Network security concerns are particularly important since you may not be aware of a problem until it has caused significant harm to your system. 

While having an IT consultant like Eckstrom Consulting can routinely check your system and security threats, it's always a plus to be well aware of common security threats. 

In this article, we've discussed some common network security threats which can significantly harm a network or computer system.

Phishing

Phishing is a well-known and most common type of social engineering attack. These attacks aim to collect personal information like credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords. Phishing takes the form of quick scam emails or communications made to seem real, impersonating respected financial institutions, companies, websites, and trusted contacts. 

The receiver of the email is then misled into clicking a malicious link and finally downloading and installing malware on their machine.

Also, in some attacks, when you visit the URL or react to the mails, you are instructed to provide your bank details or credentials, which transmits your information to the fraudulent source.

Computer viruses and worms

Computer viruses are malicious programs that can spread from one device to another. These self-copying threats are generally meant to harm a device or steal data.

Computer viruses can infect core systems, delete or steal vital information, and make a system inaccessible or inoperable.

They are usually downloaded from certain websites or come as email attachments with the intention of infiltrating your system and other devices on your contact list via your network's infrastructure.

Adware 

Adware can be defined as any program that tracks your surfing history and displays advertising and pop-ups based on that information. Generally, adware collects specific data with your permission, and it's even a valid source of revenue for firms that let customer’s trial their application or software in exchange for adverts that appear while they're using it.

Though the adware provision is frequently included in the software's user agreement docs, they remain unknown when users don't read the agreement docs. And most cases, users don't read the terms and conditions carefully.

However, adware is only visible when pop-ups appear on your computer, and it can often make your computer slow and affect the internet connection performance.

Spyware

Spywares are malicious software that enters your computer, collects your data, and sends it to a third party without your knowledge and permission. The legitimate computer software that collects your information for business interests, such as advertising, is also referred to as spyware.

It may have keyloggers, which collect sensitive personal data such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Spyware poses a high risk of identity theft which makes it very dangerous.

Spywares can consume a lot of CPU, disk, and network resources. Also, some common issues of spyware are application freezing, inability to boot, and system crashes.

Trojan horse

A Trojan horse, often known as a Trojan, is malicious software or program that appears to be legitimate yet has the ability to get control of your system.

They're frequently distributed by email, and when the receiver opens the email and the attached file, the hidden malware automatically get downloaded to the computer.

They can also enter a system with just a single click on a false and malicious advertisement.

Generally, trojans are connected to software that appears to be legitimate. In truth, it's a malware-infected fake version of a legitimate software or app. Unknowingly consumers can frequently download them via unapproved and pirate app stores run by cybercriminals.

Rootkit

A rootkit is a set of software and programs that allow hackers administration-level access over your computer. Moreover, it enables remote control. When remote access is gained, the rootkit can carry out a variety of harmful tasks, including keylogger installation and stealing passwords. The rootkit also contains antivirus disablers, which makes it difficult for users to remove them from the computer.

Like many other threats, rootkits are also hidden in legitimate software, and when you allow that program permission to make modifications to your operating system, the rootkit automatically gets installed in your pc, and later hackers can activate it remotely. Phishing emails, unreliable software sources, malicious links, and malicious websites are some other methods for rootkits to spread.