Countering Online Threats

Many people (especially older generations) feel that people hide behind their computers. Either they’re scared of entering the traditional workforce or they prefer to avoid face-to-face human contact.

This is true for many people. The internet has provided a safe space for them to experience life, even if that experience is different than for the more outgoing, extroverted person.

It also provides a safe space to be oneself. This has led to a lot of abuse, particularly in forums that allow for anonymous comments. Some feel free to bully others using the screen as a defence.

However, it’s also a very useful way to facilitate discussion when used responsibly. People can express themselves, even if their opinions are not mainstream or are objectionable to some.

Unfortunately, with increased use of the internet, crime has shifted too. While it used to seem like a safe space, there are now some very real threats. It’s necessary to be aware of these threats in order to know how to protect yourself online.

These are some of the major threats.

Hackers

Hackers will always be one of the biggest threats on the internet. Not only can they steal your personal information from your own computer, but they can steal from websites that you use. There are many pertinent examples of this. Recently, the breach of credit site Equifax left hundreds of millions of Americans at risk of identity theft.

Also, remember the Ashley Madison hack? Many men (and a few women) were left exposed just for having signed up for a site that they may never have ended up using. The fallout led to several suicides and many more ruined lives.

You can’t always protect yourself when it’s not you who is being hacked. But you can be careful about who you give your information to. Make sure they have strong security measures, and accountability when they fail. Also, be careful about what information you share with the sites you do use.

For your own protection, you should be using a virtual private network (VPN) that hides your location and encrypts your data. Use a password manager as well in order to use strong passwords that you don’t constantly forget.

Viruses

Viruses can have the same effect. Some viruses are simply malicious. Their creators want nothing more than to cause chaos and damage your computer. Other viruses are used to compromise your computer and make you easier to hack.

Good antivirus software is important, but so is avoiding downloading anything from untrustworthy websites. You should probably stay away from torrents, and definitely do not open any .exe files.

Email scams

You’re probably not going to fall for the classic “Nigerian prince” scam. But other email scams are more subtle. Phishing scams are one of the best examples. Phishing uses a duplicate of a reputable website to get you to enter your login details. If you use the same password for many websites, you’re especially in trouble.

If an email has a link, check that the URL is legitimate. It can be easy to misread tvvitter.com as twitter.com.

Always stay aware of the very real threats online. They can cause you inconvenience, but also have the potential to ruin your life.

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