Some popular search engines<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/magnifying-glass.png\")
Google<\/li>\r\n \t- Bing<\/li>\r\n \t
- Baidu<\/li>\r\n \t
- Yahoo!<\/li>\r\n \t
- Yandex<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ask.com<\/li>\r\n \t
- DuckDuckGo<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Search the Internet using a web search engine<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- Open a search engine in a web browser (such as Google in Chrome).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Type a few specific keywords or phrases to describe whatever you wish to search in the search bar. Search engines look for the keywords in your query.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press the Enter<\/strong> key on the keyboard.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Repeat above steps if necessary.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Google-search-bar-screenshot-.png\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nSecurity Issues on the Internet<\/h1>\r\nInternet security issues<\/h2>\r\nAlthough Internet led to many benefits, it also poses a greater potential for security threats.\r\nThe common Internet security issues<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- [pb_glossary id=\"394\"]Hacker[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 refers to a person who can gain unauthorized access (break into) to a computer or a network to commit crimes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Some things a skilled hacker can do to your computer:\r\n
\r\n \t- Hijack your usernames and passwords;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Gain access to the personal information (credit card numbers, bank account, social insurance number, etc.);<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steal, change, exploit, sell or destroy data;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Damage or bring down systems;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hold those system hostages to collect ransom.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"491\"]Malware[\/pb_glossary] (short for malicious software) \u2013 a software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or infect computers.\r\n
\r\n \t- Malware can gain unauthorized access to a computer and continuously run in the background without owner\u2019s knowledge.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Malware is a single term that refers to all the different types of threats to your computer safety such as virus, Trojan horse, worm, spyware, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"513\"]Computer virus[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a specific type of malware that is designed to replicate (copy) and spread from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- A virus can make a copy of itself over and over again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can spread from one computer to another through email, removable storage devices, networks (e.g. internet messaging services, download infected files \u2026), etc.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can damage your computer by corrupting system files, sending spam, stealing data and personal information from your computer, destroying data, deleting everything on your hard drive, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"467\"]Trojan horse[\/pb_glossary](or Trojan) \u2013 a type of malware that looks harmless but can damage, disrupt, steal data on your computer.\r\n
\r\n \t- A Trojan misleads users of its true intent.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan may claim to get rid of your computer viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan can take the form of an innocent-looking email attachment, download, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"460\"]Worm[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 it is similar to a virus (a sub-class of a virus). It is designed to quickly self-replicate and spread copies of themselves from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- The key difference between a virus and a worm is that a virus needs human action to replicate, whereas, a worm doesn\u2019t.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus only spreads when a user opens an affected file whereas a worm spreads without the use of a host file.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"486\"]Phishing[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a scammer uses deceptive emails or websites and tries to obtain valuable personal information (i.e., username, password, account number, etc.).\r\n
\r\n \t- Phishing is a common online scam used by cyber criminals.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A scammer may use a deceptive email or website appearing to represent a legitimate firm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Warning-cyber-attack.jpg\")
[pb_glossary id=\"472\"]Spyware[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a software that secretly monitors (spies) user\u2019s online behavior and gets sensitive information about a person or organization without the user\u2019s knowledge.\r\n\r\n \t- A spyware can record a user's Web browsing habits, e-mail messages, keystrokes on online advertisements, personal information, etc., and forward it to a third party.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Advertisers can use spyware to target specific advertisements to your tastes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Criminal organizations can use spyware to collect financial information (banking accounts, credit card information, password, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Prevent Cyber Threats<\/h1>\r\nTips on how to prevent malware from infecting your computer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- Backup files and store in different locations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don\u2019t open any suspicious \/ unknown emails or the websites. The second part (the part after the @ ) of an email \/ website address should represent the company that owns the email \/ website (domain).\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Email-domain-example.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t - Don't download an unknown or a suspicious attachment (document, picture, music, game, video, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not call fake tech support numbers (tech support scams). If you get pop-up window from fake companies offering to help you with a malware infection, don't call the number.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use a secure and strong password (unique, hard to guess, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Install anti-malware \/ virus software (keep it up to date).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scan with antivirus software on a regular basis.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/security-2910624_640.jpg\")
\r\n\r\nSome free antivirus software:\r\n\r\n \t- Comodo Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVAST Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVG Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avira Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"
Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\n
Google<\/li>\r\n \tSearch the Internet using a web search engine<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- Open a search engine in a web browser (such as Google in Chrome).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Type a few specific keywords or phrases to describe whatever you wish to search in the search bar. Search engines look for the keywords in your query.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press the Enter<\/strong> key on the keyboard.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Repeat above steps if necessary.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Security Issues on the Internet<\/h1>\r\nInternet security issues<\/h2>\r\nAlthough Internet led to many benefits, it also poses a greater potential for security threats.\r\nThe common Internet security issues<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- [pb_glossary id=\"394\"]Hacker[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 refers to a person who can gain unauthorized access (break into) to a computer or a network to commit crimes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Some things a skilled hacker can do to your computer:\r\n
\r\n \t- Hijack your usernames and passwords;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Gain access to the personal information (credit card numbers, bank account, social insurance number, etc.);<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steal, change, exploit, sell or destroy data;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Damage or bring down systems;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hold those system hostages to collect ransom.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"491\"]Malware[\/pb_glossary] (short for malicious software) \u2013 a software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or infect computers.\r\n
\r\n \t- Malware can gain unauthorized access to a computer and continuously run in the background without owner\u2019s knowledge.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Malware is a single term that refers to all the different types of threats to your computer safety such as virus, Trojan horse, worm, spyware, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"513\"]Computer virus[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a specific type of malware that is designed to replicate (copy) and spread from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- A virus can make a copy of itself over and over again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can spread from one computer to another through email, removable storage devices, networks (e.g. internet messaging services, download infected files \u2026), etc.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can damage your computer by corrupting system files, sending spam, stealing data and personal information from your computer, destroying data, deleting everything on your hard drive, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"467\"]Trojan horse[\/pb_glossary](or Trojan) \u2013 a type of malware that looks harmless but can damage, disrupt, steal data on your computer.\r\n
\r\n \t- A Trojan misleads users of its true intent.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan may claim to get rid of your computer viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan can take the form of an innocent-looking email attachment, download, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"460\"]Worm[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 it is similar to a virus (a sub-class of a virus). It is designed to quickly self-replicate and spread copies of themselves from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- The key difference between a virus and a worm is that a virus needs human action to replicate, whereas, a worm doesn\u2019t.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus only spreads when a user opens an affected file whereas a worm spreads without the use of a host file.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"486\"]Phishing[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a scammer uses deceptive emails or websites and tries to obtain valuable personal information (i.e., username, password, account number, etc.).\r\n
\r\n \t- Phishing is a common online scam used by cyber criminals.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A scammer may use a deceptive email or website appearing to represent a legitimate firm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"472\"]Spyware[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a software that secretly monitors (spies) user\u2019s online behavior and gets sensitive information about a person or organization without the user\u2019s knowledge.\r\n
\r\n \t- A spyware can record a user's Web browsing habits, e-mail messages, keystrokes on online advertisements, personal information, etc., and forward it to a third party.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Advertisers can use spyware to target specific advertisements to your tastes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Criminal organizations can use spyware to collect financial information (banking accounts, credit card information, password, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Prevent Cyber Threats<\/h1>\r\nTips on how to prevent malware from infecting your computer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- Backup files and store in different locations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don\u2019t open any suspicious \/ unknown emails or the websites. The second part (the part after the @ ) of an email \/ website address should represent the company that owns the email \/ website (domain).\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don't download an unknown or a suspicious attachment (document, picture, music, game, video, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not call fake tech support numbers (tech support scams). If you get pop-up window from fake companies offering to help you with a malware infection, don't call the number.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use a secure and strong password (unique, hard to guess, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Install anti-malware \/ virus software (keep it up to date).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scan with antivirus software on a regular basis.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\nSome free antivirus software:\r\n
\r\n \t- Comodo Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVAST Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVG Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avira Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"
Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\n
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nSecurity Issues on the Internet<\/h1>\r\nInternet security issues<\/h2>\r\nAlthough Internet led to many benefits, it also poses a greater potential for security threats.\r\nThe common Internet security issues<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- [pb_glossary id=\"394\"]Hacker[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 refers to a person who can gain unauthorized access (break into) to a computer or a network to commit crimes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Some things a skilled hacker can do to your computer:\r\n
\r\n \t- Hijack your usernames and passwords;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Gain access to the personal information (credit card numbers, bank account, social insurance number, etc.);<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steal, change, exploit, sell or destroy data;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Damage or bring down systems;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hold those system hostages to collect ransom.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"491\"]Malware[\/pb_glossary] (short for malicious software) \u2013 a software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or infect computers.\r\n
\r\n \t- Malware can gain unauthorized access to a computer and continuously run in the background without owner\u2019s knowledge.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Malware is a single term that refers to all the different types of threats to your computer safety such as virus, Trojan horse, worm, spyware, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"513\"]Computer virus[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a specific type of malware that is designed to replicate (copy) and spread from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- A virus can make a copy of itself over and over again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can spread from one computer to another through email, removable storage devices, networks (e.g. internet messaging services, download infected files \u2026), etc.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can damage your computer by corrupting system files, sending spam, stealing data and personal information from your computer, destroying data, deleting everything on your hard drive, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"467\"]Trojan horse[\/pb_glossary](or Trojan) \u2013 a type of malware that looks harmless but can damage, disrupt, steal data on your computer.\r\n
\r\n \t- A Trojan misleads users of its true intent.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan may claim to get rid of your computer viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan can take the form of an innocent-looking email attachment, download, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"460\"]Worm[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 it is similar to a virus (a sub-class of a virus). It is designed to quickly self-replicate and spread copies of themselves from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- The key difference between a virus and a worm is that a virus needs human action to replicate, whereas, a worm doesn\u2019t.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus only spreads when a user opens an affected file whereas a worm spreads without the use of a host file.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"486\"]Phishing[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a scammer uses deceptive emails or websites and tries to obtain valuable personal information (i.e., username, password, account number, etc.).\r\n
\r\n \t- Phishing is a common online scam used by cyber criminals.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A scammer may use a deceptive email or website appearing to represent a legitimate firm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"472\"]Spyware[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a software that secretly monitors (spies) user\u2019s online behavior and gets sensitive information about a person or organization without the user\u2019s knowledge.\r\n
\r\n \t- A spyware can record a user's Web browsing habits, e-mail messages, keystrokes on online advertisements, personal information, etc., and forward it to a third party.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Advertisers can use spyware to target specific advertisements to your tastes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Criminal organizations can use spyware to collect financial information (banking accounts, credit card information, password, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Prevent Cyber Threats<\/h1>\r\nTips on how to prevent malware from infecting your computer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- Backup files and store in different locations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don\u2019t open any suspicious \/ unknown emails or the websites. The second part (the part after the @ ) of an email \/ website address should represent the company that owns the email \/ website (domain).\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don't download an unknown or a suspicious attachment (document, picture, music, game, video, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not call fake tech support numbers (tech support scams). If you get pop-up window from fake companies offering to help you with a malware infection, don't call the number.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use a secure and strong password (unique, hard to guess, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Install anti-malware \/ virus software (keep it up to date).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scan with antivirus software on a regular basis.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\nSome free antivirus software:\r\n
\r\n \t- Comodo Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVAST Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVG Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avira Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"
Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\n
The common Internet security issues<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- [pb_glossary id=\"394\"]Hacker[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 refers to a person who can gain unauthorized access (break into) to a computer or a network to commit crimes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Some things a skilled hacker can do to your computer:\r\n
\r\n \t- Hijack your usernames and passwords;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Gain access to the personal information (credit card numbers, bank account, social insurance number, etc.);<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steal, change, exploit, sell or destroy data;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Damage or bring down systems;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hold those system hostages to collect ransom.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"491\"]Malware[\/pb_glossary] (short for malicious software) \u2013 a software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or infect computers.\r\n
\r\n \t- Malware can gain unauthorized access to a computer and continuously run in the background without owner\u2019s knowledge.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Malware is a single term that refers to all the different types of threats to your computer safety such as virus, Trojan horse, worm, spyware, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"513\"]Computer virus[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a specific type of malware that is designed to replicate (copy) and spread from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- A virus can make a copy of itself over and over again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can spread from one computer to another through email, removable storage devices, networks (e.g. internet messaging services, download infected files \u2026), etc.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can damage your computer by corrupting system files, sending spam, stealing data and personal information from your computer, destroying data, deleting everything on your hard drive, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"467\"]Trojan horse[\/pb_glossary](or Trojan) \u2013 a type of malware that looks harmless but can damage, disrupt, steal data on your computer.\r\n
\r\n \t- A Trojan misleads users of its true intent.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan may claim to get rid of your computer viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan can take the form of an innocent-looking email attachment, download, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"460\"]Worm[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 it is similar to a virus (a sub-class of a virus). It is designed to quickly self-replicate and spread copies of themselves from one computer to another.\r\n
\r\n \t- The key difference between a virus and a worm is that a virus needs human action to replicate, whereas, a worm doesn\u2019t.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus only spreads when a user opens an affected file whereas a worm spreads without the use of a host file.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"486\"]Phishing[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a scammer uses deceptive emails or websites and tries to obtain valuable personal information (i.e., username, password, account number, etc.).\r\n
\r\n \t- Phishing is a common online scam used by cyber criminals.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A scammer may use a deceptive email or website appearing to represent a legitimate firm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"472\"]Spyware[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a software that secretly monitors (spies) user\u2019s online behavior and gets sensitive information about a person or organization without the user\u2019s knowledge.\r\n
\r\n \t- A spyware can record a user's Web browsing habits, e-mail messages, keystrokes on online advertisements, personal information, etc., and forward it to a third party.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Advertisers can use spyware to target specific advertisements to your tastes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Criminal organizations can use spyware to collect financial information (banking accounts, credit card information, password, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Prevent Cyber Threats<\/h1>\r\nTips on how to prevent malware from infecting your computer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- Backup files and store in different locations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don\u2019t open any suspicious \/ unknown emails or the websites. The second part (the part after the @ ) of an email \/ website address should represent the company that owns the email \/ website (domain).\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don't download an unknown or a suspicious attachment (document, picture, music, game, video, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not call fake tech support numbers (tech support scams). If you get pop-up window from fake companies offering to help you with a malware infection, don't call the number.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use a secure and strong password (unique, hard to guess, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Install anti-malware \/ virus software (keep it up to date).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scan with antivirus software on a regular basis.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\nSome free antivirus software:\r\n
\r\n \t- Comodo Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVAST Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVG Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avira Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"
Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\n
- \r\n \t
- Hijack your usernames and passwords;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Gain access to the personal information (credit card numbers, bank account, social insurance number, etc.);<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steal, change, exploit, sell or destroy data;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Damage or bring down systems;<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hold those system hostages to collect ransom.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"491\"]Malware[\/pb_glossary] (short for malicious software) \u2013 a software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or infect computers.\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Malware can gain unauthorized access to a computer and continuously run in the background without owner\u2019s knowledge.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Malware is a single term that refers to all the different types of threats to your computer safety such as virus, Trojan horse, worm, spyware, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"513\"]Computer virus[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a specific type of malware that is designed to replicate (copy) and spread from one computer to another.\r\n
- \r\n \t
- A virus can make a copy of itself over and over again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can spread from one computer to another through email, removable storage devices, networks (e.g. internet messaging services, download infected files \u2026), etc.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus can damage your computer by corrupting system files, sending spam, stealing data and personal information from your computer, destroying data, deleting everything on your hard drive, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"467\"]Trojan horse[\/pb_glossary](or Trojan) \u2013 a type of malware that looks harmless but can damage, disrupt, steal data on your computer.\r\n
- \r\n \t
- A Trojan misleads users of its true intent.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan may claim to get rid of your computer viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A Trojan can take the form of an innocent-looking email attachment, download, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"460\"]Worm[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 it is similar to a virus (a sub-class of a virus). It is designed to quickly self-replicate and spread copies of themselves from one computer to another.\r\n
- \r\n \t
- The key difference between a virus and a worm is that a virus needs human action to replicate, whereas, a worm doesn\u2019t.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A virus only spreads when a user opens an affected file whereas a worm spreads without the use of a host file.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"486\"]Phishing[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a scammer uses deceptive emails or websites and tries to obtain valuable personal information (i.e., username, password, account number, etc.).\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Phishing is a common online scam used by cyber criminals.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A scammer may use a deceptive email or website appearing to represent a legitimate firm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- [pb_glossary id=\"472\"]Spyware[\/pb_glossary] \u2013 a software that secretly monitors (spies) user\u2019s online behavior and gets sensitive information about a person or organization without the user\u2019s knowledge.\r\n
- \r\n \t
- A spyware can record a user's Web browsing habits, e-mail messages, keystrokes on online advertisements, personal information, etc., and forward it to a third party.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Advertisers can use spyware to target specific advertisements to your tastes.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Criminal organizations can use spyware to collect financial information (banking accounts, credit card information, password, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Prevent Cyber Threats<\/h1>\r\n
Tips on how to prevent malware from infecting your computer<\/h2>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Backup files and store in different locations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don\u2019t open any suspicious \/ unknown emails or the websites. The second part (the part after the @ ) of an email \/ website address should represent the company that owns the email \/ website (domain).\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Don't download an unknown or a suspicious attachment (document, picture, music, game, video, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not call fake tech support numbers (tech support scams). If you get pop-up window from fake companies offering to help you with a malware infection, don't call the number.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use a secure and strong password (unique, hard to guess, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Install anti-malware \/ virus software (keep it up to date).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scan with antivirus software on a regular basis.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\nSome free antivirus software:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Comodo Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVAST Free Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- AVG Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avira Antivirus<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"
Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\n