Computer security, the protection of computer systems and information from harm, theft, and unauthorized use
Computer security, cybersecurity or information technology security is the protection of computer systems and networks from the theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
There are several types of computer security threat in modern time; a few of them are mentioned here:
- Trojan Horse
Trojan horse is a malicious program, attached with the application that users thought legitimate but actually, it is malicious. Once a Trojan horse embedded application has been downloaded in your computer, a Trojan horse can do anything from record your confidential passwords by logging keystrokes known as a Keystroke logger to hijacking your web camera to watch and record your whole movement in business. The most popular banking threats come from the Trojan horse family are Zeus and Spy Eye.
- Backdoor
Backdoor is not a Malware, but it is a process of generating a secret path or method by an eavesdropper to bypass all the regular authentication services.
- Denial of service attacks
A distributed denial-of-service attack occurs when a malicious user gets a network of zombie computers to sabotage a particular website or server. The attack occurs when the malicious user tells all the zombie computers to link with specific site or server frequently that increases the volume of traffic overloads and results with shut down of website or server.
- Botnet
A Botnet is a group of computers or software robots or bots creates a battalion of infected computers known as Zombies when get connected to the internet by the originator. The originator remotely controls them. It can spread all types of malware, send spam emails with viruses attached, use one computer to infect others, etc.
- Wabbits
It is a self-replicating threat not like a virus or worms. It does not harm the computer system like a Virus so does not replicate like a worm. An example of Wabbits attack is the fork bomb.
- Hacking
A very great term for the security breach is hacking; it is an action taken by some anonymous to gain unauthorized access to a computer. Hackers find weaknesses in our security settings to access our information, install a Trojan horse for creating a backdoor to discover our confidential information. There is even more attack you can search for like Direct-access attacks, Eavesdropping, Spoofing, Tampering, Privilege escalation, Phishing, Clickjacking, Social Engineering, Virus, Worms, Spyware, Scareware, Adware, Exploit, Dialer, Dropper, Fake AV, Bluejacking, Boot Sector Virus, etc.
How Do You Secure Your Computer?
1. Two-way authentication
Two-factor authentication adds a layer of security to the authentication process by making it harder for attackers to gain access to a person’s devices or online accounts. For example, when you make online payments, you first have to confirm your card’s cvv number, then you undergo a second confirmation by providing your mobile number.
2. Secure passwords
Create strong passwords so that no one will be able to hack or guess your password. The best passwords include:
- At least 15 characters.
- Capital letters.
- Special characters. Example: @#$%.
- Numbers.
3. Regular updates
Always keep your system and all its software updated. Many updates contain additional defenses against cyber attacks.
4. Antivirus
Antivirus is a computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malware. Examples of antivirus include Norton, Quickheal, and McAfee.
5. Firewalls
Firewalls prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets.
6. Anti-Phishing Tactics
When you get an email that looks suspicious or has no relation to you, then do the following:
- Do not click on the link in the email.
- Do not provide any personal details if asked.
- Do not open the attached files.
7. Encryption
This is the process of converting ordinary plain text into unintelligible text and vice-versa. Encryption is used in many applications like:
- Banking transactions.
- Computer passwords.
- E-commerce transactions.
Unfortunately, cybercrime is increasing daily, so it’s imperative to have a solid grasp of the best cybersecurity practices. While the internet is transforming and improving our lives, the vast network and its associated technologies have become a lucrative hunting ground for a growing number of cybercriminals, agents from which individuals and businesses must protect themselves.
The consequences of these attacks can range from the ruin of a business to the crashing of a national economy. Confidential or sensitive data can be lost, privacy violated, and reputations ruined. Your computer could even be used by a hacker to attack other computers, which in turn could send the authorities looking for you!
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