1. Social Engineering Attacks
Cybercriminals know that the best way to breach defenses is to trick the user into doing something harmful. Their methods range from cleverly worded email, to fake websites, to even phone and snail mail. Everyone is a potential target and anyone who uses the Web risks social engineering attacks each time they open their email or browse to a website. To effectively defend yourself, you need to become aware of just how much personal information about you is publicly available via the Web and learn to control the information so it cannot be used against you, your friends, or your family.
2. The Web as an Attack Tool
Criminals are using the Web to attack victims and quite often they are using perfectly legitimate websites to do so. Unlike the defaced websites of a decade ago, when attackers compromise a website today, they don't leave any outwardly visible signs of the intrusion. Instead, they plant malicious external references to silently foist malware onto visitors' computers. Features within the Web browser can also be used against you. Here's a look at some of the more common methods used and how to properly secure against them.
3. Tricks of the Scam Trade
Malware isn't the only scourge plaguing Internet users today. Online scam artists use social engineering techniques to trick victims into performing illegal money laundering, or paying large sums of their hard-earned money for the promise of a big payout that never materializes.