What are the Different Kinds of Internet Threats?

- Malware

• stands for malicious software

• Virus - a malicious program designed to replicate itself and transfer from one computer to another
• Worm - a malicious program that transfers from one computer to another by any type of means. Often, it uses a computer network to spread it self. (e.g I Love You Worm or Love Bug)

- Trojan 

• a malicious program that is distinguished as a useful program but once downloaded or installed it leaves your PC unprotected and allows hackers to get your information.

- Spyware 

• a program runs in the background without you knowing it. It has the ability to monitor what you are currently doing and typing through keylogging.

- Adware

• a program designed to send you advertisement most as pop-ups

• Spam - unwanted email mostly from bots or advertisers. It can be used to send malware
• Phishing - its goal is to acquire sensitive information like password and credit details. This is done by sending you site and asked to update his/ her username, password, credit card or personal information
• Pharming - a more complicated way of phising where it exploits the DNS (Domain Name Service) System