Using the Internet is constantly associated with risks, despite providing many opportunities for people. One of the most dangerous threats is social engineering, whereby attackers exploit a person’s vulnerability to create disadvantages (Social media, n.d.). For example, it could be blackmailing a user into obtaining commercially sensitive information. In this case, the user’s privacy and anonymity protections are compromised, prompting the user to go along with the criminals. On the other hand, cyberbullying can be a virtual risk when the mental health of the user is threatened by intimidation and abuse from others. In this case, the sources of risk are not necessarily criminals but other users who are violent and virtually violent. The consequences of cyberbullying can pose real dangers to a person’s physical and mental health. Meanwhile, malware and spam programs, which can access a user’s protected computer data without permission, are also a threat to Internet security. Malware is widespread on the Web, and so users are often attacked.
It is not difficult to draw parallels between social engineering, malware, and cyberbullying. First, each of these threats exists on the Web, and outside of the Internet, it proves impossible. Second, all three threats aim to discredit the user. Third, each program relies on two-way communication between the user and the attacker. Unlike malware and social engineering, however, cyberbullying is not aimed at obtaining confidential data. Moreover, cyberbullying is much easier and less costly than other types of cyber threats. Meanwhile, social engineering and cyberbullying require the personal involvement of the attacker, while malware can be used without the direct involvement of the perpetrator. Thus, now, there are many cybersecurity threats, and each one is different.
Reference
Social media, online gaming and keeping children safe online. (n.d.). NI Direct. Web.