Top Cybersecurity Threats Your Teens Should Be Aware Of!
In today’s world, where computers, smartphones, and the internet have become a part of our lives, crime has gotten a makeover in the form of cyber-attacks. Every person who uses the internet has come into the crosshairs of unsavory characters. At the beginning of such incidents, when people were uneducated about the topic, many got affected. However, in time, people devised methods to counter these threats. Protections come in many forms, but the all-encompassing term used for these measures is known as cybersecurity.
To be precise, cybersecurity is a term used to protect networks and data from the internet. Cybersecurity is critical because it protects people and organizations from hackers, cybercriminals, cyberterrorists, and other malicious actors who try to steal or damage valuable information. This article from the Excelsior American School, a well-known International School in Gurgaon, aims to make parents aware of these legitimate threats so that you can better equip your children to tackle this crisis. So, let’s delve deep into the topic and find out more!
Crisis Makes You Human, So Pay Attention!
Before we move on, we would, first of all, want you all to realize and accept the fact that, in all probability, our children consume more internet than we do! However, having said that, we can’t ignore the fact that even though they are using it, many of them don’t even know the basic do’s and don’ts of working on the internet, which makes them prone to falling for its ill side. As such, the onus falls on you, the parents, to shield them against the “villains” of the internet world. And to do this, you will have to first know about the top variants yourselves. So, here you go:
- Trojan Virus: A Trojan virus is a type of malware disguised as a harmless file. It can appear to be an image, a text file, or even a program you want to install. However, once installed on your device, it will run the malware code and infect your computer by establishing a backdoor. Trojan viruses are typically used for data theft or sabotage. They can also be used for spamming and phishing attacks.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is malware that encrypts a user’s data and demands a ransom to decrypt it. It is also known as extortion software because the attacker uses the victim’s data as leverage to get money from them. The first known ransomware attack was in 1989 on the attendees of the World Health Organization’s international AIDS conference.
- Worms: Worm malware is a type of malware that can spread to other computers on a network. It is a type of self-replicating malware that can propagate itself from one computer to another. A worm is considered malicious because it can steal data and send out spam, but it can also be used for good, like updating software or fixing bugs, so beware of type. Malicious worms are often used in denial-of-service attacks and for mass emailing spam messages.
- Spyware: Spyware is malware that is installed on your computer without your knowledge. It is often used to steal personal information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and banking information. Spyware is usually installed on computers by clicking on links in spam emails or downloading infected files from the internet. It can also be installed by visiting a webpage with spyware on it.
- Phishing: Phishing malware is a type of malware that is designed to steal data from its victims. It does this by tricking them into giving up their personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Phishing malware is usually transmitted through email messages or links to fake websites. These messages and links may pretend to be from a trusted source, like your bank or the government, but they are actually from an attacker who wants your private information. The phishing emails and links will often ask you for sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. They might also include attachments that contain malicious software that can infect your computer with other types of malware if you open it.
- Malvertising: Malvertising is distributing malicious adverts through online advertising networks so that they are delivered to web users visiting legitimate websites. Malvertising is a cyber-attack and a form of online fraud. It can be a distribution channel for malware, ransomware, and other malicious software. The attackers use malvertising to infect users with malware and then steal their data or demand ransom money for unlocking the device.
Encourage Your Child to Be Safe Yet Confident
We all know how the number of cyberattacks and variants is on a consistent rise. This only means that there is not only a rising need for cybersecurity measures to tackle the cyberattack issues but also to make the users aware of the same. Thus, we, at Excelsior American School, a renowned international school in Gurgaon, would like to suggest all the parents reading this article to remain up-to-date with the emerging cybersecurity threats and also keep their kids informed about them.
After all, only when you have the requisite knowledge, will you be able to tackle the issues well. Moreover, you can also invest in cybersecurity solutions like firewalls, antivirus software, and encrypted networks so that your teen automatically remains safe from cybersecurity threats. Remember, the internet, if used right, can indeed be considered a boon for mankind. The key, however, lies in its apt usage. Use it wisely, and you will surely be safe!