Most Common Internet Security Problems and How to Deal With Them

The Internet has made almost everything easy and possible. It hastens services and transactions. Even from a simple click, you can unlock just about anything. The majority of our tasks are done with the Internet’s aid, such as exchanging emails, bank transactions, and even medical health services. As you browse the digital sphere it is not uncommon to encounter internet security problems along the way. This advancement perhaps is an innovation to lessen the burden of any activities but also carries the dangers of cybersecurity issues that could affect you greatly.

Below are the most common internet security problems and ways to prevent and deal with these issues.

1. Viruses

Computer viruses are malicious computer code that can self-replicate, it attacks your device by inserting its code and modifying other programs in your computer. This problem is highly contagious and could spread from one device to another. It is designed to steal data or damage your device. This virus could attach itself to a computer program or on a simple document file, but it could also be acquired through downloading infected files from the Internet, emails, Internet messaging, or unprotected peer-to-peer downloading. Once you open the file or run a program, these malicious codes would start executing their replication. When your computer is infected with this kind of malware it could slow down your system, destroy data, and steal your credentials.

To prevent this problem from happening, you must ensure a firewall to filter unwanted codes and Antivirus Software on your devices. This software is vital because it secures your computer from viruses and alerts you when you’re susceptible to it. As an internet user, you must also be knowledgeable of the signs of infection and be equipped with methods on how to get rid of viruses once it has already entered your device.

If you happen to stumble upon a computer virus, follow these steps on how to recover from a virus attack successfully:

• Uninstall recently downloaded programs and remove newly added browser extensions. It might be the carrier of the virus.
  
• Disconnect from the Internet and run your anti-virus programs and let them scan for viruses. Using anti-virus programs is more manageable than manually removing the virus. It is programmed to clean your system safely without the fear of removing a wrong database that might lead to system failure.
  
• Update your security system, change all your passwords and remove any temporary files on your computer to ensure that there aren’t any lingering viruses left on your device.
  
• Reboot your computer and update your operating system, including your browser.
  

2. Code injection

This problem occurs when your computer is vulnerable. An attacker would take its chance and ‘inject’ or insert malicious codes into your system, leading to the corruption of your computer system. Once the attacker has introduced his codes to your computer, he/she will be able to steal your credentials, destroy your data and even take control over your server. There are different kinds of code injection that you must be aware of. These are shell injection, operating system command attacks, script injection, and dynamic evaluation attacks.

Prevent code injection by filtering your inputs and by steering clear of vulnerable codes. Use an API that has parameterized queries that could save you from these attacks.

If you already received this attack:

• Clean your system by auditing every line of your application or reinstall everything from your OS.
  
• Keep your applications up-to-date with their security updates.
  
• You should also sustain repositories(such as SVN, Git, Tract) for the files that you have been using for these applications.
  
• Install Intrusion Detection System (e.g., AlienVault USM, Palo Alto, McAfee Network Security Platform), which issues an alert if suspicious activity is detected.
  

3. Data Breach

This incident happens when an individual acquires access to information from a system without authorization. A breach in the data system exposes confidential and protected data to an unauthorized person; an attacker may use it to disclose information for his advantage. According to the data gathered by Verizon, 86% of the total breach was financially motivated. Data breach often happens when you use a weak password, share an account, phishing scams, or it may be caused by malware. The result of this breach ranges from a diminished reputation to stolen identity and intellectual property.

To prevent a data breach you must have strong credentials and acquire multi-factor authentication, regular practice patching of your software and keep them up-to-date. Limiting access to confidential data would also aid in preventing these breaches. If you are running a company, conduct security awareness training for your employees, ensure that the third party users are compliant with your security policies. Lastly, you must secure a cyber breach response plan that includes a recovery plan to mitigate and minimize the damage.

Here are the most usual steps to follow when a data breach had already taken place:

• Contact the owner of the company that the breached data belonged.
  
• Change all the passwords by using strong credentials and different passwords for different accounts.
  
• Contact the credit bureau and alert them of the incident. With it, they will place an alert on your file.
  
• Contact your banks and credit card agencies to lock your account and prevent transactions.
  
• Record everything and anyone with whom you have had any contact.
  
• Acquire a credit report copy and inspect if there’s anything unusual. If there is, include it on your FTC and police report.
  

With the Internet that has impacted almost all human affairs, possible cybercrimes, and other digital dealings issues are not too impossible. The above suggestions are the most practical precautions that are not too complicated to fulfill if you want to evade any discrepancies. Those are basic knowledge on how to prevent and how to deal with these internet security concerns that you might face while engaging in the complex world of the Internet. Surf the net with the provision and always adhere to digital policies. Remember that a problem is one click away. Always click with precaution in mind.