As our daily activities become more and more dependent on the internet, much or our personal information is stored either on our own computers or on others’ system. If this fact does not allow you to think that internet privacy is a serious issue, think about the latest news about stolen credit card numbers and stolen identities. Do not wait until you become a victim yourself. Protect yourself now by understanding the risks of connecting to the internet and know what you can do to defend your computer, and more importantly yourself, from them. You do not have to be fluent in technical languages or be utterly familiar with complicated computer systems to prevent, detect, or respond to attacks. Risks range from minor to very serious. Some of these include receiving viruses that are designed to delete your system, unconsciously allowing others to hack into your computer to alter or plant files, involuntarily letting others to use your computer for attacking others, leaving your credit card information unsecured permitting others to it for their purchases. Here are the basic problems you must be aware of in order to secure your internet privacy.

Hackers [also called Attackers or Intruders]

These are people who have knowledge in detecting weaknesses in computer software and use these weaknesses to their advantage. Hacking activities can either be minor or serious but are equally harmful. They can range from spreading viruses to stealing or altering personal information.

Malicious Code

Whether these are viruses, worms, or Trojan horses, malicious codes are unwanted in your computer system. Many believe that these three are pretty much the same but knowing the different characteristics of each can help you respond to attacks.

Viruses

Virus infections are received because of specific user activities. They do not enter your system without user intervention. These virus-inviting actions include opening email from unknown sources, entering unreliable websites, or downloading strange attachments.

Worms

The difference between viruses and worms lies in the fact that worms do not require action by the user before entering the system. They are designed to automatically self-propagate as soon as they detect software flaws. Upon entering the system, they find other computers to infect. However, just like viruses, they can be obtained through emails, unreliable websites, or network-based software.

Trojan Horses

Trojan Horses are programs that appear to be one thing yet has some devious activities unknown to the user. Most of this software appears to the user as a program that improves computer speeds but is actually designed to covertly transmit confidential information stored in your computer to unknown hackers.

There really is no guarantee that you will never be attacked. However, these are basic things you must be able to recognize in order to minimize the risk of internet privacy exploitation.