What is Computer Security?
Computer security, is the protection of information systems
from theft or damage to the hardware, the software, and to the information on
them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
It includes controlling physical access to the hardware, as well as protecting
against harm that may come via network access, data and code injection, and due
to malpractice by operators, whether intentional, accidental, or due to them
being tricked into deviating from secure procedures.
- Information security is
securing information from unauthorized access, modification & deletion
- Computer Security means securing a
standalone machine by keeping it updated and patched
- Cybersecurity is defined
as protecting computer systems, which communicate over the
computer networks
Reference: http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~dabousen/Default%20-%20Copy%20(4).html
What are the different computer security risk?
Computer Viruses
Perhaps the most well-known
computer security threat, a computer
virus is a program written to alter the way a computer operates, without the
permission or knowledge of the user. A virus replicates and executes
itself, usually doing damage to your computer in the process.
Carefully evaluating free software,
downloads from peer-to-peer file sharing sites, and emails from unknown senders
are crucial to avoiding viruses. Most web browsers today have security settings
which can be ramped up for optimum defense against online threats. But, as
we'll say again and again in this post, the single most-effective way of
fending off viruses is up-to-date antivirus software from
a reputable provider. Learn more about how to combat computer
virus threats and stay safe online.
Spyware Threats
A serious computer security threat,
spyware is any program that monitors your
online activities or installs programs without your consent for profit or to
capture personal information.
While many users won't want to hear
it, reading terms and conditions is a good way to build an understanding of how
your activity is tracked online. And of course, if a company you don't recognize
is advertising for a deal that seems too good to be true, be sure you have
an internet
security solution in place and click with caution.
We’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge
that will help you combat spyware threats- learn more about
the dangers of spyware and stay safer online.
Hackers and Predators
People, not computers, create
computer security threats and malware. Hackers
and predators are programmers who victimize others for their own gain by
breaking into computer systems to steal, change, or destroy information as a
form of cyber-terrorism. These online predators can compromise credit
card information, lock you out of your data, and steal your identity. As you may
have guessed, online
security tools with identity theft protection are one of the
most effective ways to protect yourself from this brand of cybercriminal.
What scams are hackers using
lately? Learn more about the dangers of hacking how to combat
protect yourself against dangerous malware attacks online.
Phishing
Masquerading as a trustworthy
person or business, phishers attempt to
steal sensitive financial or personal information through fraudulent email or
instant messages. Phishing attacks are some of the most successful methods
for cybercriminals looking to pull off a data breach. Antivirus solutions with identity
theft protection can be "taught" to recognize
phishing threats in fractions of a second.
How can you tell the difference
between a legitimate message and a phishing scam? Educate yourself on the latest tricks and scams.
Reference: https://www.webroot.com/gb/en/resources/tips-articles/computer-security-threats
What are computer viruses and give at least one (1) samples of each
viruses you can find.
Getting a
computer virus has happened to many users in some fashion or another.
To most, it is simply a mild inconvenience, requiring a cleanup and
then installing that antivirus program that you’ve been meaning to install but
never got around to. However, in other cases, it can be a complete disaster, with your computer turning into a
very expensive brick which no amount of antivirus can protect. Some of the
worst and notorious computer viruses that have caused a lot of damage in real life. And since people usually
equate general malware like worms and Trojan horses as viruses. These malwares
have caused tremendous harm, amounting to billions of dollars and disrupting
critical real life infrastructure.
ILOVEYOU
While ILOVEYOU sounds like a
cheerful bon mot you might find printed on the inside of a Valentine’s Day
card, it’s actually far, far more sinister than that. ILOVEYOU is one of the
most well-known and destructive viruses of all time.
It’s been 15 years since ILOVEYOU
was let loose on the internet. By today’s standards it’s a pretty tame virus,
but in 2000 it was the most damaging malware event of all time.
Likely, ILOVEYOU inspired many hackers to wield their keyboard as a weapon.
But why was it so brutal???
Well, in 2000 malware was a bit of
a myth. In fact, it was such a myth that malware could get away with being
completely unsubtle. If you got an email today like the one that was sent
around in 2000, you’d never open it. The virus came in an email with a
subject line that said “I love you”. Being curious types, people clicked
into the email with aplomb—regardless of the fact the email wasn’t from anyone
they knew.
The malware was a worm that was
downloaded by clicking on an attachment called ‘LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs’.
ILOVEYOU overwrote system files and
personal files and spread itself over and over and over again. ILOVEYOU hit headlines around the world and
still people clicked on the text—maybe to test if it really was as bad as it
was supposed to be. Poking the bear with a stick, to use a metaphor.
ILOVEYOU was so effective it
actually held the Guinness World Record as the most ‘virulent’ virus of all
time. A viral virus, by all accounts. Two young Filipino programmers, Reonel Ramones and Onel de Guzman,
were named as the perps but because there
were no laws against writing malware, their case was dropped and they went
free.
Cost of the malware: $15
billion.
Reference: https://uk.norton.com/norton-blog/2016/02/the_8_most_famousco.html
Steps on how to safeguard your computer from viruses and how to avoid
them.
11
WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER FROM VIRUSES
It’s something we all hope to avoid
but the truth of the matter is that we can’t dodge it forever. Some of us are
the unfortunate acquirers of computer viruses. Although there are always new viruses
coming out, here are a list of 11 ways to
prevent computer viruses.
INSTALL AN ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAM
Whether you are connecting to the
internet or not, having reliable protection is the route to go. Anti-virus
programs are a minimal investment and are worth the dollars so as soon as you
power up that computer, make sure you are protected!
INSTALL ANTI-SPYWARE AND ANTI-MALWARE PROGRAMS
Many of these programs are free and
prevent viruses from doing any damage on your computer. They require continuous
running and updating but when used correctly, they serve their purpose.
AVOID SUSPICIOUS WEBSITES
A lot of times websites will notify
you if you are about to enter a website that attempts to install or run a
program on your computer but not always. Avoid websites such as those.
NEVER OPEN EMAIL ATTACHMENTS WITHOUT SCREENING THEM
The most common way viruses are
spread remains to be through email. Make sure you use an email provider that
requires all attachments to be scanned prior to opening, to ensure your
computer doesn’t get a virus.
SET UP AUTOMATIC SCANS
Setting up scans to run on your
computer daily or weekly is a good idea to get rid of any viruses. This keeps
your computer updated and clear of issues.
WATCH YOUR DOWNLOADS
We understand that downloading
files from the internet such as music and movies is what so many of us do, but
it also gets so many of us in trouble. Big files like those are easy to sneak
some trouble into so be aware of what you are downloading.
UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!
Microsoft Windows ‘Critical Update’
is one example of staying ahead of all the hackers out there. Critical Update
is an entire branch of Microsoft that is dedicated to keeping computers free is
viruses. Always keep your system updated
ALWAYS BE IN THE KNOW
Whether you are a computer fanatic
or you just use yours casually, always know what the latest viruses are and how
they will affect your computer. This will prepare you if something happens so
you can fix the problem sooner.
AVOID CRACKED SOFTWARE
Everyone knows that you can
download illegal or ‘cracked’ software online that seems to be easier on the
wallet but in reality downloading those programs hurt you. They subject your
computer to hard-to-detect bugs and will end up causing you more problems.
INSTALL A FIREWALL
A firewall is a program that
screens incoming internet and network traffic. Along with your virus program,
it can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer.
BE PREPARED
If you get wind of a virus that is
going around like wildfire than be sure to be on high alert. Don’t accept any
downloads and be extra cautious when opening emails and files.
This list should help you in
preparing for any computer viruses that could come your way. Remember to always
be cautious and smart when using your computer!
