The Threat of Online Security : How Safe is Our Data ?

Do you ever think that how safe is your data? Nowadays, people often create, store and manage critical information through computer. All kinds of activity from banking to storing company's personal details are done through internet. Consequently, it is important for users to aware that computer security plays a major role in protecting their data from loss, damage and misuse.

In today's world, you need to worry about security for your PC in a whole different way. Spyware, adware, viruses and trojans are lucking online, waiting to infect your computer. These threats evolve over time and always find a better way to better the security software. Therefore, it is important to update security softwares frequently to keep our data safe from these threats. Here are some of the threats to your PC :

1. Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware that is installed surreptitiously on personal computer to collect information about users, their computer or browsing habits without their informed consent. Spyware is usually engineered to watch your online activity and uncover security flaws. The best way to avoid spyware is to avoid the sites and e-mails that leave it on your PC. There are a number of programs available that offer spyware removal and detection and can be downloaded for free at sites such as download.com.



2. Identity Theft



Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses anoher person's personal information to take on that person's identity.There have variety of methods that hackers can steal your information through the PC. Once this information is gained, it will be used to make online purchases using your credit card data, divert paychecks and create false documents. Usually, the top internet security software comes with some protection against this problem. An internet security suite may be your best bet to protect youronline information. The quick tips to protect yourself against online ID theft is never provide your credit card info to any site that does not offer multiple forms of internet security to protect your transaction.

3. Spam Mail



Spam by e-mail is a type of spam that involves sending identical or nearly identical messages to thousand ( or millions ) of recipients. Spam mail itself is not dangerous. However, it can have malicious links that can do everything from cause your PC to be infected by a virus, introduce spyware, and attract more spam. A good internet spam filter is usually a good option. The auick internet security tip is when typing your address into the net, try to use a combination of 13 letters and numbers. This will make it difficult for address to be added spam mail list.

4. Phishing Mail



Phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is normally carried out by e-mail or instant messaging an it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost similar to the real one. The scammers will then use this personal information for their own purposes, or sell the information to other criminal parties. The best way to avoid phishing attacks is not to click any e-mails that you believe to be suspicious. Besides that, you may also update your web browser with phishing detection. Internet security software package such as Webroot's Spysweeper and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite have great phishing detection systems.

5. Virus

Computer virus is a self-replicating or self-reproducing program that are designed to spread from one computer to another computer and to interfere with computer operation. Virus are one of several types of malicious software or malware. A basic rule is that computer virus cannot directly damage hardware, but only software. Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. Viruses can be disguised as attachment of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. Besides that, viruses also can spread through downloads on the the internet.


References :
http://e-marketplacesite.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html
http://ect6.blogspot.com/2009_02_08_archive.html
http://techcruser.blogspot.com/2007/05/online-security-threats-to-your-pc.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
http://discoverecommerce.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html
http://www.buysafe.com/security_center/security_glossary.html