Evolution of Internet Threats

In the mid-90s, the Internet was vastly different from today, lacking social media and with a focus on antivirus solutions.

While malware infection reasons remain familiar—free offerings, fear, and phishing—the landscape evolves, aided by AI.

Furthermore, the reasons why people get infected with malware have not changed that much since the early days of the Internet:

1. FREE will always appeal to a huge number of people! Opting for free items may seem enticing, but the hidden costs often emerge—whether through ads, unwanted bundled software, or unmet promises of the desired game, movie, TV show, or software.

2. FEAR is real! Fear-driven tactics, like alarming on-screen messages, can manipulate us into installing fake security software or falling victim to tech support scams.

3. YOU GOT PHISH! Remember AOL’s “You got mail”? If we had a similar “you got phish” message alerting us every time we got a phishing email, it might be the sound you wake up to and go to bed with each day. Phishing emails capitalize on urgency, promising wealth, health, or happiness, compelling us to click links or open attachments under the guise of preventing a crisis.

The following is a short, non-geek checklist of DOs and DON’Ts you might find useful when you make safe Internet use a priority for you, your fam Luis, and at work:

Safety DON’Ts:

1. Avoid sharing personal info online to prevent cyber threats.

2. Be cautious with downloads—skip untrusted sources.

3. Never open suspicious email attachments; they might contain malware.

4. Exercise caution on public Wi-Fi to prevent data theft.

5. Steer clear of phishing, smishing, and hacking attempts; verify communication legitimacy.

Safety DOs:

1. Ensure a secure internet connection using a firewall, VPN, and internet security tools.

2. Create strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.

3. Keep your antivirus software updated, keep systems updated, and use anti-malware tools.

4. Activate multi-factor authentication for added security.

5. Verify website security with HTTPS and a secure padlock symbol.

6. Back up data regularly to prevent loss in case of a cybersecurity breach.

7. Monitor and adjust privacy settings on social media and browsers.

8. Safeguard your identity online using anonymous handles and monitoring personal information.

9. Use a reputable VPN for encrypted and secure internet traffic.

10. Be cautious of cryptocurrency scams, employing safety measures like credible exchanges and multi-layered authentication.