system threats

system threats

1. phishing

   • Phishing is an online fraud technique used by criminals to entice you to disclose personal information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. It is the fastest rising online crime method used for stealing personal financial information and perpetrating identity theft. Phishers use many different tactics to lure you, including email and web sites that resemble well-known, trusted institutions. A common phishing practice involves spamming recipients with a fake message under the name of a trusted institution. The purpose of this fake message is to trick you into providing personal information.
     • • Accessing a victim’s account and withdraw money or purchase merchandise or services. • Open new bank or credit-card accounts in a victim’s names, and use the new account to cash illegitimate checks or purchase merchandise. • Gaining access high-value corporate data. • Financial services can blacklist institutions, resulting in reputational damage.

2. malware

   • Malware—software written to infect computers and commit crimes such as fraud and identity theft. Malware has become big business in the cyber underworld. As a result, if you use a computer for web surfing, shopping, banking, email, instant messaging, and gaming without proper protection, you are putting yourself at high risk of being victimized.
     • • The computer may become corrupt Files may be deleted, become corrupt or encrypted
       • Preventing malware - Strong security software (firewall, spam filter, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam) - Enable OS updates - Staff training: caution opening attachments - Back up files regularly
         • • Files may be deleted, become corrupt or encrypted