Internet and online security - 87
who are trying to fool you into sending them your credit card number,
social security number, or logging into a fake bank website that looks
like yours but really isn't.
How to stay safe:
Use a strong antispam filter. If an email looks strange,
don't click on anything and delete it immediately. Instead manually
launch a browser and type in your bank's website address and log-in
yourself.
Don't be fooled if someone calls your phone
A tech support scam is a form of online fraud where people call you on
the phone saying they're Technical Support from a trusted company like
Norton or Microsoft and that you have a virus. The main motive behind
these scams is to extort money from the victim. Cybercriminals can also
install malware such as keylogging software or backdoor Trojans in
order to gain access to personal information.
How to stay safe:
Don't fall for phone calls that tell you your software or
computer isn't working. Never give your personal information like social
security or credit card numbers to someone that you don't know over
the phone.
Common threats cybercriminals use
Now you know a few very common ways cybercriminals try to sneak
onto your device or trick you into providing private information to them
directly. Here are a few of the types of malware they like to deploy once
they've got into a device and what to do if you're ever infected.
Ransomware
A form of malware that will encrypt personal data files on your computer
and attached devices. Encryption converts files into another format,
that can only be opened with a specific decryption key. Once the
ransomware installs itself, it will display a warning message that the
computer is now locked. The user is given a specific amount of money
to pay as a "fine" and a timeframe in which to pay. Even if paid, the
criminal might choose to not unencrypt the files anyway!
What to do if you're infected:
Avoid getting infected in the first place by
staying protected with internet security software like Norton Security.
