8 Common Online Issues

1. Phishing

Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers attempt to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing emails often contain links to fake websites that look legitimate.

Example: An email appears to be from your bank asking you to click a link to update your account information. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials.

Think of phishing as a sophisticated fishing net. Just as a net traps fish, phishing traps your personal information.

2. Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operations, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojan horses, and ransomware.

Example: Downloading a seemingly harmless app from an untrusted source that secretly installs a virus on your device, causing it to malfunction or encrypt your files until you pay a ransom.

Think of malware as a digital parasite. Just as a parasite harms its host, malware harms your device and data.

3. Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This can lead to financial loss and damage to your credit score.

Example: A thief uses your stolen credit card information to make unauthorized purchases online, leaving you with the bill and a compromised credit history.

Think of identity theft as stealing someone's mask. Just as a mask allows someone to impersonate you, stolen personal information allows criminals to impersonate you.

4. Data Breaches

A data breach is an incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen, or used by an unauthorized individual. Data breaches can occur due to hacking, insider threats, or accidental leaks.

Example: A company's database is hacked, and customer information such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers are stolen and sold on the dark web.

Think of a data breach as a security guard falling asleep. Just as an unlocked door allows intruders, a data breach allows unauthorized access to your information.

5. Slow Internet Connection

A slow internet connection refers to a reduced speed of data transfer over the internet. This can be caused by factors such as network congestion, outdated hardware, or poor signal strength. Slow internet can hinder productivity and user experience.

Example: Trying to stream a video online, but the video buffers frequently due to a slow internet connection, making it difficult to watch without interruptions.

Think of a slow internet connection as a traffic jam. Just as a traffic jam slows down your journey, a slow connection slows down your online activities.

6. Online Scams

Online scams are fraudulent schemes conducted over the internet to deceive individuals into providing money or personal information. Common types of online scams include fake job offers, investment schemes, and online shopping fraud.

Example: Receiving an email offering a high-paying job with a link to apply. Clicking the link leads to a fake website that steals your personal information.

Think of online scams as digital traps. Just as a trap catches its prey, online scams catch unsuspecting victims.

7. Social Engineering

Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information, access, or valuables. Attackers use psychological manipulation to trick individuals into breaking security procedures.

Example: An attacker calls pretending to be from tech support and convinces you to provide remote access to your computer to "fix" a non-existent issue.

Think of social engineering as a con artist's game. Just as a con artist tricks people, social engineers trick individuals into compromising security.

8. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is an attempt to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users. Attackers flood the target with superfluous requests to overload systems and prevent legitimate requests from being fulfilled.

Example: A website experiences a DoS attack, causing it to crash and become unavailable to users for a period of time.

Think of a DoS attack as a digital traffic jam. Just as a traffic jam blocks roads, a DoS attack blocks access to a website or service.