Protecting yourself from cyber threats is crucial to safeguarding your personal information, financial assets, and digital privacy.  

Definitions:

Virus: A virus is a type of malicious software that attaches itself to a legitimate program or file and spreads from one computer to another, infecting and damaging systems and files in the process. 

Malware: Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses various types of harmful software, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware, designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. 

Spyware: Spyware is a type of malware that secretly monitors and collects user activity and personal information, such as passwords and browsing habits, without the user's knowledge or consent. 

Trojan Horse: A Trojan horse, or simply a Trojan, is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software. Once installed, it can give attackers unauthorized access to the infected system and perform malicious actions. 

Phishing: Phishing is a cyber attack technique where attackers send deceptive emails or messages, posing as trustworthy entities, to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. 

Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files or locks them out of their system, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to the data or system. 

Vishing: Vishing, short for voice phishing, is a form of phishing attack conducted over the phone, where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. Using AI voice cloning techniques, attackers can impersonate trusted individuals, celebrities or authoritative figures.  

Clickjacking: Clickjacking is a malicious technique where attackers trick users into clicking on something different from what they perceive, potentially leading to unintended actions like downloading malware or revealing confidential information. 

Adware: Adware is a type of malware that automatically delivers unwanted advertisements to a user's computer, often in the form of pop-ups or intrusive ads, typically aiming to generate revenue for its creator. 

Tips:

1. Install and Update Security Software
   • Use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
   • Regularly update the software to protect against new threats.
2. Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated
   • Enable automatic updates for your operating system.
   • Regularly update all installed software and applications.
3. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
   • Create complex passwords for different accounts.
   • Use a password manager to store and manage passwords securely.
4. Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links
   • Avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders.
   • Do not click on suspicious links in emails or messages.
5. Enable Firewalls
   • Use the built-in firewall on your operating system.
   • Consider installing additional firewall software for extra protection.
6. Be Careful with Downloads
   • Download software and files only from trusted sources.
   • Avoid pirated software, as it may contain malware.
7. Regularly Back Up Important Data
   • Use cloud storage or external drives to back up your data.
   • Schedule regular backups to prevent data loss.
8. Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections
   • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
   • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security on public networks.
9. Be Wary of Phishing Scams
   • Learn to recognize phishing emails and websites.
   • Verify the authenticity of requests for personal information.
10. Be Wary of Vishing Scams
    • Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail
    • If you do answer and it’s a robocall, hang up and block the number; report the number as spam
    • If you do answer and unsure of the caller, confirm the caller’s identity
11. Limit Administrative Privileges
    • Use a standard user account for daily activities.
    • Only use an administrator account when necessary for installing software or making system changes.
12. Use clean, trusted USB flash drives
    • Always scan USB drives before accessing or saving data to ensure they are free from malware and viruses.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to virus, malware, spyware and other malicious attacks.