Threats to Computer Security - Essay Example

Computers have always been a major target for security threats. Thus, the issue of computer security is very diverse such that it is not easy to cover. This is because, the threats to computer security range from cyber crimes to computer crimes and internet crimes, as well as computer privacy issues. The following are the major, recent computer security threats:

Blended threats

This refers to a combination of spyware and malware attacks on a computer. This is the major current threat, where the attackers are blending malware software with spyware software and sending them to individual emails or chat rooms in the form of a URL link (Trend Micro, 2008). Once an individual clicks on the link, it directs to a website where malware software and virus is downloaded into the individual computer, in addition to downloading and installing spyware that captures sensitive information from the computer (US-CERT, 2012). Thus, the blended threat is more fatal than other forms of threat, since it entails the damage of an individual’s computer, while at the same time allowing for the tracking of sensitive information by the attackers, who can later use it for their benefit. Additionally, blended threats are more difficult to combat, since any activity on the link sent by the attacker will cause harm to the computer in one way or the other (Trend Micro, 2008).

Mobile threats

With the increase in technological advancement, mobile technology has not been left out. Sophisticated mobile devices are being produced each day, allowing users to access information from the internet at the click of their phone button. This has motivated cyber criminals to venture into targeting mobile devices, where they have developed files that are easily transferrable through email, MMS, Bluetooth, and even text messages (Trend Micro, 2008). The files are developed in the form of attractive and appealing high-tech mobile applications, which will immediately catch the attention of mobile users and call on them to install them (US-CERT, 2012). However, once such applications are downloaded and installed, they capture sensitive information from the mobile device and disrupt its operations. They are eventually transferred to other mobile devices through texts, MMS, and Bluetooth and cause the same harm to the other devices.

Phishing scam

This refers to major malware campaigns that have been launched to target individual computers, which occur in the form of attackers sending electronic greeting cards that contain malware (Trend Micro, 2008). The attacker has also developed attack files informing of attractive and enticing free screensavers, which contain malware files. Once an individual download and installs the screensaver, the malware is transferred to the individual’s computer, where they cause its malfunction (US-CERT, 2012). Additionally, phishing scams have been developed in the form of credit card information applications or online shopping advertisements that seek to capture an individual’s credit card information, for theft purposes (Trend Micro, 2008).

Measures to protect individual’s computer from these attacks

Maintaining updated anti-virus and anti-malware

Computer security calls for the vigilance of the individual using the computer. Therefore, notwithstanding that anti-viruses and anti-malware do not fully protect the computer from external threats, it is essential to maintain them updated and activated at all times. This is because; they play a great role in protecting the computer from certain external threats, leaving the computer owner with few threats to tackle (US-CERT, 2012). Therefore, the computer owner should consistently upgrade their anti-virus and anti-malware to the recent versions, which include more protective features (Vacca, 2009).

Use of firewall

Configuring and maintaining a firewall in place is essential. A firewall is the most recognized form of protection for a computer from external software attacks since it is developed with features that block any access to the internal computer network services (Vacca, 2009). Additionally, firewall settings provide the computer owner or user with the option to configure settings that enhance file sifting, allowing it to protect the computer and block incoming threats through its packet filtering capabilities (US-CERT, 2012).