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Internet and online security - 45
Botnets
A botnet is a string of infected, connected computers coordinated together to perform a
task. Botnets gain access to your machine through some piece of malicious coding. Once
the software is downloaded, the botnet will now contact its master computer and let it
know that everything is ready to go. Now your computer, phone, tablet, or IoT device is
entirely under the control of the person who created the botnet. Most people who are
infected with botnets aren't even aware that their computer's security has become
compromised!
What to do if you're infected: If you're infected you probably don't realize it as
bots are notoriously quiet. Your Internet Service Provider might send you a notification
alerting you that they found a threat on your network and that you need to remove the bot.
If you have a bot, use internet security software like Norton Security to scan all of your
devices.
Viruses/Malware
"Virus" is the commonplace word for all malicious software programs for years now;
however, a virus is just one type of malicious threat. A virus is classified as a self-
replicating piece of malicious code that travels by inserting itself into files or programs.
What to do if you're infected: Take steps to avoid infection by staying protected
with internet security software like Norton Security. If you subscribed to Norton Security
and think you may have a virus, contact Norton's on-call technicians to help eliminate the
virus.
Take special precautions when using public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is available just about everywhere, from the local coffee shop to the hotels
and airports you visit while traveling. While public Wi-Fi has made our lives a little easier,
it also poses security risks to the personal information available on our laptops and
smartphones. A virtual private network (VPN) gives you online privacy and anonymity by
creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your internet
protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable as well as secure.
One of the biggest security risks on public Wi-Fi are man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM).
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