Explain the major types of problems in Internet Security.
Answers
The most common network security threats
1. Computer virus
We’ve all heard about them, and we all have our fears. For everyday Internet users, computer viruses are one of the most common threats to cybersecurity. Statistics show that approximately 33% of household computers are affected with some type of malware, more than half of which are viruses.
Computer viruses are pieces of software that are designed to be spread from one computer to another. They’re often sent as email attachments or downloaded from specific websites with the intent to infect your computer — and other computers on your contact list — by using systems on your network. Viruses are known to send spam, disable your security settings, corrupt and steal data from your computer including personal information such as passwords, even going as far as to delete everything on your hard drive.
2. Rogue security software
Leveraging the fear of computer viruses, scammers have a found a new way to commit Internet fraud.
Rogue security software is malicious software that mislead users to believe there is a computer virus installed on their computer or that their security measures are not up to date. Then they offer to install or update users’ security settings. They’ll either ask you to download their program to remove the alleged viruses, or to pay for a tool. Both cases lead to actual malware being installed on your computer.
3. Trojan horse
Metaphorically, a “Trojan horse” refers to tricking someone into inviting an attacker into a securely protected area. In computing, it holds a very similar meaning — a Trojan horse, or “Trojan,” is a malicious bit of attacking code or software that tricks users into running it willingly, by hiding behind a legitimate program.
They spread often by email; it may appear as an email from someone you know, and when you click on the email and its included attachment, you’ve immediately downloaded malware to your computer. Trojans also spread when you click on a false advertisement.
Once inside your computer, a Trojan horse can record your passwords by logging keystrokes, hijacking your webcam, and stealing any sensitive data you may have on your computer.
4. Adware and spyware
By “adware” we consider any software that is designed to track data of your browsing habits and, based on that, show you advertisements and pop-ups. Adware collects data with your consent — and is even a legitimate source of income for companies that allow users to try their software for free, but with advertisements showing while using the software. The adware clause is often hidden in related User Agreement docs, but it can be checked by carefully reading anything you accept while installing software. The presence of adware on your computer is noticeable only in those pop-ups, and sometimes it can slow down your computer’s processor and internet connection speed.
When adware is downloaded without consent, it is considered malicious.
Spyware works similarly to adware, but is installed on your computer without your knowledge. It can contain keyloggers that record personal information including email addresses, passwords, even credit card numbers, making it dangerous because of the high risk of identity theft.
5. Computer worm
Computer worms are pieces of malware programs that replicate quickly and spread from one computer to another. A worm spreads from an infected computer by sending itself to all of the computer’s contacts, then immediately to the contacts of the other computers.
A worm spreads from an infected computer by sending itself to all of the computer’s contacts,, then immediately to the contacts of the other computers
Interestingly, they are not always designed to cause harm; there are worms that are made just to spread. Transmission of worms is also often done by exploiting software vulnerabilities.