WHAT IS THE COMMON THREATS FACED
The Digital Hall of Shame: Common Cyber Threats
Cyber threats can sound like tech jargon, but they’re real and can hit close to home. Here are the ones you're most likely to face:
Phishing Scams: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
You get a message, maybe on WhatsApp or email, that looks legit. "Your Netflix account is on hold! Click here to verify." or "Congratulations! You won a gift card." The link takes you to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
- Real-Life Evidence: Remember the widespread WhatsApp "Hi, sorry, who is this?" scam? A contact would message you claiming to have gotten a new number, only to later ask for a verification code sent to your phone—which was actually a code to hijack your WhatsApp account.
2 . Social Media Scams & Fake Giveaways
"Tag three friends and share to win a PlayStation 5!" These posts are often fake, designed to harvest user data, spread malware, or build pages for future phishing. The "free" gaming skins or Fortnite V-Bucks scams are also rampant, tricking younger gamers.
The Meme Twist: Ever seen a meme that says, "Click here to see the funniest video ever!" and it leads to a shady website? That's a classic clickbait trap that can lead to malware or data theft.
3. Malware (Malicious Software)
- How it Works: That "free" essay-writing software or a cracked version of Photoshop could secretly install a program that logs your keystrokes (including passwords) or encrypts your files until you pay a ransom.
4. Identity Theft
By piecing together information you freely share online—your full name, birthday, school, pet's name (a common security question!)—scammers can impersonate you. They might open bank accounts, apply for loans, or commit other fraud in your name.
Comments
Post a Comment