Cyber Threats 101: Understanding Online Dangers

The internet is an amazing place, but it also has its dark corners. "Cyber threats" is a broad term that covers a wide range of malicious activities targeting computers, networks, and individuals.

If you're new to cybersecurity, all the jargon can be overwhelming. Let's break down the most common online dangers in simple terms.

Common Types of Cyber Threats

1. Malware

Malware is short for "malicious software." It's any software designed to harm your device.

Viruses: Programs that copy themselves and spread to other computers.
Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands payment (a ransom) to unlock them.
Spyware: Software that secretly watches what you do and steals your information.

2. Phishing

As we discussed in another post, phishing is when attackers trick you into revealing sensitive info. It often happens via email but can also occur through text messages (smishing) or phone calls (vishing).

3. Denial of Service (DoS)

Imagine a crowd of people blocking the entrance to a store so no one else can get in. A Denial of Service (DoS) attack does the same thing to a website. Attackers flood a site with traffic to make it crash or become incredibly slow.

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

This happens when a hacker secretly intercepts communication between two parties. For example, if you use public Wi-Fi without a VPN, a hacker could potentially read the data you send to a website.

How to Protect Yourself

You don't need to be a tech wizard to stay safe. Here are some basic hygiene tips:

Use Strong Passwords: And don't use the same password everywhere! Use a password manager.
Keep Software Updated: Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
Be Skeptical: Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.
Use Security Tools: Antivirus software and threat intelligence tools can help block attacks before they happen.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding these basic concepts is the first step to better security. By being aware of the threats, you can make smarter decisions online and keep your digital life secure.

Want to see what threats look like in real-time? Check out our Threat Intelligence Dashboard.