Online Computing Threats

In today’s world, we rely highly on the Internet for global commerce, data exchange and communication. These activities involve critical information that guard our identity and finances, such as our bank account and social security numbers. As most finances and identification methods have moved to the Web, these pieces of information have grown in value, not only to consumers but to criminals as well.

While online computing is a revolutionary development in today’s society, it exposes consumers and businesses to a new spectrum threats that are being manifested on the Internet. It is known as cybercrime and it aims to track business and financial transactions to mine confidential data in exchange for profits.

There are many ways in which cybercriminals execute their malicious activities. One method is by sending spam emails that require the user to click on a link and download a program. This program turns out to be a data-stealing malware that retrieves whatever information that the user enters on his computer. Another is by creating fake websites that mimic those of legitimate ones and require users to enter critical data, such as account numbers and PINs. The most common targets of this type of attack are customers of online banking and financial institutions.

Throughout the development of the Internet, online criminal activities have increased and have now evolved into a thriving underground economy. As Internet users, we are part of this global network. We have to remember that anytime we browse the web or click on links, we put our identity and finances at risk from cybercrime.