What are Internet Scams, Phishing, Viruses and Spyware?

Scams and hoaxes

Internet scams are often chain email hoaxes that involve removing a file from the users computer as it is warned that this file is a dangerous threat. Often the user may be tricked into removing a file which is necessary for the computer operating system.

Phishing

Phishing usually begins with an email that urges you to enter your banking details into a web page to update records. The web page is designed to convince you of its authenticity and steal your banking sort codes and pin numbers. Signs that an email is untrustworthy are frequent mis-spelling, lack of 128 bit encryption (padlock symbol), and an incorrect URL.

Viruses

Viruses are malicious software applications that are designed to corrupt your computer data. They can be passed from computer to computer via illegal software, emails and text document macros. There are many commercial and free software applications designed to identify and remove computer viruses.

Spyware

Spyware is unauthorised software that monitors your internet usage and steals the information that you unwittingly provide. For example, this can see web pages you have visited or keystrokes input into e-commerce or banking sites. Spyware can be picked up in similar ways to viruses or be included with any downloads. Some Spyware is sent to see your buying habits and to advertise to you in a targeted fashion.

There are many commercial and free software applications designed to identify and remove Spyware from your computer.