A shocking statistic makes people nervous about using the Internet. Every 39 seconds someone is hacked or cyberattacked when innocently going about their daily business online. Hacking can take place at any time and in any place, which is why it’s so important to stay safe when using public domains online.
What Is Privacy?
Do Norweigan computer users often ask hva er personvern ( what is privacy )? The short and long of it is that privacy is all about keeping your personal life yours and yours alone. There’s no other party online who needs to know all of your comings and goings so privacy and security measures are put in place to help you keep your private details private.
There are many threats on the Internet which can open you up to cyber attacks, some of which you may not even think are threats to your everyday routine. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest threats online.
Malware
Installing anti-malware software is essential to keeping this nasty threat out. It immediately invades your taushetsplikt og personvern ( confidentiality and privacy ) by invading your device whether you are using a computer, laptop or mobile phone.
Malware can do a great number of malicious things including;
- Computer worms – these aren’t stored in files but can actually live in the memory of your device then progress to infect other devices on the same network as yours.
- Ransomware – a nasty side effect which takes your data and encrypts it, preventing you from accessing it until you pay a ransom to retrieve it. Hence the name.
- Trojan horses – little problems which are built into legitimate applications without the knowledge of the company or business running the application.
Phishing
Pretty much a similar concept to actual fishing. Cyber attackers use their own methods to fish information out of you. Details like names, addresses, telephone numbers, and shopping habits can all be claimed using their cunning methods.
There are multiple ways that phishers can catch you but some of the most common methods they use are rediversions from legitimate sites, fake websites which just want your details, fake text messages asking for your data and even the manipulation of links. These dodgy links can appear in places you least suspect, making them incredibly effective. Stay aware of what you’re looking at and remember to think before you click.
Pharming
Similar in methodology to phishing, pharming acts as a diversion service to deliberately divert computer users to fake websites or dodgy sites. By directing online users hackers and cyber attackers are increasing their chances of getting their illegal pay packet.
This type of threat doesn’t rely on links, text messages and fake emails as much as phishing but it can still cause a great deal of harm to your device and of course your personal accounts if you fall victim to the trick. Like with phishing, if you suspect there’s foul play leave the website immediately.
