There are tens of methods by which malicious programs or
personnel might try to break into your PC, but such threats can broadly be
classified into 5 general types; Spyware, Spam Mails, Theft of Identity,
Phishing Mails, and personal error.
Spyware
The Spyware is a broad term used to signify anything from
pop-up ads, key-loggers, to even include Trojans; which are a type of computer
virus. These viruses are specifically designed to monitor your online activity,
keeping track of the webpages you visit as well as the content that you usually
download. In extreme cases, spywares can be used to obtain your financial data
too, such as personal bank accounts, passwords, credit card numbers, and emails
that you send.
Spam Mails
Spam mails are the unwanted mails that you find flooding
your account every day; these mail(s) are usually related to product marketing
and advertisements. Though they may appear to be harmless advertising ploys,
spam mails can include links that trick you into visiting malicious websites.
Theft of Identity
This step is related to spyware, and involves other users
using your credit card information or banking details to make illegal purchases
on your part, or create false documents that may implicate you, thus if there
is anything illegal going on, the evidence will point solely towards you.
Phishing Mails
This is a relatively new term in online security threats,
phishing mails are designed to appear have been sent from trusted sites like
PayPal and eBay (while actually they are fake ones imitating the real
websites), asking you to enter your personal data such as passwords and
relevant details.
Personal Error
Personal error is also an important reason for security
threats; it can be greatly minimized if you learn to recognize links that
appear to be innocent at first and might pack threatening material. Refrain
from clicking on these links.
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