24 August 2023  —  Acronis

What is Internet Security?

Acronis
Table of contents
What is internet security?
What is internet security software?
How important is Internet Security?
What are the benefits of internet security solution?
What is the difference between cyber security and internet security?
Is internet security the same as antivirus software?
What do you need to know about internet security?
What are the most common internet security threats?
Internet Security Tips: How to Protect Yourself Online
Acronis True Image — internet security software for your home
Acronis True Image
formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Nowadays, where the internet has become a part of our daily lives, safeguarding our digital presence is of utmost importance. As we explore the realm, we encounter a landscape filled with both opportunities and vulnerabilities. This is where the significance of internet security becomes evident: acting as a shield against potential threats that are out there and waiting for the right moment to strike.

At its core, internet security encompasses a range of security measures, strategies, and solutions aimed at strengthening our experiences and overall security. It involves implementing protocols, technologies, and practices to ensure the safety and privacy of our computer systems, networks, and online interactions.

What is internet security?

Internet security is any cybersecurity measure taken to protect online transactions, data, and activities. The intent is to protect internet users from hackers and limit or eliminate data breaches. It’s a particular component of the larger ideas of cybersecurity and computer security, involving topics including browser security, online behavior, and network security.

Online security serves as a protection wall against the harmful potential consequences of online threats like malware that aim to compromise our personal information, financial data, and the overall integrity of our digital identities.

What is internet security software?

Internet security software protects us from dangers that exist within the web of interconnected computer networks. These software tools are like gatekeepers who analyze and filter internet traffic meticulously to identify any potential threats. While cyberattacks have become increasingly common, internet security plays a more crucial role in our lives in preventing them on time.

We spend a large proportion of our lives online, where we communicate with friends, browse different sites, use social media platforms, listen to our favorite songs, or watch movies. While doing this and entertaining ourselves, sometimes we forget about the potential risks that the internet hides, but internet security does not forget about them and covers our backs.

When discussing security, we enter a realm that encompasses concerns about facing these online threats. The diverse ecosystem of the internet gives rise to vulnerabilities that require our attention before it is too late to be secured. Because, as we know, there are countless harmful threats waiting to strike at the right moment, from spam messages flooding our inboxes to phishing attacks. Internet security software acts as our protector by examining our emails, scanning attachments, and filtering out potentially harmful content, and that can be a priceless help in dealing with that kind of disaster scenario.

Furthermore, as we explore the internet using web browsers, the significance of securing the surfing programs we use is another fundamental element in our safety puzzle. The security software collaborates with these browsers to scrutinize websites for hazards even before we access them. This symbiotic relationship ensures that we can confidently surf the web without falling into the traps that may lie ahead by helping to process the web's filtering of the unwanted content that is just a click away.

This type of security is much more than just an assortment of tools; it embodies a mindset and a deliberate choice to protect our digital well-being. Thanks to that fact, we can feel safe and confident while using the internet on a daily basis without any concerns.

How important is Internet Security?

We can confidently say it is a well-known fact that internet security is priceless and lifesaving for every person using the internet. You may ask why? Because it helps keeping ourselves and our families safe, when using the internet while browsing the web, because as we said above there are many internet security threats. And some of them can be extremely dangerous and harmful. So, yes internet users know very good the blessing of the having the right security features protecting every person from identity theft, data theft, and any computer damage caused by a malicious websites and other harmful viruses.

Nowadays, we live in a digital world where everybody is using the internet no matter the age, from our kids to our parents. It has just become an invariable part of our lives. Thanks to the invention of the internet we have a countless possibilities to reach our loved ones with video conversations, or find new friends in the social media platforms, or just relaxing and listening to our favorite song. For instance 20 years ago, nobody would believe that we will have access to Wi-Fi networks everywhere we go, even in the supermarket. On the other hand there are countless internet threats, which can reach our private data and use it against us, so it is our responsibility to protect ourselves the best possible way.

Consider the countless internet security threats that lurk in the digital shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. Cybercriminals, armed with sophisticated techniques, relentlessly endeavor to steal data – our very digital identities – for their own criminal purposes with the only goal to gain benefits, nowadays, it is even easier for them, because the mobile devices are one of their main target to receive the desired information.

A cornerstone of internet security lies in the protection of our login credentials – the keys to your digital accounts. By using strong passwords and not using same password for each of our accounts, and practicing healthy security habits, we fortify the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Additionally, the implementation of an ad blocker can provide an additional layer of protection, shielding us from potentially malicious attacks that can lead to a lot of headaches.

Imagine a scenario, where your online accounts, for instance your social media profiles, financial platforms, or even your email – fall in the hands of cybercriminals. Have you experienced a situation like this? I hope not, because the consequences can be devastating and irreversible. It is within this context that the true essence of internet security shines bright, providing a sense of assurance and tranquility in our digital lives.

In a world where our interconnectedness grows day by day, the importance of internet security cannot be overstated. It is a shield against the perils that threaten to compromise our digital autonomy, where home network security acts as a guardian of our fortress. By embracing the principles of internet security, we follow a path towards a more secure and empowered digital future, and keep peace of mind while browsing the web.

What are the benefits of internet security solution?

There are countless benefits of internet security solutions in our present digital realm, where computer networks weave intricate webs of interconnectivity, the importance of safeguarding our digital information cannot be overstated, we must take the best measure to keep our data online secure as good as possible, because this can lead to serious consequences for our private life.

Internet has become a integral part of our everyday life, because everyone of us has social media accounts, digital bank accounts and there we store very important private information, that we don't want to get in the wrong hands. Yet, unfortunately there are even more threats stalking us online. Internet security solutions are the ones which guide us through the disrupting events we may face on a daily basis. For example, one of the most common cyberattacks happen through our personal email, so having a strong email security is vital. Let's name these benefits of the security solutions and have a better understanding of the pros they provide for us.

First and foremost, imagine a fortress safeguarding your most precious digital treasures – your data. In a world where data breaches and cyberattacks are constantly growing as a number, data security becomes a non-negotiable priority. Internet security solutions employ an arsenal of strategies, from data loss prevention mechanisms to multi-factor authentication protocols, ensuring that your sensitive information remains locked away from the greedy eyes of the cybercriminals. Internet security solutions should scan the web traffic for sensitive and protected types of data and prevent them from being exposed outside of the organization or your home.

Speaking of guardianship, let's talk about the unparalleled shield that these security solutions provide against the ever-growing number of online threats. Picture this, remote access hackers attempting to breach your digital accounts and to access your personal information. You can prevent further damages with the installation of antivirus software and the fortification of your digital boundaries, you can rest assured that your online accounts remain impervious to malicious attacks or other harmful events.

Now, let's dive into the heart of convenience – the art of remote accessibility. In a world where mobility is everywhere around us, the ability to access your digital realm from a different and remote locations is a blessing, but the right mobile security remains vital. But, as we step into this realm, we must act with caution. Here, the power of the latest security solutions comes to the fore once again, offering you a cloak of active protection against potential vulnerabilities, that can lead to a bunch of headaches.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the security solutions is the tranquility they provide upon you – a serenity that stems from knowing that your digital information is secured by an impenetrable shield. As you explore the vast expanse of the digital realm, every click, every interaction, every transaction is imbued with an extra layer of trust. Your online presence becomes a sanctuary, where the intricate dance of data and connectivity unfolds in harmony, unmarred by the threats that lurk beyond.

So, while you navigate the wondrous labyrinth of the internet, you will need the best security measures to help you avoiding any cyber attack, data breach, or ID theft and always remember, that internet security solutions are not mere tools, they are the keepers of your digital legacy and identity.

What is the difference between cyber security and internet security?

There are many ways that businesses, or even individuals, can stay protected from online cybersecurity threats. But despite the wide availability of internet safety options, you would wonder why there are still so many victims. The casualties from cyberattacks seem to keep increasing over the years! Why is this so? Perhaps one reason is that, with the many security measures available, most people don’t know which one to use.

Internet Security refers to the measures taken by any enterprise or organization to secure its computer network and data using both hardware and software systems. Every company or organization that handles a large amount of data has a variety of solutions against many cyber threats, with the main purpose of keeping their data secure.

Cybersecurity plays a key role in safeguarding computer networks and data from threats and ensuring that cybercriminals cannot steal sensitive information. It involves implementing network security systems and employing data encryption methods to protect both individuals and businesses.

In essence, cybersecurity is about fortifying our systems against malicious attacks, security breaches, and unauthorized access from potential cyberattackers. It aims to enhance system security and prevent any disruptions or damages. While there may be vulnerabilities that cannot always be eliminated completely, cybersecurity endeavors to minimize their impact as much as possible.

Is internet security the same as antivirus software?

Is internet security the same as antivirus software? Allow me to guide you through this complex and interesting question that keeps the keys to the safety zone in the infinity web space.

Let's play an imagination game and think of your computer as a fortress, a sanctuary where your digital world resides. Now imagine internet security as the vigilant guard stationed at the gates, scrutinizing every individual who seeks entry into that fortress. It encompasses a wide array of measures, from robust firewalls to sophisticated encryption protocols, to ensure that unauthorized users remain barred from your digital life. Internet security is the gatekeeper that safeguards your online interactions, preventing potential threats from infiltrating your computer system and web apps by using the right internet security measures.

On the other hand, antivirus software is the vigilant protector of your computer's inner sanctum. Just as a knight dons armor to safeguard himself in the upcoming battles, antivirus software shields your computer system from the insidious forces of malware scripts and software. It stands as a digital guard, ever vigilant and unyielding, scanning every corner and cranny for any signs of malicious software that could compromise your operating systems and disrupt your digital tranquility.

Now, let's look even more closely at the main question. Is internet security and antivirus software the same, or do they differ? While they share a common goal—safeguarding your digital world and identity—they are distinct players in the constant battle of digital protection. Internet security encompasses a broader scope, focusing on securing your entire online presence, while antivirus software zeroes in on your computer system itself, ensuring that malicious programs do not find a foothold.

Consider this scenario: you've installed antivirus software on your computer—a formidable guardian that scans, detects, and neutralizes threats at the very doorstep of your operating system. However, without the right security measures, your digital interactions could still be vulnerable. Think of it as a well-protected fortress with an unlocked backdoor: your computer system remains secure, yet unauthorized users could infiltrate your online activities. It doesn't sounds good, right?

In summary, internet security and antivirus software are complementary forces, each essential to fortifying your digital defenses. While antivirus software guards your computer system, internet security controls access, shielding you from an array of online vulnerabilities. Together, they create an impregnable fortress, protecting your digital kingdom from potential invaders.

What do you need to know about internet security?

When you are browsing the internet, you are exposed to every kind of cyberthreat. Long gone are the days when attackers only focused on businesses and corporations. As an individual home user, you are just as vulnerable to attack. And if your children use your computer for play or work, you are just "upping the ante". Cybercriminals can outwit even the best of us, and children don't stand a chance against their tactics.

So, what do you need to know about internet security? You need to know as much as possible, and so we have developed this article to provide you with the comprehensive information you will need to arm yourself and keep your computer and data safe.

What are the most common internet security threats?

There are a variety of internet security threats and malware types, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, worms, and phishing attacks.

A computer virus is malicious code that attaches itself to clean files, replicates itself, and tries to infect other clean files. You can inadvertently execute a virus by opening an infected email attachment, running an infected executable file, visiting a website, or clicking on a website ad. Although computer viruses are rare today—representing less than 10% of all malware attacks—they are no less malicious than other security threats.

Trojans are a metaphorical reference to the Trojan Horse, and as was similarly the case in Greek mythology, today's Trojans disguise themselves as something legitimate and harmless, such as a legitimate application or malware hidden within a legitimate application. Trojans act discreetly, opening backdoor to give attackers or other malware variants easy access to systems. A backdoor is a stealthy method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption on a system. It can be used for either securing remote access to a system or for obtaining access to privileged information in order to corrupt or steal it.

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous types of malware. Originally designed to take control of a system by locking a user out until they pay the cybercriminal a ransom to restore access, modern variants of ransomware will encrypt your data and may even exfiltrate data off your system to increase the attackers' leverage.

Worms are computer programs that copy themselves from one computer to the next. It does not require human interaction to create these copies and can spread rapidly and in great volume.

Phishing is a common attack technique that utilizes deceptive communications from a seemingly reputable source to gain access to your personal and sensitive information. Attackers phish for this information using email, instant messages, SMS, and websites. The attacker impersonates a trustworthy organization, such as a bank, government institution, or legitimate business, to take advantage of your trust and trick you into clicking a malicious link, downloading a malicious attachment (malware), or disclosing confidential information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, or your credentials.

Malware and malvertising

Malvertising, or malicious advertising, is the term for criminally controlled advertisements within Internet-connected programs, usually web browsers, that intentionally harm people and businesses with all manner of malware and assorted scams. In other words, malvertising uses what looks like legitimate online advertising to distribute malware and other threats with little to no user interaction required.

This is one of the methods that malware software is using to penetrate your computer or mobile device and spread with the speed of the light, causing damage and a lot of headaches for the owners. Malvertising can appear on any advertisement on any site where you see different ads, even the ones you visit as part of your everyday Internet browsing can be seriously harmful without even expecting it.

Malware, or malicious software on the other hand, is a program or file that has the intention to harm your computer, network, or server. It can be prevented by using the proper security methods, like installing antivirus software and choosing wisely the content you download to your personal devices. You should never underestimate the level of security for this kind of thread.

Hacking and remote access

Hacking involves the process of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in a computer system or network, it is searching for a weak spot to hit and penetrate the protection level with the intention of gaining access to personal or organizational data. While hacking can be performed without intent, it is often perceived negatively due to its association with cybercrime.

Anyone who uses a computer connected to the Internet needs to be aware of the risks posed by computer hackers and online predators, because nobody is protected for facing this scenario. These cybercriminals often employ tactics like phishing scams, spam emails or instant messages, and fake websites to deliver malware that can compromise your computer's security. Their mean tactics often succeed, so you have to be extremely careful, when visiting new websites.

If you don't have the right firewall protection in first place, hackers may attempt to access your information and personal files, yet they will succeed in case they find a vulnerability in your system or network. They can eavesdrop on your conversations and explore the backend of your personal website, for example. Often, by using fake identities, these predators can manipulate you into discovering personal and financial details or even worse scenarios, which can lead to serious consequences.

Another dangerous way to become a victim of hacking is when your computer gets hacked remotely, which poses a risk as it allows unauthorized individuals to take control of devices. Typically, attackers utilize payloads to establish control. These payloads are often delivered through methods such as engineering or phishing attacks. Once the payload successfully infiltrates the system, the attack commences. And this is extremely dangerous, leading to catastrophic consequences for the victims. Because the cybercriminals gain access to your devices, they can start doing whatever they want with your personal information, in most cases, this is related to criminal purposes or a demand for ransom.

Internet Security Tips: How to Protect Yourself Online

While you cannot stop every cyberattack, there are rules you can follow to mitigate threats and/or more easily recover if you become a victim.

1. Choose a strong password. Always choose a strong, unique password for every website and application you use is vital for ensuring your highest level of protection. In many cases, a website, app, or online account may give you requirements for creating a password, e.g., it must be at least X characters and include at least X numbers and X symbols, etc. We can recommend you to have at least 15 symbols, including uppercase and lowercase letters, and even some special characters. You mustn't share your passwords with anyone, either online or offline. Also, don't use spreadsheets or Word documents to remember your passwords by writing them in the file. If you are breached, these documents will be available to the attacker. Instead, you can use a secure password manager to keep track of your passwords.

2. Multi-factor authorization is your best tactic to prevent many attacks. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides a second layer of protection for your digital accounts, above and beyond your password. With MFA, you log onto your online account, but instead of getting immediate access, you must provide additional information, such as a personal identification number (PIN), a one-time verification code, answers to questions that only you know, and so on. In some cases, MFA sends a text message to your mobile phone.

Many websites now let you set MFA because it is the most highly recommended defense for blocking an attacker from hijacking your account. If your password is stolen, the thief will not be able to access your account because another verification method is required.

3. Education is the second-best tactic to prevent attacks. Stay abreast of what is happening in the cybersecurity space. There is plenty of information available online about the latest types of attacks. Information is power when it comes to combating cyberthreats. The more you know about prevalent or new attacks, the better decisions you will make when it comes to clicking on links, visiting strange websites, opening unexpected emails, or downloading documents.

4. Choose a secure browser. Which provides additional features to better stop various cyberattacks while you are browsing the internet. For example, some browsers will display a warning message if you try to visit a site that contains malware. The most secure browsers include Brave Browser, Tor Browser, Firefox Browser, Iridium Browser, Epic Privacy Browser, and GNU IceCat Browser. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera are less secure, and experts suggest you use a virtual private network (VPN) when using these browsers for better protection.

5. Use a firewall. It is critical that you have a firewall on your network. A firewall is a network security system that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic between trusted and untrusted networks and blocks suspicious traffic based on security rules. A firewall is your first line of defense to mitigate online cyberattacks.

6. Install software updates as soon as possible. Cybercriminals take advantage of software security gaps, which is one of the reasons why software providers provide updates. Always update your cybersecurity software and other applications as soon as possible to ensure security gaps are closed and your system is protected.

7. Only use secure networks. If you are sitting at a coffee shop or in your doctor's office browsing the internet, you are not on a secure network. This means you are more vulnerable to an attack. Always use a secure network regardless of your location, and keep passwords unique and secure as well.

8. Be careful what you click on and download. Think before you click! If you receive a strange email, are visiting a strange website, or get an unexpected online advertisement, be careful what you do. Cybercriminals continuously refine their attack strategies by playing on your emotions: creating fear, taking advantage of your curiosity, asking for help, or enticing you into feeling empathy or sympathy.

9. Be sure to create an image backup of your system. If you are attacked, you can lose your data, and the only way to recover is with your backup. In fact, security experts agree that you should always follow this rule: keep your data in three places (a production copy and two backups), across two media, with one backup stored offsite, such as in the cloud.

10. Invest in cyber protection software. While cybersecurity software can protect you from a breach, it does not fully protect your systems, applications, and data. Alternatively, cyber protection is an integrated solution that combines cybersecurity, backup, and disaster recovery, ensuring your PC or Mac is secure and protected no matter what happens, whether it be a malicious attack, deleted data resulting from human error, corrupted data due to hardware or software malfunctions, or a human-made or natural disaster. In short, any event that causes data loss

11. Use an identity theft protection service.

Identity theft is becoming increasingly sophisticated as scammers use a range of strategies and tools to steal your information. If they succeed, these fraudsters can take advantage of your identity by opening credit accounts, filing tax returns, or even completely assuming someone's Identity. Here emerges the need to use an identity theft protection service.

In case you fall victim to cybercriminals using this mean approach, identity theft protection companies offer invaluable support. They will guide you through the process involved in resolving issues and reclaiming your stolen identity. They will also help place fraud alerts on your credit reports, notifying creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft.

This additional layer of security ensures that creditors must verify your identity before opening new or existing accounts. This type of protection can, for sure, save you a lot of money and prevent criminal actions related to your financial balances and your identity itself. Using that type of security gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have a shoulder on which to rely when a scenario like this happens.

12. Use VPN software.

Installing and using a virtual private network (VPN) is another method to protect yourself while online, as all of your internet traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel that's difficult for hackers to break into. It also covers your location by assigning a different IP address for your Internet activity than your actual one. This is essential when using the Internet on public Wi-Fi networks at shopping centers, cafes, airports, and gyms, where there are a lot of Wi-Fi threats.

Remember that you get what you pay for. Free or cheap VPNs aren't a good option because they can be provided by cybercriminals with the purpose of stealing your identity, the app itself can be malicious, or it may not work at all. The worst scenario is that they could be actively spying on you and your activities.

Acronis True Image — internet security software for your home

Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office) offers everything you need to safeguard your home PC or Mac and backup data from all of today's threats — from disk failures to ransomware attacks. Thanks to its unique integration of backup and cybersecurity in one solution, it saves you time and reduces the cost, complexity, and risks caused by managing multiple solutions. So don't hesitate to ensure the best protection for you and your business. We are here to protect your most valuable assets, your data and information.

Learn more about Acronis True Image or even better, try it out for free.

Acronis True Image
For Home Office

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About Acronis

A Swiss company founded in Singapore in 2003, Acronis has 15 offices worldwide and employees in 50+ countries. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is available in 26 languages in 150 countries and is used by over 20,000 service providers to protect over 750,000 businesses.

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