Internet Security.
Internet security is a term that describes security for activities and transactions made over the internet. It’s a particular component of the larger ideas of cybersecurity and computer security, involving topics including browser security, online behavior and network security. We spend a large proportion of our lives online, and some of the internet security threats we can encounter include:
• Hacking, where unauthorized users gain access to computer systems, email accounts, or websites.
• Viruses or malicious software (known as malware) which can damage data or make systems vulnerable to other threats.
• Identity theft, where criminals can steal personal and financial information. Individuals and organizations can protect themselves from these kinds of threats by practicing internet security.
What are the most common internet security threats?
To ensure privacy and security on the internet, it’s important to be aware of different types of internet attacks. Common internet security threats include:
Phishing
Phishing is a cyber-attack involving disguised emails. Hackers try to trick email recipients into believing that a message is genuine and relevant – a request from their bank or a note from a co-worker, for example – so that they click on a link or open an attachment. The goal is to deceive people into handing over their personal information or downloading malware. Phishing is one of the oldest internet security threats, dating back to the 1990s. It has remained popular to this day since it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways for criminals to steal information. In recent years, phishing techniques and messages have become increasingly sophisticated.
Hacking and remote access
Hackers are always looking to exploit a private network or system's vulnerabilities so they can steal confidential information and data. Remote access technology gives them another target to exploit. Remote access software allows users to access and control a computer remotely – and since the pandemic, with more people working remotely, its usage has increased. The protocol which allows users to control a computer connected to the internet remotely is called Remote Desktop Protocol, or RDP. Because businesses of all sizes so widely use RDP, the chances of an improperly secured network are relatively high. Hackers use different techniques to exploit RDP vulnerabilities until they have full access to a network and its devices. They may carry out data theft themselves or else sell the credentials on the dark web.
Malware and malvertising
Malware is a portmanteau of "malicious" and "software". It's a broad term related to viruses, worms, trojans, and other harmful programs that hackers use to cause havoc and steal sensitive information. Any software intended to damage a computer, server, or network can be described as malware. Malvertising is a portmanteau of “malicious” and “advertising”. The term refers to online advertising, which distributes malware. Online advertising is a complex ecosystem involving publisher websites, ad exchanges, ad servers, retargeting networks, and content delivery networks. Malvertisers exploit this complexity to place malicious code in places that publishers and ad networks don’t always detect. Internet users who interact with a malicious ad could download malware onto their device or be redirected to malicious websites.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents you from using your computer or accessing specific files on your computer unless a ransom is paid. It is often distributed as a trojan – that is, malware disguised as legitimate software. Once installed, it locks your system’s screen or certain files until you pay. Because of their perceived anonymity, ransomware operators typically specify payment in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Ransom prices vary depending on the ransomware variant and the price or exchange rate of digital currencies. It isn’t always the case that if you pay, the criminals will release the encrypted files. Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and new ransomware variants continue to emerge. Some of the most talked-about ransomware variants include Maze, Conti, GoldenEye, Bad Rabbit, Jigsaw, Locky, and WannaCry.
Botnets
The term botnet is a contraction of “robot network”. A botnet is a network of computers that have been intentionally infected by malware so they can carry out automated tasks on the internet without the permission or knowledge of the computers' owners. Once a botnet’s owner controls your computer, they can use it to carry out malicious activities. These include:
• Generating fake internet traffic on third party websites for financial gain.
• Using your machine’s power to assist in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to shut down websites.
• Emailing spam to millions of internet users.
• Committing fraud and identity theft.
• Attacking computers and servers.
Computers become part of a botnet in the same ways that they are infected by any other type of malware – for example, opening email attachments that download malware or visiting websites infected with malware. They can also spread from one computer to another via a network. The number of bots in a botnet varies and depends on the ability of the botnet owner to infect unprotected devices.
Wi-Fi threats, in public and at home
Public Wi-Fi carries risks because the security on these networks – in coffee shops, shopping malls, airports, hotels, restaurants, and so on – is often lax or non-existent. The lack of security means that cybercriminals and identity thieves can monitor what you are doing online and steal your passwords and personal information. Other public Wi-Fi dangers include:
• Packet sniffing – attackers monitor and intercept unencrypted data as it travels across an unprotected network.
• Man-in-the-middle-attacks – attackers compromise a Wi-Fi hotspot to insert themselves into communications between the victim and the hotspot to intercept and modify data in transit.
• Rogue Wi-Fi networks – attackers set up a honeypot in the form of free Wi-Fi to harvest valuable data. The attacker’s hotspot becomes the conduit for all data exchanged over the network
Microsoft.
Microsoft is the largest vendor of computer software in the world. It is also a leading provider of cloud computing services, video games, computer and gaming hardware, search and other online services.
1. Microsoft 365 Training Center. One of the best ways to learn Microsoft 365 is to go straight to the source.
2. Free Training Tutorial.
3. GoSkills.
4. LinkedIn Learning.
5. Udemy.
6. My Online Training Hub.
7. Bigger Brains.
