Keeping your system secure and threat-free is the biggest task in front of an ordinary user. In this time where each day a new threat emerges it is nearly impossible to keep a tab on your systems security all the time. To know what to watch and what not to, can be a challenging task for most of us. To stay protected one should be aware about the common threats and how to avoid them.
In this article we have listed some of the most common cyber security threats that attack home users.
1. Ransomware
Ransomware is one of the fastest growing and severe threat for home users. It takes control of the user data and encrypts it with a key that only the attacker has access to. The data is detained to collect ransom from the user. If user wants to access his data he is forced to pay to the hackers, else he would lose his data forever. The ransom is typically paid in Bitcoin and varies from hundred to thousands of Dollars depending upon the target.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Malware On Mac
How Users Fall For The Trap?
The most common way to spread the infection is through phishing mails. Hackers send out an email with a malicious attachment, disguised with an attractive subject line. Users who fall for it, open the attachment and end up getting their system infected. There are other ways also, like malicious advertising, where users click on an infected online advertisement, which then gets installed on the machine. This way the machine is infected without user’s knowledge.
Usually the attackers target user’s personal data. This includes videos, photos, financial documents and many more.
How to Stay Protected?
The most common way to stay protected is by taking a regular backup of data. Users who have this habit are always at a safer side as compared to the ones who don’t follow this practice.
Also Read: What’s more secure: Mac or Windows
2. Information Theft
Cybercriminals always want to get hold of user account and information and they are still at it.
Which Accounts Are on Target?
Financial accounts are the primary targets, as once the cyber criminals have access to this data, they can easily access and misuse bank accounts and other financial services. Even social media and email accounts are targeted. All these accounts are their personal favorites, as they can drain out bank accounts and users credit card details.
Don’t be under the false impression that only the above mentioned accounts are at risk. Any account which has personal data is at risk at all times. Your Bitcoin wallet too is a target.
3. Data Theft
As mostly everything is digitized, various companies tend to save all our details to provide better services. But they forget to secure their servers which has all the data.
This brings the data at risk, therefore companies should not be careless and should take security seriously. If they fail to handle the data security correctly hackers get an easy access and can misuse the data.
4. Remote Access Tools (RATs)
RATs are used for accessing a remote machine to solve a problem or for other purposes. But with time things are changing. Cybercriminals are now using them to attack organizations and get into their servers..
Also Read: Mac Malware: A Brief History
How are RATs exploited?
The attacker lures user into downloading a copy of RAT via social media, chat or any other source to take control of user’s machine. Once he has the access, he steals information from the user machine and blackmails the user. As personal files have sensitive and private data they are always targeted.
Therefore it is recommended to either encrypt the data or not to store any private data on the machine with internet access.
Conclusion:
These are the most common threats to which an ordinary user can be an easy prey. Therefore, it is always recommended to have an updated antivirus installed on machine. Once should not fall for any online lures as they are only there to access your data. So, here’s a piece of advice do not share any personal data online nether keep your personal or financial data on machine which is connected with network access. Always stay cautious and be safe.
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