Top Five IT Threats
1.
Ransomware:
This is
a very malicious kind of software that will encrypts/locks all your files,
pictures, music, documents etc. even you backup files will be affected if your
backup device is attached to your PC. It will then demand money in order to
unlock your system. This type of attack is very difficult if not impossible to
undo even for expert techies and in many cases only the people who infected your
system can reverse the damage; still you should not pay them any money as in
many cases they will simply take your money an leave the system corrupted besides
the fact that paying them simply encourages other attacks.
2.
Spyware:
As the
name implies this type of software quietly collects information on you, your
system and anything in your computer that it might find useful, to later sell
these data to SPAMER’s, Pop-up ads etc. It might not disable your PC completely
but it will usually slow it down to a crawl.
3. Viruses:
Previously mostly created by hackers, viruses could affect your computer in
ways only limited to the hackers imagination and ability. Most recently this
type of software has morphed into an organized and commercial enterprise with
more sophistication called “malware” and it is more difficult to eliminate.
4.
SPAM:
Unwanted junk email is one of the most common annoyances and time consuming
issues for the average computer user. Most email client applications have some
type of filtering available for you to enable. In addition there are several
antivirus programs that will reduce your email junk but might cost you extra to
activate.
5. Malicious
Websites:
In spite of the best efforts by the tech world, all it might take for your
computer to be infected is visiting a malicious website. Even computers with
active antivirus protection can be affected. In most cases they will simply
hijack your browser’s search engine (Google, Bing, Yahoo) and replace it with a
look-alike page that directs you to their client’s pages. See our tips on
viruses to reduce your chances of being infected.