect the computer and then spread to other computers on the network, causing various problems, such as deleting files, stealing information, and corrupting data.
One of the best ways to protect your personal computer from viruses is to ensure you use a reputable antivirus program. An antivirus works by scanning incoming data for viruses and removing them before they can do any damage. It also scans outgoing data to ensure no viruses are being sent out.
2. Phishing Attacks
Another common way your personal computer can be compromised is through phishing emails. Phishing emails are designed to look like they are coming from a legitimate source, such as your bank or a website that you frequently visit, and usually contain a link that will redirect you to an identical website. Once you input your login information, the phisher will then have access to your account.
To protect yourself from phishing emails, be sure never to click on links contained in emails. Additionally, if you are unsure about the email’s legitimacy, contact the company directly to inquire.
3. Malware
Another way your computer can be compromised is through malicious software or malware. Malware is a type of software designed to damage or disable your computer. It can be installed without your knowledge or consent and can be difficult to remove once installed.
One of the best ways to protect your computer from malware is to install a reputable anti-malware program and keep it up-to-date. In addition, be careful about what websites you visit and only download files from trusted sources.
4. Distributed Denial of Service
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack attempts to make a website or server unavailable by flooding it with traffic from multiple computers. These attacks can be very disruptive and can cause a website to crash.
To protect your computer from a DDoS attack, install a firewall and make sure that your computer is not part of a botnet. You can also use a DDoS protection service to help protect your website or server.
Other Ways to Safeguard Yourself From Online Threats
- Use strong passwords and never reuse them
- Keep your software up to date. This includes your operating system, web browser, and any other software you have installed
- Don’t share personal information online. This includes your home address, phone number, and date of birth.
- Install a browser extension that will scan pages before visiting them
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
If you suspect that your computer has been compromised or are simply looking for peace of mind, contact PC Geeks. We are a computer repair company throughout Collin County and beyond. We can help you determine if your computer has been compromised, and we can help you secure your computer to prevent future attacks.