Where in the past computer viruses were focused on irritating users or damaging computer files, nowadays malware is used primarily for making profit. Cybercriminals aim at obtaining people’s credit card numbers, other financial details, personal info, using hacked PCs and accounts to send out spam. Knowing what types of modern computer threats await you should help you to protect against them.
Some of the most common computer threats today are:
Spam
Spam emails and messages are not just used for advertising miracle cures and promising easy money. Links in spam emails often lead to malicious websites, and clicking on attachments will download some malware on your PC. Even just opening a junk email could be enough to run an embedded script and infect your computer.
Phishing
A type of email scam, phishing is currently one a prominent online threat. Phishing emails pretend to be from a legitimate site and ask the user to go to the website via the link and confirm their account details. The link will lead to a bogus site, made to look like the real one, and the entered data, such as login, password, banking information, etc, will go to the criminals.
Drive-by download
Another common Internet threat: Clicking on ads, pop-ups, or simply visiting a suspicious website might download a virus or other malware on the PC. Even good, reputable site can be hacked and contain a dangerous script, though that is usually found out and fixed rather quickly.
Downloading a program for free will get something else downloaded most of the time, too.
Ransomware
One of the most serious computer threats lately, ransomware is usually distributed via spam email attachments, though other methods are practiced too. Ransomware blocks user’s access to the computer or encrypts important files, and displays a message claiming the control will be given back after a specified payment is made. The message often passes off as a notification from a law enforcement agency, accusing the user of illegal activities and suggesting them to pay a fine.
Spyware
As the name indicates, spyware apps are intended for spying on people. A serious computer threat, spyware can get the cybercriminal access to the user’s banking details and other financial data, logins and passwords, emails and instant messages – basically, everything the person does on their computer, the perpetrator can see. Some programs can even take control of a webcam or a microphone and make records without the user’s knowledge.
Backdoor
A backdoor, once installed, gives the hacker full control of the computer with the user being non the wiser. Apart from obtaining any information he or she wants from it, the hacker can use it to send spam or employ it in DDoS attacks.
Browser hijacker
A browser hijacker is not as much of a threat as the malware listed above, yet it is the most widespread these days. Hijackers change browsers’ settings, such as homepage and startpage, redirect users to sponsored sites, display various advertisements. Not only is it a distraction and a nuisance, but also a computer security threat, as they often direct the user to untrustworthy sites, increasing the possibility of malware infection.
If any virus penetrates your computer, then you are welcome to download SpyHunter in order to remove it:
Main features of SpyHunter:
- Deletes all component parts created by computer threats.
- Can solve browser problems and protect browser settings.
- Has System and Network Guards, so you can forget about computer viruses.
*It is a free scanner and paid antivirus tool.