Safety Net's Cybersecurity Course

Chapter 6: Malware and Viruses

Welcome to Chapter 6 of the Safety Net's Cyber Security course! In this chapter, we will dive into the world of internet and device safety. With the increasing reliance on technology in our daily lives, it's important to understand how to protect our devices from malware and viruses, secure our online browsing, and safely handle files and downloads. By implementing effective safety measures, we can build a strong digital fortress and navigate the online landscape with confidence. So, let's explore the realm of internet and device safety.

Malware and viruses pose significant threats to our devices and data, as they can be designed to steal sensitive information from your device, such as login credentials, financial data, or personal identification information. This stolen data can then be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities. Some malware, can even provide hackers with unauthorized access to your device. This allows them to monitor your activities, capture keystrokes, and gain control over your system. Attackers can exploit this access to steal or manipulate your data, some would even ask for a ransom. Arguably the worst case scenario is where they misuse these accounts to send spam, spread malware to your contacts, or conduct fraudulent activities that can harm your reputation and compromise your personal and financial information.

After making the world sound like a terrible place, what can you do to protect your information and your device? 

The most intuitive answer would be installing reliable antivirus software because these programs can detect and block malicious downloads, scan files for malware, and provide real-time protection against known threats. That’s really helpful, but there are more safety precautions that you can take such as safe internet browsing practices. Safe internet browsing practices looks includes being cautious of suspicious links, verifying website security, and utilizing browser extensions and settings to enhance privacy and security. 

Remember, the easiest way to keep yourself safe isn’t necessarily relying on others. Monitoring yourself and making sure you are responsible on the internet is essential too.