The 6 biggest online risks of recent years

It will be almost 30 years since the commercial internet was introduced in Brazil, and it is clear that a lot has changed since 1995, when the first (dial-up!) access service to the network was made available to citizens.

The threats brought by this environment have also -unfortunately- developed a lot. In the past, the main risk people faced was catching a malicious virus from a floppy disk or computer. pen drive, corrupts files on your machine. Today, the dangers are much more serious and can harm various aspects of our lives.

In this text we present a map of the 6 biggest online risks that have surrounded us in recent years.

1. Internet-related scams

There are numerous scams, often implemented using digital networks, that attempt to take advantage of someone who is unaware. Among the most common phishing“traps” sent in bulk via email, SMS and other platforms to get someone to click on a malicious link and have their data stolen, and how to get catfish, where a scammer uses third-party photos to gain advantage A father who says he’s strapped for money Sending money to his son.

two. malware This ramsomwares

Attacks on machines such as computers and smartphones include: software Malicious software called malware and ramsomware. HE malware It is a program that infects a device and causes damage to the equipment. It can also be used to steal information from a user.

Already ramsomware It is slightly different: it “hijacks” the computer or mobile phone and prevents the owner from accessing the data again until he pays a ransom to the blackmailer. Since almost everyone carries their life on their devices, it can be hard to give up.

3. Account theft

Account theft is an extremely common crime: it accounted for 72% of digital fraud in Brazil in 2021. Fraudsters can create fake accounts with a user’s data, use malware to steal victims’ information, and even take control of their profiles on social media. network. When this happens, it’s just a headache.

4. Cyber ​​attacks

Cyber ​​attacks are relatively different from other scams in that they involve trying to gain control of a system (for example, a computer or device). It occurs when someone manages to invade a company’s website, change what’s there, and cause various types of problems.

5. Data breach

It involves the exfiltration of user data transferred from one secure location to another untrusted location. Nowadays, almost all companies and services collect data from their customers, and when this information breach scandal occurs, the damage can be huge.

6. Technology deepfake

With the increasing efficiency of artificial intelligence, a new scam is becoming more common: deepfake to harm or rob someone. Essentially, this is a technology that uses photographs and sounds of a person (e.g. captured in videos) to reproduce their images and mannerisms. A fake video can then be produced showing that person talking or doing something.

This can be used, for example, to create a video saying a relative has been kidnapped, or to create a highly credible pornographic image to harm a former partner or partner.

Explore Kaspersky’s security system

For those looking for support in protecting against all these threats, Kaspersky, the leader in the digital security software segment, is the perfect ally. He offers its customers security plans that guarantee the best coverage for both personal and professional use.

Different plans provide real-time antivirus, full protection for payments made on online platforms and special protection for children when using the internet. Click here and learn more about the services it offers. Kaspersky.