Are you one of those people that are able to stay healthy for long periods of time and then take your health for granted by ignoring minor health issues? Before long an ignored problem can become a major health issue. Complacency, or sheer laziness like in the example above, is a foundation hackers use to take advantage of computer users.
Many people never get “hacked” or have criminals take advantage of them via a computer.
Years go by and everything seems fine and dandy until one day a hacker covertly succeeds in stealing personal information or money from you. Sitting there scratching your head, you go in circles retracing steps attempting to figure out what went wrong, and when.
Getting rid of complacency is not just about securing a computer, it’s also about educating oneself.
How are hackers able to steal money or personal information from computer users?
Computer viruses, phishing attacks, and social engineering are some common methods that hackers utilize. The most common way a computer is infected with a virus is by the computer’s user downloading and installing a free program from the internet.
Free computer programs are commonly laced with computer viruses that are installed simultaneously with the programs, unknown to the computer user. It’s great that some computer programs are free. However, it should be kept in mind that websites, where free programs are downloaded, are commonly hosted by criminals. Therefore, great care should be taken when determining which websites are safe.
Social engineering is a method by which criminals manipulate computer users into giving up personal or private information as a way of gaining access to computers. An understanding of social engineering is important but cannot be gained by reading a summary of it. Research on “social engineering” should be done to gain a deeper understanding of it; the internet can provide a lot of information about it.
Phishing attacks occur when a criminal creates an impostor website that would normally be trusted. This could include but is not limited to banking websites. Furthermore, computer users are solicited to update personal information on their financial institution’s website. Then, are directed to an impostor version of that website.
Once the impostor’s website is accessed, the computer user unknowingly gives their personal information over to a criminal. The result can be identity theft or theft of financial resources. Again, understanding the intricacies of phishing attacks cannot be gained by reading a summary of it. Research on “phishing attacks” should be done in order to gain a deeper understanding.
Don’t be complacent. Please contact us so that we may serve to help mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of computer criminals.
