Internet security is the part of computer security measures concerned with the internet and World Wide Web. It involves browser security and network security and its function is to set up rules to be used in countering internet attacks. This is because the internet represents an insecure medium to exchange data and information as threats such as phasing, Trojan horses, viruses and worms are always on the prowl.
Types of threats on the internet
There are various threats that an internet user will face when browsing. They include:
Malicious software
Malicious software usually uses trickery to make a computer owner download it. It is also called malware and its intent is to disrupt how a computer usually functions, steal data or gain access to private systems among other intents. Examples of malware include:
Viruses
Worms
Ransomware
Spyware
KeyLogger
Trojan horse
Attacks involving Denial of service (DOS Attack)
A DOS attack seeks to deny a computer owner access to certain resources. It seeks to make certain computer resources unusable and unavailable for a period of time or indefinitely.
Phishing
This is when an attacker dresses his/her intent to look like it is from a reliable and trustworthy source. Stealing of personal information is usually the target of phishing attacks.
Application vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities in resources used to access the internet may give full access and control of computers to attackers. Such vulnerabilities may arise from outdated programs or applications.
Types of internet security to remedy threats
There are several ways of countering internet threats such as:
Network layer security – these offer security using certain security protocols. Some of the protocols include secure socket layer, transport layer security, pretty good privacy and Internet protocol security.
Firewalls – these control contact between networks. They use filters and gateways to screen traffic on a network so as to block potentially dangerous traffic. Some types of firewall include packet filter, application level gateway and stateful packet inspection.
Multi-factor authentication – this requires a user to present a form of identification so as to be granted access. Types of authentication include something the user has, knows, or is (inherence). Multi-factor authentication involves a user presenting at least two of the above.
Internet service products
Some of the products dedicated to internet security include:
Antivirus – these work to detect and eliminate certain attacks from a programmable device
Password managers – help users keep and organize passcodes and passwords in an encrypted state. They, therefore, require a master password.