Voyage to the world of E-commerce

How Safe is Our Data ?
The Internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible series of interconnected computer networks that transmit data by packet switching using the standard Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). We use internet for various purposes such as instant messaging, online banking, and files sharing. Information has being transferred in many ways. Therefore online security has become an important aspect.

Every day there are new viruses and security threats that are launched all over the Internet, our personal and financial data are getting more unsecured. In order to safeguard our data online, firstly we must have knowledge for the dangers on the Internet and how those threats can affect you, you’re PC and your information to be it personal, financial, family or business.



The five of main online security threats are:
1) Virus and Worm
Virus is a man-made computer program that infects a file or program on our computers while Worm is also a man-made program that replicates itself and it will spread itself automatically to other computers through email, over a network and via Internet Relay Chat (IRC). Both can steal addresses held in our computer to send on virus-infected emails to our friends, colleagues, clients or customers. Hence, it sends unsolicited bulk email (spam) to those in our mail address books and other users.


2) Trojan Horse
It is similar to viruses as they are one of the most destructive of the Internet and it is favored by crackers and spy ware writers. It can be programmed to automatically send any information on our PCs back to the attacker such as Credit card details, Client or customer information or other business data.



3) Spyware
It is software that is installed on our hard drive to gather information about us and our computer habits. It then transmits it through our Internet connection to a third party, usually without our knowledge or consent.


4) Tracking Cookies
When we browse web sites, the web server for the web site sends a cookie to our web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer), which it then stores on our computer hard drive. And, it often used by advertisers to track our browsing and buying habits and creates profiles of users for targeted marketing. 　




5) Hacker/Cracker
It refers to those who break security on a computer system. They can use our computers to send out spam or attack other computers on the Internet and all this can be done without our knowledge.


Reference:

1. http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/top_online_security_threats_for_2009.php
2. http://www.tech-faq.com/online-security-threats.shtml
3. http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how_to/4287844.html
4. http://www.guard-privacy-and-online-security.com/how-do-you-stay-safe-on-the-internet.html