| tion_start --> | | | | attack the internet browser address bar, so the next |
| The internet security landscape continues to evolve | | | | time a website URL is typed in, the victim is directed to |
| because the threats against computer security keep | | | | the criminal's imposter website instead of the true |
| changing and adapting to the industry's defense tactics. | | | | website. |
| From computer viruses to malicious software, the | | | | How to Protect Yourself |
| methods used to launch these attacks has increased | | | | In the past, in order to protect your computer and |
| significantly over the years - so staying up-to-date on | | | | network from malicious activity, you would have had |
| the types of internet security threats - and how you | | | | to find a separate solution for each threat. For instance |
| can protect your company against them - is | | | | you would have had to purchase computer security |
| imperative. | | | | software to protect against malware, as well as |
| Internet Security Threats: An Overview | | | | another solution to protect you against spyware |
| Malicious users make a profession out of hacking and | | | | applications. |
| creating software that can be harmful to your security. | | | | Fortunately, today security providers like Websense |
| Some of the most common internet security threats | | | | offer security suites that not only protect against a |
| include:o Spyware. This is any software that secretly | | | | variety of spyware, malware and phishing, but the |
| gathers information about the user while monitoring | | | | software will also identify new and evolving threats. |
| what the user is doing on the internet. Spyware | | | | When researching a computer security option, there |
| transports that information to a malicious user, which | | | | are a few things you should look for before you buy. |
| can have potentially damaging consequences. | | | | For instance, a security solution should:o Block internet |
| Spyware applications are usually downloaded onto a | | | | threats such as malicious websites, protocols, |
| computer with a freeware or shareware program. | | | | applications etc., before they can access the internet |
| Once installed, keyloggers are used to monitor a user's | | | | gateway and cause damage to your system. You |
| keystrokes and online activity - which is how sensitive | | | | should also find one that will identify e-mail-borne |
| information, such as bank account numbers, often | | | | worms in the network and present them to the |
| make their way into the wrong hands.o Malicious | | | | administrator.o Proactively find new internet security |
| Software. Often known as malware or simply as a | | | | threats. Make sure your security includes regular |
| computer virus, malicious software is any type of | | | | scanning of millions of websites so you can stay |
| software that is designed to penetrate or damage a | | | | ahead of the game when new threats arise.o Monitor |
| computer system without the consent of the user. | | | | activity on e-mail, IM attachments and file transfers to |
| Because of its invasive nature, malware often | | | | identify threats that could result in intellectual property |
| jeopardizes the security of the entire system and is | | | | theft.o Watch your web server closely and alerts you |
| well worth protecting against.o Phishing. This type of | | | | to possible vulnerabilities.o Immediately report web |
| internet security threat, involves a malicious user who | | | | server attacks to the administrator and include |
| tricks someone into giving them confidential information. | | | | information about the type of attack while providing |
| More advanced malicious users will do something | | | | recommended actions. |
| called "pharming," which uses virus technology to | | | | |