Common Threats

Personal data as I mentioned before is anything that can be used to identify you, in order to get that information criminals will go to many lengths. There are a variety of different tactics used to get information from you, I want to discuss the most commonly used scams and how they work.

Phishing

Starting with phishing, phishing is the act of a scammer misrepresenting themselves with malicious intent mostly focused on stealing money and information.  One of the best examples, if the classic Nigerian Prince scheme, if you don't know what that is, scammers will send out emails to unsuspecting victims claiming they are a Nigerian Prince who is looking to get their inheritance, and they want you to send out some money to them. As you continue to build a relationship base the scammer will ask for more information, your name, phone number, email address, log in information, or bank information. After using the information, they ghost you, accounts hacked with your access removed, and a pretty penny gone from your bank account. (Norton)

Viruses

Next are viruses, these are generally computer programs that are sent into a device through a link usually found in an email which performs unwanted and/or unauthorized actions.  It has two main functions which are to replicate and spread then to execute the actions it was designed to do. The effects of it are wide ranging, spanning from harmless pop-up ads to a complete computer shut down. (UHD) Some of the main types are listed below:

Worms

A worm infects a computer after being downloaded and exploits flaws within a security system to allow it to spread. It usually takes up space on your device, stops a device, and/or allows another user to remotely take control of your computer. (CISA)

Trojan Horse

A Trojan Horse just like its namesake acts as a cover for a more malicious program, it disguises itself as a more harmless app but in reality, when downloaded, opens doorways for more malicious programs to have access to information. (CISA)

Malware

Malware is similar to viruses in that it is an overarching name. This is quite literally Malicious Software.

Spyware 

Spyware's main objective is gaining information about someone or something without their knowledge. It can log keystrokes or something like credit card information. Whether it is your personal information or plans for a new product that a business is making spyware is used to find that information. (Dell)

Adware

Adware leans to a less threatening version of viruses, it generally makes ads pop up on your screen, usually to generate revenue as the more you see them, the more money they make. While they can be threatening, on average they lean more towards being an annoyance. (Dell)

Etc.

There are plenty of other viruses out there, some of them prove to be more unique and harder to beat while some are easier to get rid of. In the above section I wanted to provide a brief overview of what viruses are and can do.

As computers become more complicated technologically, AI becomes more intelligent, and hackers become more resourceful, threats become more complex and dangerous.