Computers under attack
Every time you turn on your computer and connect to the Internet, there is a possibility of attack. It could come via/through an email from a friend, a software program or music you download, or even from a CD-ROM you are using.
The most common/general/typical source of danger is a ‘virus’, that is, a program that hides itself in documents or software, and then attacks your computer. Sometimes, these are not too serious. They can even be funny, but sometimes they are so serious that they crash the computer, in other words, they stop the computer working. Consequently, some companies and even government departments have had to close while they try to find and destroy a virus. This can cost millions of dollars.
One type of virus, known as a ‘Trojan Horse’, is designed to get your credit card details or bank passwords. Once it has this information, it is sent to organizations that steal your money from your bank or use your credit card to buy things.
Another danger is ‘spyware’. Like the Trojan Horse, it hides inside your computer so that you don’t know it is there. It might not do any damage, but it collects information about you, for example, what you buy online or what music you download. It then sends this to commercial companies.
A more common, but less dangerous, problem is ‘spam’, or unwanted advertising, when it first appeared, nobody worried about it, but now it is out of control: more than 50% of all email messages in the world are junk mail, or spam. Unfortunately, some people are now using spam to trick people and to get money from them. This is called ‘phishing’. The simplest phishing trick is to send an email promising that you will get rich. However, to get this money, you must first send your bank details, of course, they take the money from your bank and you certainly don’t get rich!
Therefore, next time you’re online, make sure your anti-virus program is up-to-date/updated and never give anyone your bank details!
Computers under attackEvery time you turn on your computer and connect to the Internet, there is a possibility of attack. It could come via/through an email from a friend, a software program or music you download, or even from a CD-ROM you are using.The most common/general/typical source of danger is a ‘virus’, that is, a program that hides itself in documents or software, and then attacks your computer. Sometimes, these are not too serious. They can even be funny, but sometimes they are so serious that they crash the computer, in other words, they stop the computer working. Consequently, some companies and even government departments have had to close while they try to find and destroy a virus. This can cost millions of dollars.One type of virus, known as a ‘Trojan Horse’, is designed to get your credit card details or bank passwords. Once it has this information, it is sent to organizations that steal your money from your bank or use your credit card to buy things.Another danger is ‘spyware’. Like the Trojan Horse, it hides inside your computer so that you don’t know it is there. It might not do any damage, but it collects information about you, for example, what you buy online or what music you download. It then sends this to commercial companies.A more common, but less dangerous, problem is ‘spam’, or unwanted advertising, when it first appeared, nobody worried about it, but now it is out of control: more than 50% of all email messages in the world are junk mail, or spam. Unfortunately, some people are now using spam to trick people and to get money from them. This is called ‘phishing’. The simplest phishing trick is to send an email promising that you will get rich. However, to get this money, you must first send your bank details, of course, they take the money from your bank and you certainly don’t get rich!Therefore, next time you’re online, make sure your anti-virus program is up-to-date/updated and never give anyone your bank details!
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