Internet Security
Internet Security The interconnected nature of the Internet gives you around-the-clock easy access to information all over the world. It can also expose you to threats by malicious users who wish to access your personal, financial, or business information; prevent you from using the Internet; steal your identity; or access or damage your computer equipment or files in some way. The risks can run from a mere inconvenience to circumstances with serious legal and financial implications that can take years to resolve. As a person who is connected to the Internet, you should be aware of risks that using the Internet can carry and explore different ways in which you can avoid becoming a victim of online crime.

The sections below describe some of the challenges you may face as you use the Web.
Security From Hackers Hackers or malicious users can cause irreparable damage to key assets that support a company and its information. Preventing theft, interruption, or loss of this data becomes crucial. There is much legal liability to the potential loss of this data, so corporations must focus on how to prevent intrusions by these individuals. Denial of Service Attacks Maintaining the access and availability of corporate networks and electronic environments becomes more and more crucial as more information is dependent on this access. A denial-of-service attack occurs when intruders attempt to overload these key information assets, causing them to crash. This type of attack hinders normal activity, and makes the concept of productivity virtually inept.

⇒ Viruses, Worms, Trojan Horses Viruses: A computer virus is a malicious program written with the intent to alter the way a computer operates without the computer user’s permission or knowledge. Some viruses can harm a computer by damaging applications, deleting or altering files, or erasing the hard disk. Worms: These are programs that replicate themselves from computer to computer without the interaction of a user. Worms can make hundreds or thousands of copies of themselves then send these copies out automatically to other computers. Trojan Horses: These are files that present themselves as benign or desirable, but are in fact malicious. They contain malicious code that, when activated, can cause loss or even theft of data.

Spyware & Adware Spyware: The term spyware describes any software that silently gathers information about how you use your computer and then transmits that data to another party via the Internet without your knowledge. The information can include the sites you visit, the programs you're using, or the setup or specifications of your computer system. Some types of spyware can also transmit the usernames and passwords you've typed in online. Adware: It is any software that displays advertising on your computer. Although spyware and adware can be part of the same program, adware on its own is usually just annoying, rather than harmful. Spyware and adware are often installed when a website exploits a security weakness in your browser or operating system. Sometimes, free, advertising-supported software will install spyware alongside the application.