5 Main Online Threats to Watch Out in 2023
The internet has become massive, and we must know what the risks are today. The threats evolve at the same rhythm that our connectivity does.
This isn’t something to dismiss–there are studies that predict that over 33 billion accounts will be in danger in 2023.
Stay one step ahead of online threats by learning about this year's most dangerous cybersecurity risks.
#1. Phishing Scams
These threats have one goal: getting you to reveal personal information that will let them steal from you, like passwords and even your credit card data.
Most often, these phishing scams come in the form of emails or online messages, and they normally pose as if they were an official institution, like a bank.
One of the most common situations is getting an email from work, or from your old school, asking you to confirm data or upload something. Just by clicking these links, you can get viruses in your device.
The solution is pretty simple: if you don’t trust the sender, don’t click on the link. Especially if they’re asking for important information. Institutions never ask for these kind of things through emails.
Stay safe!
#2. Malicious script injection
There is software designed to help you do stuff online, and “malware” created to damage your device.
This kind of malware takes on three different forms of infection:
- Viruses
- Worms
- Trojan hoses
Worst of all, it can spread in different ways, like emails, downloads, or websites that don’t have a security protocol.
Think about it next time you do to download a movie from a dodgy website.
The best way to protect yourself against malware is by updating your computer’s antivirus system, and avoid downloading stuff from websites you don’t trust.
Another good tip is to avoid using any public Wi-Fi network, and to stay secure with Surfshark VPN.
#3. Social Engineering
This technique is one of the most effectives and this is why so many cybercriminals use it. The goal is to manipulate the other person into giving away their data.
There are several different strategies to manage this, such as impersonation, phishing, hate speech and other kinds of scams.
Remember that no trustworthy institution will call and ask for your passwords or credit card information, and that social engineering attacks are designed to make you feel scared.
Never give out personal information over the phone or through a link on an email.
Take a look at the other party’s legitimacy beforehand!
#4. Data Kidnapping
This kind of malware is designed to encrypt your files.
Once you’re no longer able to access them, the hackers behind the malware will demand payment so that you can decrypt them, usually with a password or “key”.
If you have important information on your computer, as most of us do, a ransomware attack can wreak havoc in your life.
This is why having a backup of your files and taking precautions when opening emails is so smart. Know the sources before clicking or downloading anything into your device.
#5. Identity Appropriation
Another common online scam is identity theft. This happens when a hacker steals information like a bithday, the full name of someone and the social security number.
With just these data they can open bank accounts or apply for credit, and even shop online posing as the person they stole from.
Using strong and unique passwords for your accounts is the best technique to avoid identity theft, plus never giving out personal information online.
A good password could be something like this: "C0rrectH0rseBatteryStaple!". It’s also good to use a password manager so you don’t have to remember all of them.
As it usually happens, internet is a great resource and a great help, but it’s good to know how to avoid unnecessary risks when browsing.
To sum up, the precautions you need to take aren’t difficult and they’re not time-demanding, and they will certainly help you have a safe and fun experience online.
Also, and I can’t stress this enough, never give out your personal information to strangers or to websites you don’t trust and know. Enjoy the internet for all the good it does!