It is very unfortunate that websites are prone to attacks that could damage them completely. These attacks are what we refer to as security risks or threats. Many people think that Hyper Text Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is enough to guarantee them security. Well, the truth is that HTTPS only provides security to data being transferred between a browser and a web server. There are still many other security threats that could harm your website or PC. The top web security threats will be mentioned here below and also some tips on how to improve web security highlighted. All these are in a bid to ensure that web users find a secure way of dealing with the web.
The Most Common Security Threats
- Computer Virus
This is perhaps one of the most popular web’s security threats. A virus is a program that has been designed to replicate itself and propagate through the computer. It usually attaches itself to applications and can cause loss of data in the PC. A computer virus is spread by downloading files, transferring data using USB disks, CDs/DVDs. It can even be spread if you open an infected email.
- Malware
Malicious software, popularly known as malware is a term used to describe a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive and/or annoying program code. A malware could be anything ranging from viruses, worms or Trojan horses.
- Trojan horse
This is another form of security trouble when it comes to downloading applications. A Trojan horse virus infects a computer when downloading applications that are malicious. This kind of security threat can do virtually anything to your website or PC. It can record passwords, hijack your webcam and also record every move you make.
- Malicious Spyware
This is a security threat on the web that is closely associated with Trojan horse. It is a Trojan application that was developed by hackers to spy on their victims. This application follows and controls all the activities of spy victims.
- Computer Worm
This is a type of program that does not need human interaction to copy itself from one computer to another. The worms replicate in large volumes and do that at a great speed.
- Botnet
An individual hacker can compromise a group of computers that has been connected to the internet. Such a group of compromised computers is referred to as Botnet. They can be controlled using a computer virus or Trojan. A single computer in such a group of compromised computers is known as a “zombie” computer.
- Spam
Spam, also known as electronic junk mail, is yet another security concern on the web. These are unwanted messages in your email inbox. They take up space in your mail system and cause nuisance. Spam only has adverts and does not cause direct threat to the user other than a nuisance. However, if you open any link in a spam message, you could be directed to a malicious site that could harm your PC or even hack your email.
- Phishing
This is a popular web security threat often used by well organized cybercriminals. Phishing scams may appear as legit email messages that require you to provide private information that can be used to steal from you. They may come as your bank requiring you to provide private information to enable them update the website or something of the sort. Any information given will be used to con their victims.
- Rootkit
Rootkit is described as a collection of tools that give cyber criminals administrator-level access to a computer. Of course, so much damage can be done when a hacker has that kind of access to a computer or a network of computers.
The above mentioned are some of the top and most popular security threats on the web. Thus, it is essential for computer users to up their game in securing their computers or computer networks. Some of the ways of securing your website or computers from hacker will be mentioned. But before that, it is important to highlight the importance of securing your computer against web threats.
Importance of Security for your Website
- Protect Data: one of the most protected properties for any website or even a personal computer is data. If you do not put stringent security measures, you might as well lose your highly valued data and start from scratch in constructing your data.
- Avoid Financial Loss: You can lose not just your data, but also a lot of money out of cybercrime. As a trend, internet security banking is gaining ground and many people and corporate are opting for it as a valid option for banking. Without secure web protection, you could lose your money out of these internet related crimes.
- Avoid Malicious Software: protecting your website or computer could be of great help in helping you avoid malicious software that can be used against you.
- Stay on Top of Competition: if you are running a business website, a competing company might use hackers to get some of your hidden secrets of success. To hide such information, you need to protect your website from hackers. This will help you to stay on top of your business.
The above mentioned are just a few benefits that one can get from web security. Now the big question that remains for us to tackle is how one can effectively secure your websites against the above mentioned plus many other web threats. This question forms the basis of discussion here below where some of the tips to protect your website or PC will be mentioned.
Security Tips to Protect your Website from Hackers
