Nowadays, an increasing number of people want to have an online presence because we are advancing in the digital age. Whether it be for personal purposes or business/career purposes, people want to be known. But with great power comes great responsibility. The greater the online presence, the subsequent increase in malicious presence and attacks. Just as with the advancement of technology, the more notorious the cyber attacks. So it is your responsibility to learn how your online security can be compromised and how to prevent that from happening.

Forms of Cyber Attacks and How You Can Protect Yourself From Them

There are various forms of cyber attacks, just to be clear. Some of them include:

Phishing attacks

This is the most popular form of cyber security attacks. According to Cisco, "Phishing attacks are the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source". So an attacker impersonates a trusted contact and sends them fake information in order to retrieve sensitive information such as passwords and banking details. Common mediums that are used in this form of attack include emails, telephone numbers.

How to prevent phishing attacks

• Verify people's identity before giving out sensitive information

• Do not click on links you do not trust

• Back up your data constantly

Malware

These attack steal and destroy data. According to McAfee, "Malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service or network". Sites with a lot of pop up ads often have malware e.g. pop up ads on movie websites that are illegal. Sharing USB flash drives is also a way malware can access your device.

How to prevent malware attacks

• Install an antivirus software from a trusted source

• Install an adblocker from a trusted source

• Update your devices regularly

• Avoid clicking suspicious links

Man In The Middle (MITM) Attacks

You are at risk of this attack if you use public Wi-Fi networks. MITM attacks steal information traveling between client and host. According to TechTarget, "A man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attack is a type of cyber attack in which the attacker secretly intercepts and relays messages between two parties who believe they are communicating directly with each other". WhatsApp has end to end encryption. You have probably seen it when you open the app This protects your information from third parties who could potentially access it.

How to prevent MITM attacks

• Ensure the IP address of a website you are storing your sensitive information on, starts with https (hypertext transfer protocol secure) and not http (hypertext transfer protocol).

• Use VPN(s) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks

• Enable encryption on your network services

Password Attacks

Security Boulevard, described password attacks as "a type of cyberattack where hackers attempt to access a file, folder, account, or computer secured with a password". They also mentioned that password attacks are "generally done with the help of software that expedites cracking or guessing passwords". MiTM and phishing attacks fall under this category.

How to prevent password attacks

• Generate strong alphanumeric passwords online rather than using your birthdate as your password

• Use multi-factor authentication

• Stay away from using similar passwords on your accounts

• Use trusted password managers

Summary

As I mentioned earlier in the post, "With great power comes great responsibility". You are responsible for your data, so act like it!. Get more information on how to properly protect your data and actually implement them. If you have never been a victim of cyber attacks, good for you!. Try not to be a victim because prevention is better than cure. And if you have....well first off, sorry for that. Hopefully I hope you have learnt from your mistakes and you are currently implementing better security measures to protect your data.