Computer attacks are the biggest and most frequent threat that users who constantly use the Internet can suffer. These attacks can be deadly to a computer and to a person’s personal data. That is why we must learn what are the types of computer viruses and how to protect ourselves from them when using the internet. This post will teach you how to prevent computer attacks? – Measures against viruses.
What are the most popular cyber attacks?
To prevent computer attacks, you must know them first, so below we will explain which are the most popular:
- Malware: these are programs designed to infiltrate systems and steal information.
- Viruses: these are malicious codes that infect files on a system and this occurs when we open infected files or click on contaminated links.
- Worms: this software is difficult to detect because when they infect a computer they do not damage the functioning of the system. In addition there are several types of computer worms to avoid.
- Trojans: It is a malicious software that disguises itself as legitimate files to enter computer systems without being detected. When the user opens these files, the Trojan is responsible for opening a back door for the entry of malicious programs.
- Spyware: it is a spy program in charge of obtaining confidential information from companies, governments or private users; This is responsible for installing programs on the computer that helps cybercriminals to steal information without us noticing.
- AdWare: this is responsible for displaying advertising and collecting information about the tastes and preferences of users when they browse the Internet.
- Ransomware: This attack takes care of hijacking personal information and then requesting a ransom. That is, you must make a transfer in bitcoins to recover the information.
- Phishing: This attack consists of cybercriminals posing as certified personnel of an entity through email, calls or messages to steal your passwords or bank details.
- DDoS: It consists of attacking a server or infrastructure from many computers to disable a company’s system.
How to prevent computer attacks?
- Install antivirus and antimalware on your PC, tablets and smartphone and keep them updated. Some antivirus are Norton, panda, TOTALAV, and McAfee.
- Keep your computers operating system up to date, as viruses take advantage of security holes to sneak into devices.
- Use a trusted browser (Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox) and keep it updated.
- Make sure you use the best secure VPNs for Windows to surf the web and avoid computer viruses.
- Make sure to enter official pages, since there are many pirate pages on the internet that try to steal your personal data.
- Take care of your password, it is important that you do not use the same password in all online services, do not share it with third parties or leave them saved on the computer. Create complex passwords containing numbers, special characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, and change them regularly.
- Do not share personal information with anyone even if they say they are from a technical service, remember that no entity will contact you to request confidential information by mail, calls or messages.
- Don’t click on suspicious links or open files from people you don’t know; Cybercriminals often send attractive messages to capture the user’s attention, but these are accompanied by viruses.
- Read carefully before clicking; we usually click accept without reading the message in question.
- If you get an offer or a spectacular gift from a friend by email or social networks; but to have more details of that award you must open a file or link, first contact your friend by a different way to make sure it is not a hoax.
- Download applications, software, movies, music, or other files from trusted websites; also do not download anything you find on the net.
- E-mail is the most common method used by cybercriminals to deceive their victims; Therefore, do not open emails from unknown people or answer suspicious surveys.
- Never post personal information on your social networks.
- Be cautious and use good judgment; do not open links or files for emotion think before acting.
- In social networks, do not accept requests from people you do not know because they may be false profiles.
- Make frequent backup copies of your data.
- Keep your USB memory clean, as it tends to quickly become infected with any virus.
Computer attacks are frequent and can be suffered by anyone. That’s why it helps protect your device with Windows security in just a few steps. Also, follow the measures outlined in this article to avoid being a victim of malicious people lurking on the internet.