The Dark Side of the Internet: Are You Safe?
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Date: April 2023
By: Ayanda Khumalo, Product Marketing Manager (ESET), Tarsus On Demand
As we navigate the digital age, the internet has transformed how we live, work, and communicate. However, this convenience comes at a cost, with cyber-attacks on the rise both in South Africa and around the world, says Ayanda Khumalo, Product Marketing Manager (ESET) at Tarsus On Demand.
“Cybercriminals possess vast skills and resources, coupled with the persistence and determination to match. Despite this, many businesses opt to spend as little as possible on cyber security, while SMEs wrongly assume that their businesses are not attractive targets for cybercrime” – says Khumalo.
The reality is, anyone using technology, is vulnerable to cyber threats. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on the risks of cyberspace and take steps to be cyber-vigilant in this ever-evolving digital landscape, Khumalo adds.
How to Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Technology
As our reliance on technology grows, it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary steps to protect ourselves.
In this article, Khumalo explores some of the most common cyber-attacks and provides practical advice on how to defend against them:
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack: This type of attack occurs when a hacker intercepts communication between two parties, allowing them to access and manipulate sensitive information.
- Denial of Service (DoS) Attack: This is a type of attack that aims to disrupt the availability of a website or network by overwhelming it with traffic.
- Phishing Scams: These are fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a trusted source but are actually from hackers attempting to steal sensitive information.
- Malware: Malware is software designed to cause harm to computer systems and networks. It can come in the form of viruses, Trojans, and spyware.
- Ransomware: This type of malware encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
- Social Engineering: This involves manipulation, where a hacker tries to get a person to give away sensitive information or make a poor security decision. It is usually a multi-step process that starts with in-depth research of people and systems before attempting it.
What You Can Do!
To tackle the top cybersecurity challenge faced by businesses, individuals, and organisations, we must cultivate a new generation that instinctively avoids clicking on links or divulging their login credentials.
While we work toward that goal, here are some practical tips to help protect your online security:
- Keep Software Up-to-Date: Software updates often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Keeping software up-to-date helps to protect against cyberattacks.
- Use Strong Passwords: Strong passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Be Careful with Email Attachments: Be cautious when opening attachments from unknown sources. This is one of the most common methods used to spread malware.
- Use Antivirus Software: Antivirus software helps to detect and remove malware from your computer. Make sure to use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
- Back Up Data Regularly: Regular backups of important data can help to protect against data loss in the event of a cyberattack.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cyber security threats and best practices for protection.
For more information on how you can protect yourself, your business, and your information from these threats with advanced and world-class security you can contact us. Our team is ready to assist you.