Key findings There are 2,200 cyberattacks every day in the U.S.1 cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds 95% of all digital breaches are caused by human error Phishing is the most common email attack method 2023 saw an 8% increase in weekly cyberattacks globally. Data sources Online security risks are a regular part of life, from phishing emails and scam texts to compromised passwords and data breaches.The good news is that a few simple steps — such as using strong passwords or multi-factor authentication and watching for suspicious links — can go a long way toward protecting your personal information.
Find out everything you need to know about protecting your household from online security threats.According to the FBI’s 2022 Internet Crime Report, personal data breaches have grown in the past four years, accumulating $742,438,136 in victim losses.Cybercrimes are expected to keep increasing in numbers, too.
You may want additional security protections for many reasons, especially if you’re a freelancer who works outside the home.But first, let’s look at the most common types of threats.First of all, what is a breach? A “breach” is an incident in which data is inadvertently exposed in a vulnerable system, usually due to software security weaknesses. A breach, therefore, results in information being accessed without authorization and occurs when someone can break through the system’s security. Breaches allow hackers to obtain confidential and personal information, like credit card numbers for example, that are used for identity theft and fraud.
Types of internet security threats Malware, worms and spam Malware, or “malicious software,” comes in many forms like computer viruses, worms, “Trojans” and dishonest spyware.Worms are software programs that duplicate themselves from one computer to another.Without human interaction, these copies can create themselves and spread rapidly in high volumes.
Spam refers to unwanted messages in your email inbox.We’ve all seen it: Junk mail advertising goods or services that we aren’t interested in, which, though annoying, are typically considered harmless.Some, however, when clicked on, can include links that install malicious software on your computer.
Rude. Trojans are a type of malware that hackers use to breach into a personal or business system.Trojans disguise themselves as harmless software but are actually malicious.They can appear as free software, videos or music or advertisements that look legitimate.
Phishing Cybercriminals are sneaky.Through a process called phishing, they attempt to solicit private or sensitive information by posing as a familiar entity, like your bank or web service.If they sufficiently convince you, you may be tempted to click on links to verify details like account information or passwords.
Botnet Infected with malicious software, a botnet is a network of private computers usually controlled by a single user and often prompted to engage in criminal activities like spam or denial-of-service attacks.Password attacks Password or brute-force attacks use authorization vulnerabilities to access and expose a user’s accounts.This involves the hacker using different password-attacking techniques to breach your device and personal accounts.
Ransomware Ransomware is malware that encrypts files on a device, making the files and system unusable.The hackers then demand ransom in exchange for the decryption of the system.Essentially, the ransomware locks your computer until you pay the ransom fee.
The most common way ransomware infects your device is by visiting malicious websites or downloading malicious attachments. Man in the middle attacks These attacks are breaches that allow criminals to intercept data transmitted between networks, computers or users.It’s sort of like eavesdropping on your internet activity.Watch out for these common fraud schemes Fraud is a more general term that includes scams.
While scams always relate to money loss, fraud can include many types of deception.Five main types of online fraud can threaten your internet safety: Advance fees or banking fraud – Takes your money by requiring a fee for a false deal to process Mail fraud – Any fraud that occurs through the mail, like receiving a fake credit card application Counterfeit health fraud – The sale of unsafe or ineffective health products Internet fraud – Any fraud taking place online Elder fraud – Fraud that targets the elderly population How to recognize scam emails Check the sender: Do you recognize the sender? If not, be careful with the content of the email.Hover over links before clicking on them: Does the URL match the description in the email? If not, do not click.
Think: Hackers use urgency to draw people in.Ask yourself if the request makes sense.Look out for words like “Urgent!” and “Click now!” Other phrases like “log in here” or “manage my preferences” are often employed to trick you into clicking on malicious links.
And never click on “Unsubscribe” in spam, just report it as junk.Look: Check if there are errors in the body of the email/sending address or if it doesn’t look like a usual email that you receive.Micortofs is not the same as Microsoft.
Avoid: Do not use your work email address for personal accounts (this includes such things as LinkedIn, Spotify and any other account that is not work-specific).This will reduce the number of personal emails you receive on your work account and help protect you from accidentally clicking a link in an email designed to look like it’s from one of those accounts. 6 tips for staying safe online Don’t share personal information, including Social Security numbers or banking details Use long, complex passwords and consider a password manager Visit trusted, secure websites—look for “https” and the lock icon Review privacy settings, turn off location tracking, and secure your Wi-Fi Be wary of emails and links; never provide sensitive data over email If something looks suspicious, ask a trusted family member or friend How to stay safe online Wondering how to stay safe online? Reduce your risk by following online safety rules.Below are some online safety tips to make sure you don’t become a victim. Protect your computer with security software Installing security software is a great way to keep your computer safe from viruses.
Popular options include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac.Encrypt your email Encryption certificates like SSL.com can ensure your private info reaches the intended recipient without being intercepted.The email is transformed into unreadable text and the person on the other end will have the decryption key.
Protect your accounts by using multifactor authentication A great way to ensure hackers do not access your private accounts is by using multifactor authentication, such as Okta.Call banks and major companies to confirm personal information rather than email Contacting your bank or any other company to discuss an email you received is a much safer option than responding to a phishy email directly.If using work-related technology, educate coworkers and staff Immediately let your company know if you have accidentally fallen victim to fraud.
Additionally, make sure your coworkers and staff are aware that you are being targeted for scams so they can be on the lookout for them as well.Watch what you share on social media Do not post photos that reveal personal information.Do not post your vaccination card, driver’s license, credit card, etc.
Consider using “incognito mode” for browsing One extra precaution you can take to prevent having your activity and data tracked is by using incognito mode on your computer.This is not a foolproof option but it will provide you with some additional security.When picking your ISP, check out their available security measures Many ISPs will offer free security features with some or all of their internet plans.
Consider this factor when choosing your ISP.Monitor young users Invest in good security like Norton or Kapersky.Every security app or program offers parental controls, such as website blocking, to keep your child and your information safe.
Students can also benefit from safety guides when accessing the internet for classes and research.Monitor young users Invest in good security like Norton or Kapersky.Every security app or program offers parental controls, such as website blocking, to keep your child and your information safe.
Students can also benefit from safety guides when accessing the internet for classes and research.Spot the warning signs of a cyberattack Watch for these common signs of a scam or cyberattack: Unexpected messages that demand urgent action Requests for personal information or money Threatening language, ultimatums or promises that seem too good to be true Unexpected changes to your accounts, credit report, passwords or mail Spelling, grammar, URL or domain-name errors ISPs with internet security Xfinity xFi Advanced Security offers security measures for all your devices, from computers and phones to security cameras and smart thermostats.It is available at no extra cost for Xfinity Internet subscribers who also rent a compatible xFi gateway device.
xFi can help you avoid risky sites, block remote access to your smart devices from risky sources, monitor devices in real-time and alert you when your devices are behaving in unusual ways.Shop Xfinity internet Verizon Internet Security Suite offers a robust array of services, from McAfee Active Protection (against malicious threats), real-time protection against virus attacks, secure firewall protection and even parental controls — for all devices using Verizon’s service. Spectrum offers a downloadable security suite for Business Internet users at no additional cost.The suite software offers protection against malicious software, including viruses, spyware, worms, Trojans and more.
Through the firewall feature, allow only safe internet connections and block unwanted access to your computer.Hughesnet allows you to add on a Norton 360 Deluxe package for $6 or $7/mo, depending on the number of devices you want to cover.It includes parental controls, dark web monitoring, a webcam safety app and a password manager.
All of AT&T’s fiber plans come with ActiveArmor security, which monitors your devices through a safety scan, protects your network 24/7 from malicious threats and monitors your personal information for any breaches.Internet safety protocols Your state consumer protection office Your state consumer protection office can help you if you have lost money or possessions due to a scam.Find your state’s office.
Federal Trade Commission The FTC is your best bet if you have fallen victim to identity theft.They will create an individualized recovery plan and help you complete the required forms to manage your situation.Internet Crime Complaint Center If you would like to report an internet crime, the Internet Crime Complaint Center through the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the way to go.
Econsumer.gov Econsumer.gov is a great resource for reporting international scams and learning how to avoid scams in the future.Internal Revenue Service Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for any issues related to tax fraud.Anti-Phishing Working Group To help stop the spread of phishing emails, you can report any fraudulent email you have received to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
SCAM (7726) If you receive phishing messages over text, also known as smishing, forward those messages to SCAM (7726) to help stop the spread.Cyber attack FAQs What are the most common type of cyberattacks? Phishing emails are the most common threats, often camouflaged as services you are familiar with to get your personal information.What are the cybersecurity terms used to describe the two types of insider threats? There are intentional and unintentional threats.
Intentional threats are done on purpose by an insider, like an employee, to gain revenge or money.Unintentional cyber-threats occur through negligence on someone’s part, like clicking on an unknown link or not updating system software, etc.How can I stop cyberattacks on my devices? A few practices can keep your personal information and devices safer.
Turn on Multifactor Authentication when available.You can also use a password manager.Take advantage of your ISP’s internet security package if offered.
Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S, meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.Get started What to read next Read more Featured How does the internet work? Robin Layton — 6 min read Featured Have a good internet speed for gaming? What you need to win your online battles Taylor Gadsden — 7 min read Featured Your router is the weakest link; how to keep your home internet secure Camryn Smith — 5 min read Latest Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Internet security threats you need to know and how to avoid them Camryn Smith — 6 min read Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Why your internet slows down at certain times of the day — and what to do about it Lisa Iscrupe — 3 min read Tuesday, September 22, 2026 What is Wi-Fi? Learn the basics of this service Camryn Smith — 9 min read sources Cobalt Cybint GetAstra
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