Introduction

Cybersecurity is a topic that affects everyone who uses the internet. Whether you are browsing, shopping, banking, gaming, or socializing online, you need to know how to protect yourself from possible cyberattacks.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of cyber threats you may face and how you can avoid them.

Now let's dive to the FAQs.

1. What are the most common cyber threats?

Some of the most common cyber threats are:

Malware

Malware is a term that refers to any software that is designed to harm, disrupt, or steal data from your device. Malware can cause various problems, such as slowing down your device, displaying unwanted ads, redirecting your browser, encrypting your files, or stealing your personal information.

Phishing

Phishing refers to fraudulent emails or messages that pretend to be from legitimate sources and try to trick you into clicking on malicious links or attachments, or providing your personal or financial information.

Phishing emails or messages are designed to look like they come from legitimate sources, such as your bank, your employer, your friends, or a reputable company. However, they are actually sent by hackers who want to trick you into clicking on malicious links or attachments, or providing your personal or financial information.

Here are some signs that an email or message might be phishing:

The sender’s address is suspicious: The sender’s address might not match the name of the organization or person they claim to be, or it might have spelling errors or unusual characters. For example, an email from “support@amaz0n.com” is not from Amazon.

The subject line or content is urgent or alarming: The email or message might use words like “urgent”, “important”, “final notice”, “security alert”, or “account suspended” to create a sense of urgency or fear and pressure you into taking action. For example, an email that says “Your account has been hacked. Click here to reset your password” is likely phishing.

The link or attachment is unfamiliar or unexpected: The email or message might contain a link or attachment that you are not expecting or that does not match the context of the message. For example, an email from your friend that says “Check out this funny video” and has a link to a .exe file is probably phishing.

The request is unusual or unreasonable: The email or message might ask you to do something that you normally would not do, such as provide your password, credit card number, social security number, or other sensitive information. For example, an email from your bank that says “We need to verify your identity. Please reply with your account number and PIN” is definitely phishing.

If you receive an email or message that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or attachments, do not reply, and do not provide any information. Instead, delete it or report it as spam. If you are not sure if the email or message is legitimate, contact the sender directly using a different method, such as calling them on the phone or visiting their official website.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your device or files and demands a ransom to restore access. Ransomware can cause serious damage and loss of data if not handled properly.

To spot a ransomware message, you should look out for the following signs:

Suspicious slowdowns and file changes: Your computer may become slower or show unusual activity, such as files being renamed or deleted.

Unauthorized instances of extraction or encryption: You may notice unfamiliar programs running on your computer, such as encryption tools or network scanners.

Splash-screen message directly announcing an attack: You may see a full-screen message that blocks your access to your desktop and tells you that your files have been encrypted and that you need to pay a ransom to get them back.

Suspicious emails: You may receive emails that contain attachments or links that try to trick you into opening them. These emails may pretend to be from legitimate sources, such as your bank, your employer, or a delivery service.

Unexpected network scanners: You may see network traffic from unknown sources that try to scan your network for vulnerabilities or open ports.

Unauthorized access to Active Directory: You may notice changes in your Active Directory, such as new users, groups, or permissions being created or modified.

Inability to open regular office files, movies, photographs or emails: You may find that your files have been encrypted and that you cannot open them with your usual applications.

Ransomware notice: You may find a text file or an image file on your computer that contains instructions on how to pay the ransom and contact the attackers.

If you encounter any of these signs, you should immediately disconnect your computer from the network and contact your IT department or security provider. Do not click on any links or attachments in suspicious emails, do not pay the ransom, and do not contact the attackers.

Identity theft

The unauthorized use of your personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, social security number, or credit card details, to commit fraud or other crimes in your name.

Identity thieves can use your information to open new accounts, make purchases, apply for benefits, file taxes, or even impersonate you in legal matters. Identity theft can damage your credit score, drain your finances, and harm your reputation. As you read on, you'll see some basic steps you can take to protect your personal information and monitor your accounts.

Data breaches

A data breach occurs when unauthorized parties access or steal sensitive information from various sources, such as databases, networks, devices, or online platforms. Data breaches can have negative consequences, such as financial losses, identity theft, reputational damage, legal liabilities, or regulatory penalties.

2. How can I protect myself from cyber threats?

Though there is no foolproof way to prevent cyberattacks, there are some basic steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect yourself from cyber threats. Here are some of them:

Use strong passwords

A strong password is one that is long, complex, unique, and hard to guess. It should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple accounts or services, never use your birthdate, phone number, or address as passwords or PIN and remember to change your passwords regularly.

Use antivirus software

Antivirus software is a program that scans your device and detects and removes malware. Install antivirus software and firewall on your devices and keep them updated. These programs can help prevent malware from infecting your devices and stealing your information.

Use a VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. A VPN can help you protect your online privacy and security by preventing hackers, ISPs, or third parties from snooping on your online activities or accessing your data. You should use a VPN whenever you connect to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks or access sensitive websites or services.

Be careful what you share on and offline

You should be cautious about what you post or share online, especially on social media platforms. You should avoid revealing too much personal or sensitive information that could be used against you by hackers or identity thieves. You should also check your privacy settings and limit who can see your posts or profile.

Review your bank statements and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or transactions. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution as soon as possible.

Shred documents that contains your personal information before disposing them. These includes bills, receipts, statements, offers, and forms.

Never give out your information to anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Verify the sender or caller before responding.

Educate yourself

You should stay informed about the latest cyber threats and trends and learn how to recognize and avoid opening suspicious files or links. You should also educate yourself about the best practices and tools for cybersecurity and follow them.

3. What should I do if I become a victim of a cyberattack?

If you suspect that you have been hacked or compromised by a cyber attack, you should act quickly and take the following steps:

Disconnect your device

You should disconnect your device from the internet and any other devices or networks as soon as possible. This can help prevent further damage or spread of malware.

Report the incident

You should report the incident to the relevant authorities or organizations, such as your bank, credit card company, email provider, social media platform, etc. You should also alert your friends, family, and contacts if you think they might be affected by the attack.

Change your passwords

You should change your passwords for all your accounts or services that might have been compromised by the attack. You should also enable two-factor authentication if available.

Restore your device

You should restore your device to a previous state or factory settings if possible. This can help remove any malware or traces of the attack from your device. You should also backup your data regularly and store it in a safe place.

Conclusion

You need Cybersecurity, we all do. It is a vital aspect of your online safety and well-being. By following the tips provided in this article, you can improve your cybersecurity awareness and skills, protect yourself from cyber threats and stay safe online. Always remember to be smart, vigilant and secure!