Computer security threats are also advancing in this times of advancing technology. Ransomware attacks, phishing, and identity theft weren’t common 10 years ago. But now, it became more prevalent than ever.
Some of the computer security threats could happen offline. Other threats happen online. We should know about these different types of security threats that happen in your computers.
Computer Viruses
There is a wrong conception that a computer virus is interchangeable with Malware. A computer virus is an isolated type of malware. It commonly infects Windows computers.
In addition, it also corrupts malicious lines of code into an installed application on your computer. When your computer starts up, its malicious codes will take place.
A computer virus is usually sent as an attachment in emails. It can be also downloaded from some malicious websites. It sends spam, disables your security settings, corrupt data, and steals them from your personal computer.
These data include personal information, such as passwords. This type of threat can be very harmful because it can even delete everything in your hard drive.
Trojan Horse
In the myth of the War of Troy, one Trojan horse is a gift from Greeks. They disguised them inside the structure then made its attack. The Trojan tricks someone by making the attacker enter into a secured area.
In computer networks, Trojan is a malicious attacking code or application. It tricks the user to run malicious codes or software voluntarily. The attack hides behind legitimate software.
A trojan horse is usually spread by a false advertisement or as an email. You may think it was from someone you know. When you open the email and its attachment, it immediately downloads the malware to your personal computer.
This threat is also dangerous because it can record your passwords. It can also hijack your web camera, and steal your computer data.
Spyware
Spyware is a common computer security threat that cybercriminals use to spy users. It gets installed on a computer without obvious and loud signals. Computer users cannot notice a spyware’s presence just by looking at the personal computer.
These usually come from phishing, unwanted downloads, pirated websites, and USB drive connections.
A spyware program is a big computer threat. It can steal various data. These data include passwords, keystrokes, computer files, and driver data.
Adware
Adware tracks your online browsing habits and displays a lot of advertisements and pop-ups. File Explorer, Web Browser, and other applications displays these ads, and throughout your personal computer.
This is usually spread by malicious downloads, browser extensions, and software.
Additionally, it can collect and steal your data and slow down your personal computer’s processor. It can also slow down your internet connection speed.
Ransomware
Ransomware exploits your confidential and sensitive pieces of information on computers. It locks up and encrypts your computer data or some particular files. To get back your data access, cyber criminals ask for some “ransom” or unreasonable payment from the user. This will cost you a lot of money, without the assurance of getting your files back.
This type of threat is somewhat unrepairable. Most of the time, you cannot do anything about it when you are attacked by this type of threat.
