Online Security - Threats & Preventions

1. Spyware - A spyware is a computer software that can steal important information from the users computer without their consent or knowledge. Spyware only works whenever your computer is connected to the internet. a spyware once installed on your computer sends important information from your computer like stored passwords, important documents, computer codes and internet banking accounts to its server or in other words to the computer controlling the spyware. Spyware are of two different types:-

a. key loggers:- one that logs your keystrokes and your screen activity.

b. Trojan horse: - one that monitors every aspect of your computer and helps the controller to gain complete control over your computer.

Solutions:- a. In order to prevent the installation of the spyware, remember never to open warez sites, never download any freeware from un-trusted sites.

b. Always scan a downloaded file by a trusted anti-virus and do keep the antivirus and some internet security software running while accessing the internet.

2. Spoofing attacks (Email & URL)

Spoofing attacks are now a days becoming more common and already many people have been affected by it. Spoofing attacks are those attacks in which someone tries to spoof someone else identity. In simpler terms, you can receive an email from your bank not actually sent by the bank. Spoofing attacks again are of two types:-

a. email spoofing:- I