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Facing Internet Threats: How to Prevent Them and Protect Yourself

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Threats of the Internet

1. introduction.

The internet has brought tremendous benefits to the world. The user could search for information, check email, and shop online without having to leave his home. At the same time, the internet opens up a raft of possibilities for criminals, terrorists, and national enemies to launch attacks on nations, states, and domestic population in an innovative new way. In this context, it is important to have an overview of the threats to the internet and their importance. An "internet threat" is anything that has the potential to cause damage to, cause the loss of data, or physical damage to the hardware and/or infrastructure of the internet. Most of the time, this damage is a by-product of an attack on a company, government, or military site, but in some cases, the purely malicious activity is the cause of the damage. Internet threats are more effective because of the globalized nature of the internet. The attacker could be situated on the opposite side of the world to his target and still cause damage without ever having to leave his home. The decentralized design of the internet makes it difficult to determine an attack's source and hence difficult to carry out punitive action against the attacker. This could make some nations a target for attacks by other nations or state-sponsored attackers that would not have occurred if the attacker was to risk a physical assault on the target nation. Discussing the types of attackers and their motivations will give a good overall picture of the variety of threats. Attacks on the internet range from script kiddies that download programs from the internet in order to take revenge on an ex-employer, to political and terrorist attacks on military or government infrastructure. The act of cyber-warfare is becoming increasingly common, and hostilities carried out between two foes on the battlefield can spill over into the war over the internet. This is more likely to cause collateral damage to uninvolved parties and could weaken the targeted nation through damage of infrastructure or espionage, thus having wide-reaching effects. The most widespread type of attack is the common criminal looking for monetary gain. He could either steal and sell data or carry out fraud on e-commerce sites, detriment to the same effect as real-world crime. The variety of threats and potential wide-reaching effects warrant their discussion and analysis.

1.1. Overview of Internet threats

The bad security situation on the internet is getting worse. Attacks are growing in number and ferocity, and costs to victims - in terms of restoring systems or compensating those who have been defrauded - are escalating dramatically. In recent years we have seen how the rapid proliferation of worms and viruses such as Nimda, Code Red, and SQL Slammer have caused massive and widespread impact. We have also seen a trend where attacks are no longer executed solely for fun, bragging rights, or revenge, but are planned and executed by professionals for financial gain. Many of these new attacks rely on subverting the trust placed in the infrastructure, the systems and the users of the internet. As the final chapters of this book describe, trust and confidence are rapidly diminishing - and without these, the internet and its services cannot thrive, and will not be fit for our needs. It is time to take steps to stop, or at least slow down, the rampant growth of attacks and to limit their damage. But to do this effectively, we must first understand the nature of the threats we face, and the means available to us to counter those threats. This is not just a matter for those whose job it is to provide security and who may be accountable to shareholders or senior management when things go wrong. It is a concern for all of us who have come to depend on the internet and the services it provides.

1.2. Importance of addressing Internet threats

Cyber threats have become extremely prominent in today's world. We depend on technology, and with the constant development and advancement thereof, we become more and more vulnerable to the threats that it brings about. At an individual level, this may involve being a victim of fraud, identity theft, or having your private information misused. At a national level, it may be a cyber attack on national critical infrastructure, an act of cyber warfare, or cyber terrorism. These threats can have wide-ranging effects, both short and long term, and whether we see immediate consequences or not. The Stuxnet worm that infiltrated Iranian nuclear plants and caused them to malfunction is a good example of a targeted cyber attack on national infrastructure. This was a matter of international security and had wide-ranging political and strategic implications. One of the main advantages for the perpetrators of such an attack is that of ambiguity. If a cyber attack can provide plausible deniability, with no clear-cut indications of who was accountable, a country can advance its own interests without provoking retaliation or engaging in open hostilities. In the future, there is also the fear that international cyber warfare could result in actual kinetic warfare. Evidently, the level of risk posed by cyber threats to our society is alarmingly high.

2. Types of Internet Threats

"Types of internet threats" reflects similarly on the nature of the threat in terms of attacking one's privacy, be it on a personal level or on a professional level. An attack on a personal level may result in loss of data, inconvenience, and even a costly clean up. Attacks on a professional level might result in a huge damage to brand value, consumer confidence, and customer trust and loyalty. All these threats combined deliver a potentially devastating impact to commerce or e-commerce. From the IDA Survey conducted in 2005, Security Threats on E-commerce showed that Singaporeans are most concerned about the issue of unauthorized access to or damage of computer systems at 79%, and close behind follows identity theft at 74%. The four different types of internet threats that are described are malware, phishing attacks, identity theft, and cyberbullying. They will be elaborated on what their symptoms are, the dangers they might pose on a consumer or business, and the way to prevent them from happening. 2.1 Malware is a term that is short for malicious software, and it is software that is developed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. The impact of malware on a computer system has a wide range of severity, from a simple computer malfunction to crippling a computer's operations at its core, and it can potentially be used for the theft of an individual's or business's identity. There are many different forms of malware, from worms, viruses, trojan horses, spyware, adware, rootkits, etc. Although they can have different symptoms, the damage they cause is often very similar, and it is notoriously difficult to get rid of. Preventing your computer system from being infected with malware is no easy feat, as malware developers are constantly evolving their software to get around the latest security measures. The most effective way is to educate yourself on what forms of malware are current and to be vigilant on where you are downloading software or files and what emails to open. In addition, it is important to have the latest security software installed on your computer and schedule regular full system scans.

2.1. Malware

Malware tends to cause the most damage to a computer system. There are many types of malware including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. Viruses are self-replicating programs which spread from file to file and have a similar effect to a human virus. They can delete files and folders or affect the computer's performance. Worms are similar to viruses but are self-contained and don't need to be part of another program to cause damage. Trojans are programs which claim to do one thing but actually do another. They can create a backdoor to your computer system which can allow an attacker to access your files, computer, and/or data. Spyware is software which can gather information about a person or organization without their knowledge and send this information to another entity. Adware will display an advertisement to a user which has a predetermined behavior. It doesn't always have to be malicious; it can just be software-supported advertising. Malware can cause damage to a computer system by accessing sensitive information stored on your hard drive or it can delete or corrupt your files. Malware can gain access to a computer system by being downloaded from the internet, it can be bundled with other software, it can be attached to an email, or it can be downloaded from a P2P network. If an attacker is targeting a specific system or person, they will often tailor-make the malware and use social engineering to trick the user into installing the malware themselves. This can be done by a phishing attack, which is creating a fake email or message with the intention of getting the user to reveal personal information and/or to click on a link to a website. Once the malware is downloaded, the attacker will use a known security vulnerability in the installed software or the operating system to complete the install of the malware. These vulnerabilities are often not fixed by the computer user as the automatic updates for the software or operating system are turned off.

2.2. Phishing attacks

Phishing that occurs via email is the most common method used. An attacker will send an email to a user purporting to be from a trusted source and will ask the user to visit a webpage which will in turn install malware on the user's machine or will try to obtain the user's personal details. It is estimated that 90% of all email is spam, and two-thirds of this email is phishing related. This is a staggering amount of phishing email, considering the complexity and effort required to develop and disseminate malware, showing that phishing using social engineering to trick users is often the method of choice for today's cyber criminals. There are a few key categories of phishing, the first is mass marketing, typically using email. The goal is to broadcast a message to huge numbers of people and typically involves directing the recipients to take some form of action. The action may be to download a file, visit a certain webpage, or buy a product. The actions are not always malicious but always have the potential to lead to further malicious activity. This type of phishing is often used to distribute malware. Step two for an attacker after sending you malicious code could be to gain access to your computer using the now installed malware and proceed to attempt identity theft. Etching keystrokes, taking screenshots, and copying documents are methods that might then be employed. The offender now has personal data but did not necessarily have to trick the victim to obtain it. Step three for an attacker might be to sell the data back to the victim. This could be done by accessing an account where the victim has stored paying for it over a cryptocurrency exchange that won't be traced back or sending an email with ransomware demanding that the data is bought back. An example of this was the MyDoom worm in 2004 which held the Guinness world record for the fastest spreading computer virus.

2.3. Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when a person steals another person's personal information in order to use it to commit fraud or other crimes. It is a very broad crime, with many different methods of obtaining somebody else's data. Identity theft is not an easy issue to fix, usually leaving the victim no other choice but to live with the resulting pain and suffering. The effects of identity theft can directly affect a person's mental and physical health. The victim may also be left with financial, credit, and legal issues. Depending on the severity of the theft, a person may have more than just financial and credit issues. Some people have even been arrested for crimes that other people have committed using their details. With the boom of the internet over the past decade, it has never been easier for people to steal other people's information. The reason for this is that people store much of their personal information on the internet, and with the lack of security on many websites, the information is easily accessible to potential thieves. Often, victims of identity theft will not know that their identity has been stolen until some time after the theft has actually occurred. This is due to the fact that there are many different forms of identity theft, and some can take longer than others to have an effect on the victim. With the internet, it is now much easier for a person to steal another person's identity without them even knowing. An example of this is a computer virus that copies a person's details and then sends them to the creator of the virus. In this case, the victim may never know what happened to their information or why these things are happening to them. This can cause additional stress to a person, as they are never able to identify the cause of an issue that they are having. In recent years, several high-profile cases of identity theft have caused alarm to many people who store their personal information on the internet. With the problem steadily increasing, it has become apparent that people need to take active steps to protecting their information.

2.4. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has become easier and often results in a much more detrimental effect compared to physical bullying. This is due to the fact that it can occur at any time of the day, with the bully not being physically present in front of the victim. The bully could be anonymous and the victim may not be aware of the bully's identity. Communication through the use of mobile phones, email, and social networking sites is predominantly how cyberbullying takes place. Incidents that occur on social networking sites are commonly reported and they are becoming an increasing concern among parents and teachers, particularly due to the fact that the content that is posted becomes public and can be viewed by a large number of people. This often results in the victim being embarrassed and humiliated because the information or images posted are difficult to remove and can easily be downloaded or printed off. The Get Safe Online campaign reported that one in thirteen children had been bullied while playing an online game. This may involve the bully preventing the victim from advancing to a higher level within a game, cheating them out of items or money, or constantly pestering and verbally abusing the victim. A 2006 study conducted by the Anti-Defamation League revealed that about half of US teenagers experience cyberbullying. This is a large amount and it signifies the importance of tackling cyberbullying and finding ways to prevent it from occurring.

3. Impact of Internet Threats

Upon successful introduction to the internet threats and the overall scale of the problem, it is observed that the internet threats have a large impact on certain aspects of business organizations and users including financial losses, privacy breaches, reputation damage, and psychological effects. Threats and vulnerabilities on the internet have resulted in many financial losses for organizations who have fallen victim to different attack methodologies. These can happen in the form of information theft, denial of service attacks, or viruses that can corrupt data. An example of a financial loss incident would be the Westpac Post attack during 2000. Westpac had their Post system hacked and 800,000 identities were stolen from the system, this incident eventually ended up costing them $64 million Australia (AUD) to compensate their customers for damages incurred due to identity fraud. Privacy is an important issue to consumers on the internet and threats have raised concerns over the ability to protect personal information from being accessed by unauthorized parties. It is said that the use of internet increases the risk of privacy violations and most internet users are unaware of the threats they may be exposing themselves to. An example of a privacy breach from internal threats would be the case of a former Morgan Stanley employee, who stole personal data of 1.2 million customers who had stock in the firm. This included their names, addresses, phone numbers, account numbers, and asset values. This information was saved to the employee's personal website and he attempted to sell it claiming it was a copy of his work to a rival stockbroker. This case resulted in Morgan Stanley being fined $15 million USD for failure to protect customer data and the employee being arrested and sentenced to a time of imprisonment. Highly publicized incidents such as these are likely to have bad psychological effects on the victims and can affect the reputation of the company involved. The reputation of a person or company can also be severely damaged through various internet threats and may never be recovered. This can happen in the form of identity theft, spreading of false information, or sabotage. One example of reputation damage would be the case of Julie Amero who was a substitute teacher at a Connecticut middle school. In 2004, she was arrested after several pornographic images appeared on her computer in a pop-up barrage while she was teaching a seventh-grade class in October (story). This embarrassing incident would haunt her for years and she was eventually convicted of impairing the morals of a child and risk of injury to a child, but she was granted a new trial after the discovery that she had inadequate defense representation. Her new trial was set for June 2007, but in May 2007 she accepted a plea agreement where she would pay a $100 fine to avoid jail time. Internet and computer addiction is a growing problem amongst many generational groups who use the internet and its effects on the mental state of heavy users in negative. Internet addicts often escape reality to surf the web and become hermits in their own homes. There is a high incidence of mood-altering disorders at the onset of internet addiction and can be further aggravated by psychological effects of internet threats to cause depression and other anxiety disorders.

3.1. Financial losses

Stealing from bank accounts, the most direct form of cybercrime with an obvious financial motive, can cause huge financial losses to the vast corporations who are often the target. For individuals, the situation is less clear but the growth in online banking has given criminals another way to steal from their less tech-savvy victims. The increase in phishing attacks is primarily due to the fact that it is a much easier way to steal login details than using complicated technical attacks on banking systems. Anything which increases the number of computers connected to the internet also increases the number of people falling victim to this next category of crime. Credit card fraud can be committed in many ways and the existence of a credit card is often the only requirement for becoming a victim. High bandwidth internet connections, often left on for extended periods, and inadequate PC security are common requirements for many internet criminals. As with banks, the cost to the credit card companies and individuals can be huge, and in some cases the money is untraceable. Step back from the internet's most direct methods of stealing money and there is an indirect way which can affect anyone. Job loss caused by company failure from cybercrime can occur if money is embezzled from a small company, but more likely from the damage done to larger companies. This is an increasing concern with the current economic climate, which only adds to the realization of how vast and varied the financial impact of internet threats can be.

3.2. Privacy breaches

Invasion of privacy is when individuals feel violated when someone intrudes on their personal space. This can happen in many different ways. Some people don't think invasion of privacy is something to worry about. But when they do feel violated, they may feel less self-assured and more vulnerable, which can affect their mental well-being. One type of privacy invasion is information exploitation. Information exploitation is when a person or group takes someone's personal information and makes it public to a wider audience. This is illegal and can happen in different ways. Identity theft is when someone uses another person's details, like their name, social security number, credit card number, etc., without their consent to commit fraud or other crimes. This can affect a person for their whole life and cause serious financial issues. Data mining is when a company gathers personal information from a group of people and analyzes it to look for trends or use it in their marketing strategies. Although this may not violate individuals who are unaware it is happening, for those who are aware, it can make them feel hunted and vulnerable, knowing that someone is analyzing their personal details. The last way information exploitation occurs is through a step-by-step erosion of privacy. This is less noticeable as it happens over a long period of time, where bits and pieces of a person's personal information are made public to a wider audience than intended. This can confuse an individual as they realize that something they did not long ago is now public and they no longer have the same level of privacy.

3.3. Reputation damage

Reputation damage refers to the loss of reputation, good standing, name, or fame a user has in the internet societies. It is generally caused when someone publishes information about someone else that is considered to be defamatory. With the risk of being exposed to the internet world, reputation damage has increased exponentially over recent years due to the breadth and depth of information available online. For example, "mug shots" of criminals, which are released to the public domain and thought of as public information, are causing people seeking employment to lose job opportunities because employers are using search engines to research the backgrounds of potential employees. This is a chief reason people engage in the act of self-Googling, attempting to find out what sort of information is available on the internet about oneself. The average person has a fair amount of source material through which he or she is identified: legal documents, media reports, entries in databases, and the like. Reputation damage is no longer something only public figures need to worry about. With the rise of search engines that aggregate and search public records, the data hiring institutions and individuals can find about private citizens extends much more than they would freely disclose, and often out of context. This can lead to misinterpretation of the information and consequently damage a person's reputation. An example of privacy-related reputation damage is when someone obtains and publishes private information about someone else without their consent. This can often lead to legal action being taken against the offender. The high costs involved in legal resolution are definitely not something worthwhile as an extra cost from the usage of the internet.

3.4. Psychological effects

This may be one of the most common and most difficult impacts to measure, let alone solve. The dynamic nature of the internet adds a new twist to the stress, anxiety, and depression caused by slow smear campaigns against individuals. As well as traditional media means, the internet can keep a negative event or a mistake very fresh in the minds of the public or individuals for many years. Some examples of how internet smear campaigns have affected the psychological health of individuals can be seen in cases of paedophiles outed in sting operations and other big-name moments in current events. The effects are not only limited to a criminal event or a mistake; cyberbullying has become a huge problem for teenagers and young adults, with many not having a developed enough psyche to deal with sustained attacks from their peers. High school differences and vendettas can often result in hacking or stealing of passwords to use an individual's email or chat account to spread rumors using the victim's known writing style to mask the identity of the bully. Lastly, pornography addictions, where there are now so many unregulated free video and image hosting sites, children and adults can stumble upon extreme and disturbing content that greatly varies from the seedy magazine pages of generations past.

4. Preventive Measures

This step can certainly be taken into consideration due to the growing number of recorded cases on different cyber-attacks. There are various types of antivirus software that are effective against different threats. Some antiviruses are effective in scanning spam and chat sessions to ensure that nothing harmful is transmitted by the Internet. Others are more effective in dealing with Trojan horses and keyloggers. Certain antiviruses now have the capabilities to scan specific files which are suspected to be malware. It is important to choose a set of antivirus and antimalware tools that would be effective against a wide range of threats. Prior to installation of the antivirus software, a back up of important files and the creation of a system restore point is recommended. This is to prevent any corruption of files or the operating systems during installation of the software. Once the antivirus is installed, regular scans should be run to detect and isolate threats or risks that have gotten through the protection. The frequency of scans may vary depending on the usage of the computer and the rate of Internet access. During and after each scan, the antivirus software will produce a list of infected files and the severity of infection. These infected files should be isolated from the rest, to prevent spreading of infection and easily located for removal if they are important system files. They should be checked with the capability of the antivirus software to clean them, or if necessary deleted and replaced with the original files if they were backed up. Regular maintenance and checks of the antivirus software will ensure the continuous effectiveness in protecting the computer and the personal data stored within from the threats of the Internet. This can be considered as the easiest and the most affordable method of prevention for the low rate of risk and difficulty. However, it is important to research the best antivirus software and the best deals available on them, as a poorly conceived choice may lead to a waste of time and money. In some severe cases where an infection has rendered the operating system unserviceable, there may be a need to reinstall it and follow with the antivirus installation. Education is widely regarded as the best prevention of the risks and threats of the Internet, especially the unsuitable content and the contact with strangers that are targeted at children and adolescents. With the topic of the Internet being so vast, it is important to know how to use and at the same time, avoid the risks of a particular service or function. This may require the knowledge of those who are more experienced with the Internet possibly from tutorials and guides from them. There are available online resources about Internet safety from cyber laws to self-awareness and to the risks and prevention of the various threats. This may assist in equipping the knowledge on safe ways of using the Internet of which can be used as guidance and reminders to others. A large benefit to society, would be integrating certain aspects of Internet safety in today's education for young children and adolescents to provide them with awareness and prevention of the risks and threats that are increasing more and more in the future.

4.1. Installing antivirus software

It's safe to say that prevention is better than cure, and this also applies to internet security. If the potential loss from security breaches outweighs the amount of money spent on preventative measures, then it's certainly worth implementing such measures. Antivirus software is a common preventive measure that is used to protect a computer or a network from malware. Antivirus software is effective if it is kept up to date with new malware definitions and is used in conjunction with a well-maintained firewall. Now, free software may seem like an enticing offer, but the level of protection offered may not be sufficient. The level of protection offered can often be determined by the extent to which the software scans for and identifies malware. For example, a quick scan may only scan the most common places malware is stored on a computer and may miss out on other potential problem areas. Another factor to consider is the speed at which the software uses to identify malware and the extent to which the software uses to remove malware. A lot of free software is very basic and may not offer good identification and removal rates, and can also use large amounts of system resources, thus slowing your computer down. A good idea would be to read reviews and software specifications before purchasing anything. High-quality software may be licensed for a year for around $20, but the cost of poor-quality software is far greater.

4.2. Educating users about online safety

Standard methods of online safety do not take into account the ways that the internet and technology are evolving. The number of users who have had an interaction online is increasing daily, due to the number of tasks that can be completed online. This includes more than just recreational activities, and more people are utilizing the internet for professional and educational purposes. With the increasing capabilities and widespread use of the internet, it is critical for educated users to ensure their safety online. This involves understanding the ways that the internet can pose a threat and recognizing what steps can be taken to prevent these threats. It is important for internet users to educate themselves on what online safety entails so that they can implement the correct strategies. However, this is a broad goal and many users do not understand where to begin. The following section will discuss a guide for internet safety and ways to effectively educate yourself and others on the best practices towards online safety.

4.3. Implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication

A strong authentication service can involve requiring more than just a username and password to access an account. It could be something the user has, such as a token or a mobile phone, or something the user is, such as a fingerprint or other biometric identifier. This measure can make it more difficult for a hacker to impersonate the user and access their account. Passwords for critical systems should be strong, meaning they should be at least 12 characters long, and should be a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. This is due to the fact that the longer a password is, the harder it is to crack using brute force. It is also recommended that the passwords are not based on dictionary words. If this method is too hard to remember, a user can also use a phrase or a sentence as a password. This would require a hacker to crack the entire phrase rather than just a word. Two-Factor Authentication is an old concept that has been utilized in many different ways. For example, when a user uses their ATM card and PIN number, that is a form of two-factor authentication. The user is required to have the card, something they have, and know the PIN number, something they know. In the case of online accounts, it usually involves the user receiving a code via a different method to the one they are using to access the account. For example, a user logging into their email account may receive a code on their mobile phone that must be entered to proceed with the login. This is very effective in preventing a hacker from accessing an account they do not have permission to use.

4.4. Regular software updates and patches

Regularly updating software can also help minimize threats by patching security vulnerabilities. A software vulnerability is a security hole or weakness found in an operating system or software program. Hackers can gain control over a computer system if they can exploit a vulnerability. They do this by creating code to target a specific vulnerability, often to gain the ability to carry out harmful actions. By regularly updating your software, you will install the latest patches which will contain fixes for any security vulnerabilities. For example, Microsoft releases a report of security bulletins each month on the second Tuesday. This will detail any security issues that have been found in Microsoft software. Computer software that automatically communicates over the internet to check for updates, such as the Java auto-update feature, will also make it easier for you to maintain a more secure computer. Unfortunately, updating software can sometimes be a frustrating task and when users are busy, it is often postponed or ignored. However, these patches are a critical part of minimizing risk and must be installed as soon as possible.

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What are web threats?

Web threats definition

Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action via the internet.

Web threats are made possible by end-user vulnerabilities, web service developers/operators, or web services themselves. Regardless of intent or cause, the consequences of a web threat may damage both individuals and organizations.

This term typically applies to — but is not limited to — network-based threats in the following categories:

• Private network threats - impact sub-networks connected to the wider global internet. Typical examples can include home Wi-Fi or ethernet networks, corporate intranets, and national intranets.
• Host threats - impact specific network host devices. The term host often refers to corporate endpoints and personal devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and traditional computers.
• Web server threats - impact dedicated hardware and software that serve web infrastructure and services.

Internet-based threats expose people and computer systems to harm online. A broad scope of dangers fits into this category, including well-known threats like phishing and computer viruses . However, other threats, like offline data theft, can also be considered part of this group.

Web threats are not limited to online activity but ultimately involve the internet at some stage for inflicted harm. While not all web threats are created deliberately, many are intended — or have the potential — to cause:

• Access denial. Prevention of entry to a computer and/or network services .
• Access acquisition. Unauthorized or unwanted entry into a private computer and/or network services.
• Unauthorized or unwanted use of computer and/or network services.
• Exposing private data without permission, such as photos, account credentials, and sensitive government information.
• Unauthorized or undesired changes to a computer and/or network services.

In recent years, the landscape of web threats has grown significantly. Technologies like smart devices and high-speed mobile networks have allowed for an always-connected vector of malware, fraud, and other complications. Also, web adoption in areas like communications and productivity via the Internet of Things (IoT) has outpaced user security awareness.

As we continue to rely more on the web for daily living, it will keep exponentially rising as an attractive attack option for malicious parties. Convenience and a lack of caution around web use are among the top concerns that continue to pose new risks to privacy and security.

While targets are typically computer-based, human victims ultimately experience the lasting effects of a web threat. 

How do web threats work?

When a web threat arises, certain circumstances align to make it a point-of-concern.

Namely, there are a few basic components to any web threat:

• Threat motives give an intentional threat agent a reason or goal to cause harm. Some threat agents don’t act intentionally or act autonomously and may, therefore, be absent of motive.
• Threat agents are anything or anyone that can negatively impact — with the internet either as a threat vector or a target itself.
• Vulnerabilities include any human behavior weakness, technology systems, or other resources that can lead to a damaging exploit or incident.
• Threat outcomes are the negative results of a threat agent acting against one or more vulnerabilities.

As these components interact, a threat becomes an attack on computer systems. Threat motives can include any of the following: financial, surveillance, information, retaliation, sabotage, and more.

Threat agents are typically people with malicious intent. By extension, agents may also be anything that is manipulated into acting in favor of the original threat agent. However, some threat agents — such as destructive nature events — act entirely without human intervention.

The types of threat agents include:

• Non-human agents: Examples include malicious code (viruses, malware, worms, scripts), natural disasters (weather, geological), utility failure (electrical, telecom), technology failure (hardware, software), and physical hazards (heat, water, impact).
• Intentional human agents: Based on malicious intent. Can be internal (employees, contractors, family, friends, acquaintances) and external (professional and amateur hackers, nation-state actors and agencies, competitor corporations)
• Accidental human agents: Based on human error. Similar to intentional threats, this type can include internal and external agents.
• Negligence-based human agents: Based on careless behaviors or safety oversights. Again, this category can also include internal and external agents.

Vulnerabilities may be points of weakness where someone or something can be manipulated. Vulnerabilities can be considered a web threat and a concern that enables other threats. This area typically includes some form of human or technical weakness that can lead to penetration, misuse, or destruction of a system.

Threat outcomes may lead to disclosed private info, deceived users, disrupted computer system use, or seized access privileges. Web threats often result in, but are not limited to, causing:

• Reputation damage: Loss of trust from clients and partners, search engine blacklisting, humiliation, defamation, etc.
• Operations disruption: Operational downtime, access denial to web-based services such as blogs or message boards, etc.
• Theft: Financial, identity, sensitive consumer data, etc.

Cybercriminals will use almost any vulnerability within an operating system (OS) or an application to conduct an attack. However, most cybercriminals will develop web threats that deliberately target some of the most common operating systems/applications, including:

• Java: Because Java is installed on over 3 billion devices (that are running under various operating systems) exploits can be created to target specific Java vulnerabilities on several different platforms/operating systems.
• Adobe Reader: Although many attacks have targeted Adobe Reader, Adobe has implemented tools to protect the program against exploit activity. However, Adobe Reader is still a common target.
• Windows and Internet Explorer: Active exploits still target vulnerabilities that were detected as far back as 2010 – including MS10-042 in Windows Help and Support Center, and MS04-028, which is associated with incorrect handling of JPEG files.
• Android: Cybercriminals use exploits to gain root privileges. Then, they can achieve almost complete control over the targeted device.

How do internet web threats spread?

The most concerning internet threats travel the web to attack more systems. These threat agents often use a mix of human manipulation and technical commands to reach their targets.

Web threats of this nature use the internet's many communications channels to spread. Larger threats use the global internet to respond to threats, while more targeted threats may directly infiltrate private networks.

Typically, these threats are distributed through web-based services. Malicious actors prefer to place these threats in locations where users will often engage with them. Public websites, social media, web forums, and email are often ideal for spreading a web threat.

Users are affected when they engage with malicious URLs, downloads, or provide sensitive info to websites and message senders. This engagement may also trigger infection and spread of web threats to other users and networks. It’s not uncommon for innocent users to unknowingly become threat agents themselves .

How to spot web threats

Despite the unending scope of web-based dangers, it is possible to spot some general traits of web threats. However, spotting a web threat requires a vigilant eye to catch subtle details.

Some web threats are clearly of concern to web infrastructure hardware, such as water and heat. While those are easier to spot, others require careful attention. Any time you are browsing websites and receiving digital messages are when you should be most cautious.

Here are some tips to guide you:

• Grammar: Malicious actors may not always carefully craft their messages or web content when assembling an attack. Look for typos, odd punctuation, and unusual phrasing.
• URLs: Harmful links can be masked under decoy anchor text — the visible text that’s displayed. You can hover over a link to inspect its true destination.
• Poor quality images : The use of low-resolution or unofficial images may indicate a malicious webpage or message.

Types of web security threats

As mentioned previously, web threats typically include human and technical manipulation in order to attack. Be aware there tends to be overlap between web threats, and some may occur simultaneously. Some of the most common web threats may include the following.

Social engineering

Social engineering involves deceiving users to act unknowingly against their own best interests. These threats usually involve gaining the trust of users to deceive them. Manipulating users in this way can include:

• Phishing: Posing as legitimate institutions or people to get them to divulge personal details.
• Watering hole attacks: Exploiting popular websites to fool users into exposing themselves to harm.
• Network spoofing: Fraudulent access points that mimic legitimate ones.

Malicious code

Includes malware and harmful scripts (lines of computer programming commands) to create or exploit technical vulnerabilities. Where social engineering is the human side of web threats, malicious code is the technical side. These threats can include but are not limited to:

• Injection attacks: Insertion of harmful scripts into legitimate applications and websites. Examples include SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
• Botnet: Hijacking a user device for remote, automated use in a network of similar “zombies.” These are used to accelerate spam campaigns, malware attacks, and more.
• Spyware: Tracking programs that monitor user actions on a computer device. The most common examples are keyloggers.
• Computer worms: Scripts that run, replicate, and spread autonomously without the help of a related program.

Exploits are intentional abuses of vulnerabilities that may lead to an undesirable incident.

• Brute force attacks: Manual or automated attempts to breach security “gates” and vulnerabilities. This may typically involve generating all possible passwords to a private account.
• Spoofing: Masking a real identity to manipulate legitimate computer systems. Examples include IP spoofing, DNS spoofing, and cache poisoning.

Cybercrime refers to any unlawful activity conducted via computer systems. These threats often use the web to enact their plans.

• Cyberbullying: Mental abuse of victims using threats and harassment.
• Unauthorized data disclosure involves the release of private information, such as email leaks, intimate photos, and significant corporate data leaks.
• Cyber libel : Also known as online defamation, this can involve attacking individuals or organizations' reputations. This can be done through disinformation (deliberate distribution of inaccurate information) or misinformation (mistaken distribution of inaccurate information).
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Malicious actors gain access to a private network and establish ongoing access. They combine social engineering, malicious code, and other threats to exploit vulnerabilities and gain this access.

Typically, web threats refer to malware programs that can target you when you're using the internet. These browser-based threats include a range of malicious software programs that are designed to infect victims’ computers. The main tool behind such browser-based infections is the exploit pack – which gives cybercriminals a route to infecting computers that either:

• Do not have a security product installed
• Contain a commonly used operating system or application that is vulnerable – because the user hasn’t applied the latest updates, or a new patch has yet to be issued by the software vendor

Kaspersky’s Internet security experts have identified the most active malicious software programs involved in web threats. The list includes the following types of online threats:

• Malicious websites. Kaspersky identifies these websites by using cloud-based heuristic detection methods. Most malicious URL detections are for websites that contain exploits.
• Malicious scripts. Hackers inject malicious scripts into the code of legitimate websites that have had their security compromised. Such scripts are used to perform drive-by attacks – in which visitors to the website are unknowingly redirected to malicious online resources.
• Download and launch other malicious software programs
• Carry a payload that steals data from online banking and social network accounts or steals login and user account details for other services
• Trojan-Downloaders. These Trojan viruses deliver various malicious programs to users’ computers.
• Exploits and exploit packs. Exploits target vulnerabilities and try to evade the attention of Internet security software.
• Adware programs. Often, the adware will simultaneously install when a user starts to download a freeware or shareware program.

Examples of web threats

Among the many examples of web threats, here are some of the more well-known examples:

WannaCry ransomware

In May 2017, the WannaCry ransomware spread to many networks and locked down countless Windows PCs. This threat was particularly dangerous because of its worm functionality, allowing it to spread completely autonomously. WannaCry exploited a native communication language within Windows to spread this malicious code.

Celebrity iCloud phishing

A spear-phishing attack led to the breach of numerous celebrity iCloud accounts . This breach ultimately resulted in the unauthorized leak of countless private photos from these accounts.

While the attacker was eventually located and prosecuted, the victims are still suffering from their intimate photos being made public — without their permission. This has become one of the most well-known phishing attacks of the decade.

How to protect yourself against web threats

Most threats are successful due to two main weaknesses:

• Human error
• Technical error

Full protection from web threats means you will need to find ways to cover these weak points.

General tips to follow for both end-users and web service providers include:

• Always create backups : All valuable data should be copied and stored safely to prevent data loss in case of an incident. Websites, device drives, and even web servers can be backed up.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA allows for additional layers of user authentication on top of traditional passwords. Organizations should enable this protection for users, while end-users should be sure to make use of it.
• Scan for malware: Regular scans for infections will keep your computer devices secured. Personal devices can all be covered through an antivirus solution like Kaspersky Total Security. Enterprise endpoint machines and computer networks should use this protection as well.
• Keep all tools, software, and OS up to date: Computer systems are more vulnerable when they’ve been unpatched against undiscovered holes in their programming. Software developers regularly probe for weaknesses and issue updates for this purpose. Protect yourself by downloading these updates.

Service providers like website owners and server operators are where true comprehensive security starts. These parties will need to take precautions for better protection. They can do this by:

• Monitoring web traffic to gauge for normal volumes and patterns.
• Implementing firewalls to filter and restrict unpermitted web connections.
• Network infrastructure distribution to decentralize data and services. This includes aspects like backups for various resources and geo server rotations.
• Internal probing to investigate for unpatched vulnerabilities. This might, for example, involve self-attacking with SQL injection attack tools.
• Proper security configuration for access rights and session management.

Users should protect themselves by doing the following:

• Scan downloads for malware.
• Vet links before clicking, only clicking links if you are positive the destination is safe and trusted.
• Make strong, secure passwords, and avoid duplicates. Use a secure Password Manager to help manage all of your accounts and passwords.
• Throttle login attempts by triggering account lockdown after a limited number of tries.
• Look out for phishing red flags in texts, email, and other communications.

Kaspersky Internet Security received two AV-TEST awards for the best performance & protection for an internet security product in 2021 . In all tests Kaspersky Internet Security showed outstanding performance and protection against cyberthreats.

Related Links:

• What are the different types of ransomware?
• How do computer viruses work?
• What is the difference between free antivirus software and paid antivirus software?
• How to detect spyware to safeguard your privacy

Related articles

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You’re Not Powerless in the Face of Online Harassment

by Viktorya Vilk

Summary .   

If you or someone you know is experiencing online harassment, remember that you are not powerless. There are concrete steps you can take to defend yourself and others. First, understand what’s happening to you. If you’re being critiqued or insulted, you can choose to refute it or let it go. But if you’re being abused, naming what you’re experiencing not only signals that it’s a tangible problem, but can also help you communicate with allies, employers, and law enforcement. Next, be sure to document. If you report online abuse and succeed in getting it taken down, you could lose valuable evidence. Save emails, voicemails, and texts. Take screenshots on social media and copy direct links whenever possible. Finally, assess your safety. If you’re being made to feel physically unsafe in any way — trust your instincts. While police may not always be able to stop the abuse (and not all authorities are equally well-trained in dealing with it), at the very least you are creating a record that could be useful later.

Online abuse — from impersonation accounts to hateful slurs and death threats — began with the advent of the internet itself, but the problem is pervasive and growing. A 2017 study from the Pew Research Center found that more than  40% of Americans have experienced online abuse, and more than 60% have witnessed it. People of color and LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately targeted, and women are twice as likely as men to experience sexual harassment online.

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127 Cyber Security Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

With the increasing reliance on technology, cyber security has become a critical concern for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is essential to stay informed about the latest trends and issues in this field. If you are tasked with writing an essay on cyber security, here are 127 topic ideas and examples to get your creative juices flowing.

The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing cyber security.

The impact of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.

The ethical considerations of cyber warfare.

The legal frameworks governing cyber security.

The challenges of securing the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

The role of encryption in protecting sensitive information.

The effectiveness of password policies in preventing cyber attacks.

The psychology behind social engineering attacks.

The impact of cyber attacks on the global economy.

The future of biometrics in cyber security.

The role of cyber insurance in mitigating cyber risks.

The ethics of hacking for the greater good.

The impact of cyber attacks on healthcare systems.

The role of education in raising cyber security awareness.

The challenges of securing cloud computing environments.

The implications of quantum computing on cyber security.

The importance of international cooperation in combating cyber crime.

The role of cyber security in protecting intellectual property.

The impact of cyber attacks on national security.

The challenges of securing critical data in the cloud.

The role of cybersecurity audits in identifying vulnerabilities.

The impact of cyber attacks on the banking and financial sector.

The ethical implications of government surveillance for cyber security purposes.

The role of cybersecurity professionals in addressing the skills gap.

The challenges of securing personal information in the digital age.

The impact of cyber attacks on elections and democratic processes.

The role of user awareness training in preventing cyber attacks.

The implications of data breaches for consumer trust.

The challenges of securing mobile devices in the workplace.

The role of cyber security in protecting personal privacy.

The impact of cyber attacks on small businesses.

The role of cyber security in safeguarding intellectual property in academia.

The challenges of securing critical infrastructure in developing countries.

The ethical considerations of vulnerability disclosure.

The impact of cyber attacks on the transportation sector.

The role of cyber security in protecting children online.

The challenges of securing Internet of Things (IoT) in smart homes.

The implications of cyber attacks on the aviation industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against ransomware attacks.

The impact of cyber attacks on the entertainment industry.

The challenges of securing e-commerce platforms.

The role of cyber security in preventing identity theft.

The implications of cyber attacks on the energy sector.

The ethical considerations of government backdoor access to encrypted data.

The impact of cyber attacks on the hospitality and tourism industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting sensitive government information.

The challenges of securing online gaming platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the media and journalism.

The role of cyber security in protecting against social media threats.

The impact of cyber attacks on the transportation and logistics industry.

The challenges of securing online banking and financial transactions.

The role of cyber security in protecting against insider threats.

The implications of cyber attacks on the education sector.

The ethical considerations of using cyber weapons in warfare.

The impact of cyber attacks on the retail industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against insider trading.

The challenges of securing online voting systems.

The implications of cyber attacks on the gaming industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against intellectual property theft.

The impact of cyber attacks on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.

The challenges of securing social media platforms.

The ethical considerations of cyber security in autonomous vehicles.

The implications of cyber attacks on the hospitality industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against credit card fraud.

The impact of cyber attacks on the manufacturing industry.

The challenges of securing online dating platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the insurance industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against corporate espionage.

The impact of cyber attacks on the food and beverage industry.

The challenges of securing online marketplaces.

The implications of cyber attacks on the pharmaceutical industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against intellectual property infringement.

The impact of cyber attacks on the nonprofit sector.

The challenges of securing online streaming platforms.

The ethical considerations of cyber security in wearable technology.

The implications of cyber attacks on the real estate industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against medical identity theft.

The impact of cyber attacks on the telecommunications industry.

The challenges of securing online job portals.

The implications of cyber attacks on the automotive industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against data breaches in the legal sector.

The impact of cyber attacks on the music industry.

The challenges of securing online auction platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the construction industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online harassment.

The impact of cyber attacks on the advertising and marketing industry.

The challenges of securing online learning platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the fashion industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online stalking.

The impact of cyber attacks on the sports industry.

The challenges of securing online travel booking platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the beauty and cosmetics industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online scams.

The impact of cyber attacks on the hospitality and catering industry.

The challenges of securing online dating applications.

The implications of cyber attacks on the healthcare and wellness industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online bullying.

The impact of cyber attacks on the entertainment and events industry.

The challenges of securing online food delivery platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the fitness and wellness industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online fraud.

The impact of cyber attacks on the home services industry.

The challenges of securing online social networking platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the pet care industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online piracy.

The impact of cyber attacks on the restaurant industry.

The challenges of securing online fashion retail platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the healthcare and fitness industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online hate speech.

The impact of cyber attacks on the wedding and event planning industry.

The challenges of securing online grocery delivery platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the gaming and entertainment industry.

The impact of cyber attacks on the music and entertainment industry.

The challenges of securing online travel and tourism platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the beauty and wellness industry.

The role of cyber security in protecting against online identity theft.

The impact of cyber attacks on the fashion and retail industry.

The challenges of securing online health and wellness platforms.

The implications of cyber attacks on the food and beverage industry.

These essay topic ideas cover a broad range of industries and sectors, highlighting the pervasive nature of cyber security threats. Whether you choose to explore the implications of cyber attacks on a specific industry, examine the challenges of securing a particular platform, or discuss the ethical considerations of cyber security, there are endless possibilities for research and analysis in this field. Remember to choose a topic that interests you and aligns with your objectives, ensuring a rewarding and engaging essay-writing experience.

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Internet Safety  - Introduction to Internet Safety

Internet safety  -, introduction to internet safety, internet safety introduction to internet safety.

Internet Safety: Introduction to Internet Safety

Lesson 1: introduction to internet safety, introduction to internet safety.

There's almost no limit to what you can do online. The Internet makes it possible to access information quickly, communicate around the world, and much more. Unfortunately, the Internet is also home to certain risks , such as malware , spam , and phishing . If you want to stay safe online, you'll need to understand these risks and learn how to avoid them.

Adopting a safer mindset

Computers can often give us a false sense of security . After all, no one can physically harm you through a computer screen. But to stay safe online, you'll want to take a more cautious approach. Here's one way to think about it: Treat the Internet as you would a shopping mall .

Most people don't consider a mall to be an especially dangerous place. You can go there to shop and meet up with friends. But there are also small things you may do to stay safe, even if you don't think about them very often. For example, you probably wouldn't leave your car unlocked or give your credit card number to a stranger.

Apply this same mindset whenever you're online. You shouldn't be afraid to use the Internet, but remember that it comes with many of the same risks you'd face in the real world. Throughout this tutorial, we'll show you how to prepare for these risks so you can be online without putting yourself in danger.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

/en/internetsafety/creating-strong-passwords/content/

A Brave New World: How the Internet Affects Societies

Meeting summary (11 may 2017).

Professor Dr Erik Huizer

Chief Technology Officer, SURFnet; Research Associate, University of Utrecht; Internet Hall of Fame Inductee

Syed Ismail Shah

Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunications Authority

James Arroyo OBE

The Ditchley Foundation

Dr Unoma Ndii Okorafor

Founder & CEO, WAAW Foundation; Co-Founder & CEO, Radicube Technologies

Rebecca MacKinnon

Director, Ranking Digital Rights, New America

Introduction

With the rise of the Internet in recent decades, its impact on society has been transformative at multiple levels – including in communication, access to knowledge and social interaction.

While early adopters saw possibilities in using the Internet as a vehicle through which the many challenges facing the world might be addressed, more recently questions have arisen about how Internet technology can be used to spread false and misleading information, and to radicalize and recruit potential terrorists. There are also concerns as to whether the Internet serves to reduce or exacerbate social divisions; and whether it contributes to the dilution of social norms or, conversely, serves as a channel to perpetuate them.

In this context, the technical community has initiated a conversation about the role that the Internet is – and should be – playing in societies. Notably, for some within the technical community, there is growing unease that the very technologies that supported Internet growth are also enabling behaviours that are socially unacceptable, putting pressure on the way people use and experience the online environment.

On 11 May 2017 the Internet Society and Chatham House convened a roundtable discussion, held under the Chatham House Rule, [1]  at which a culturally and geographically diverse set of participants examined questions relating to how the Internet affects social norms and societies as a whole, as well as its impact on people’s daily lives.

Access, capacity and the developing world

The Internet is for everyone, according to the Internet Society’s vision, but it has not quite happened for all. Access to the Internet is essential for empowerment of certain groups, especially women, connecting them with global markets and communities. Yet, women in Africa are 50 per cent less likely to be online than men; and there are digital divides also affecting people with disabilities, and people lacking digital skills.

The Internet in the developing world

An Internet Society survey of 2,100 people across the world has found that people in developing markets remain optimistic that the benefits of connecting far outweigh the perceived risks. On the contrary, in the Western hemisphere, conversations about the Internet risk losing the sense of genuine excitement and urgency that many in developing countries feel about getting online.

The mobile Internet has been a game changer in developing countries. In Pakistan there were 3.79 million broadband connections through 3G in 2013. In just three years, however, the advent of 4G has increased the number of mobile broadband connections to 43 million. For regulators in developing countries, the first step is to bring people online, and after that to focus on new services. For example, graduates in Pakistan increasingly want to be entrepreneurs rather than be employed by others. Entrepreneurial activity, in turn, increases financial inclusion: Pakistan’s vision is now that by 2020 50 per cent will have their own bank account.

Digital divides

Connectivity is growing fast, but some places are not doing as well as others. ‘Access’ is not as simple as giving people connection to the Internet. There are multiple, multi-dimensional factors contributing to digital divides, chief among them gender, access to education and skills, lack of locally relevant content, lack of human capacity, and weak local supply chains. All these issues need to be addressed if the vision of the ‘Internet for everyone’ is to be achieved.

In particular, a lack of localized content risks turning Internet users from developing countries into consumers rather than creators. An estimated 90 per cent of jobs that will be created over the next decade will require technical skills, and Africa will be, in demographic terms, the youngest continent. There is an urgent need to develop relevant skills to both preserve and expand opportunities for all.

At the same time, technological innovations are further deepening divides. There is a risk that greater digital inequality will spread within countries – between those who are connected and those who are not. This inequality will affect jobs and the economic performance of countries and communities. In a scenario in which there is likely to be a threshold for innovation to see gains in the economy, without proper access and education many people will be left behind.

On the more positive side, the spread of Internet uptake can also work to address divides within societies. In Pakistan, for example, some 70 per cent of medical students are women, but for cultural reasons only 20–30 per cent of practising doctors are women – even though many female patients prefer to be seen by a female doctor. There are successful examples of using technology to bring women and girls into the workforce, for example by enabling women to access female doctors via remote consultations. As another example of the interplay between local and global, Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest ‘virtual’ universities, established in 2002.

Trust and fear in the online environment: the ‘silent majority’ is vanishing

A case can be made that, in the ‘real’ world, the Chatham House Rule is comparable with the Internet Society’s vision of the ‘Internet for everyone’. The Rule is intended to ensure that people can speak openly and freely, but also securely. It provides a channel for an issue to be thoroughly debated, and this lends legitimacy. Members of the technical community may view confidentiality as secrecy, but on difficult issues people of good faith need some room to talk and interact freely.

Online debate

The confidentiality offered by the Chatham House Rule encourages people to speak freely, but its efficacy depends on physical meetings in the real world, at which the presence of a silent majority plays an important role in curbing extreme behaviour. No equivalent mechanism exists in the online environment: the silent majority is not only silent, but invisible. As a result, debate can spin out of control.

One speaker remarked that ‘fear is trumping trust’ online. It is important that people are able to speak freely online, but there is no shared moral and/or cultural code influencing how people behave. The risk, therefore, is that online debate is reduced to the lowest common denominator: ‘Civil debate according to the Chatham House Rule is hardly possible online. This leads to a sort of extreme behaviour in debates, which in turn leads to self-censorship.’

Real-world implications

A case can be made that in some instances hate speech may provoke actions in the real world that threaten the personal safety of many. In Rwanda, for example, where ‘hate media’ had a role in fuelling the genocide in 1994, the government is now attempting to restrict what is published online. In early 2017 the government of Cameroon blocked Internet access for the English-speaking part of the country for 93 days. The government said that it reserved the right to stop the Internet being used as a tool to stoke internal division and hatred. However, Internet filtering and shutdowns create extensive collateral damage, and have, in the case of Cameroon, for example, been condemned by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression as an ‘appalling violation’ of the right of freedom of expression.

Globalization and the Internet as an engine for economic growth

Governments around the world recognize that the Internet is an engine of growth. States are committed to connecting more people (1.5 billion by 2020, in line with the ITU target) to advance the gains that can be made from the Internet economy.

The evolution of the Internet, particularly from the 1990s, has coincided with the end of the post-war East–West order (the so-called ‘end of history’), and the advance of globalization. Whereas diplomacy has traditionally depended on adapting behaviour to local culture in order to reduce friction, what is new is that the Internet effectively ‘collapses’ concepts of place, and, with that, the ability to hold separate value systems in different places.

The role of the state

Workshop participants discussed the appropriate role of the state in an increasingly globalized – but simultaneously fragmented – world. Explicitly Western values have driven the agenda to date, and states that do not buy into those values will view the Internet’s advance as a direct threat. Internet policy dialogue tends to lump non-Western countries or governments together, as though they are all alike. However, there are certain ‘rule-of-law’ states that place more value on social responsibility and cohesion than on individual personal expression. The challenge for states is thus to figure out how to work together without necessarily quite agreeing on such values.

In the opinion of one speaker, quick change will be resisted and conflict is likely to occur. Another disagreed, contending that the Internet’s values are aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

There are conflicts between the principles of state sovereignty and globalization. Internet regulation is mostly confined within state borders, but both regulation and technical decisions can have global impacts. One participant asked if it remains accurate to view the Internet as a global network. Other participants noted that the Internet is not just creating challenges for regulation between states because of diminishing borders, but also within the national state bureaucracy. As regards the latter, the Internet has forced a change in the jurisdiction of certain agencies – for example, branches concerned with communication are now asking about their role in the privacy debate – and there is increasing strain placed on governments as these agency jurisdictions continue to blur.

The evolving security challenge

The growth of the Internet has been hugely disruptive to intelligence services. Disruption and encryption have bitten into traditional intelligence models. Agencies are now learning to embrace the Internet to deal with the evolving threats of terrorism and non-state actors. While acknowledging that bulk powers have their critics, one speaker expressed the view that the UK Investigatory Powers Act (2016) is modernizing how intelligence agencies collect evidence.

In the past, when government organizations thought about Internet security, they focused on the top 5 per cent of high-risk events, such as attacks on critical infrastructure. While potentially devastating, such attacks are rare compared with the constant barrage of cyber incidents affecting the population at large. As a result, governments are increasingly concerned with the Internet as it relates to civilian usage. Moreover, the evolution of the modern Internet has led to non-state actors, such as terrorists and hackers, posing security threats to states. Governments are still learning how to respect the privacy of individuals’ communications in the context of criminal investigations.

One participant noted that there has been a ‘market failure’ in security, and that citizens are not managing risks sufficiently. The UK government, for example, has responded at the national level by creating the National Cyber Security Centre.

The Internet of things

The Internet of things (IoT) also poses a big challenge to security. In the next 10 years an estimated 30 billion connected devices will come online. The growth in IoT marketing and innovation has outpaced security, and there are no good economic incentives in place to promote security. Many traditional companies that had nothing to do with information technology are now in effect becoming IT companies, but do not understand how their products can create vulnerability in the network. In this context, how do we continue to connect more devices and gadgets to the network without creating further vulnerability and insecurity? The second challenge around IoT and security pertains to data collection. Most of the focus for regulation is on visible – or physical – things, such as actual devices and gadgets. One participant suggested that as IoT exists in the cloud, that is where security and privacy solutions may be effective.

State regulation in a global world

One speaker described the present situation as a ‘Magna Carta moment’ – a general realization that ‘we don’t have the right structures to address the problems we’re facing’. ‘The nation state system of governance … for national and international and corporate governance are not fit for purpose to deal with the issues we’re facing.’ There is a need to bring together the right stakeholders to address the problems.

Other participants noted that regulation by the state can resolve many of the current problems, such as market failure around security.

When governments make local laws, they need to recognize that they are part of a broader, global system. Therefore, in one speaker’s view, governments need to be accountable not only to their own people, but to everyone on the network.

Others advocated less regulation, making the case instead for raising awareness of the opportunities the Internet brings. One participant asked if governments should be more visible in Internet regulation. Should there be a ‘complaints department’ for consumers at a national level, for example? Or should companies be forced to be more open by allowing algorithms to be reviewed by regulators to help prevent bias? Another noted that the media and the public sphere have become less transparent, and if the state does not play a part in regulating private companies, the data they collect, and the algorithms they operate, then there will be an imbalance.

Democracy and corporate power

Events in 2016 brought surprises in terms of democratic outcomes. Notably, following the Brexit referendum in the UK and the outcome of the US elections, many people are worried about the role of social media in creating filter bubbles and echo chambers, and in spreading fake news.

Extreme behaviour

One speaker raised the point that the vast majority of extreme behaviour is played out on two platforms with the largest user bases. There have been numerous attempts to develop norms of behaviour, or create technical solutions that could filter extreme material. It was only when advertisers started to abandon the platforms because they saw their brands being damaged by association that the platforms did anything about it.

The role of companies

While there has been increased transparency about how companies are responding to requests from governments for user data, there is little publicly available information about firms’ internal processes to moderate content on their platforms. Companies have done a good job in removing images of child abuse, for example, but a poor job in relation to images of breast feeding, or nudity in art. There is also a concern that, where governments are putting pressure on social media companies to take down allegedly extremist material, this may unjustifiably also target the work of human rights activists and journalists.

As recently as 2011, the discussion about the relationship between social media and democracy would have been very different. One participant noted that social networks were initially viewed as a democratizing force, but now the world is seeing the negative impacts that social media can have on society. One participant framed this as a transition from an ‘algorithm-less’ world to one that is ‘algorithm-full’. Another participant noted that, previously, the algorithms used to provide consumers of social media with information were often viewed as neutral. However, events in 2016 have changed people’s perspectives on how social media algorithms can create bias and perpetuate false information. Although the Internet feels like a public space, it is built on private infrastructure; and the companies that control these algorithms hold a great deal of unaccountable power.

Encoding values into the online environment

Just as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) had to adapt to the internationalization of its membership by adopting a code of conduct, there is an urgent need to find an equivalent set of norms to enable ‘civilized’ debate online and reduce extreme behaviour.

While technical solutions seem attractive, it is important to be aware of both the opportunities and risks of encoding social values into algorithms, or into machines themselves. This process will reach its zenith with autonomy, but machine learning biases are already apparent. How can there be a distributed system that is secure, when security itself is a value judgment?

Legitimacy in the multi-stakeholder process

Internet governance began as a technical project but ended up in the world of policy. The technical community has often been very open and transparent, whereas government decisions are often made under conditions of confidentiality. In this context, questions were asked as to how we get these two very different communities to work together and within the confines of traditional institutions; and who should be responsible for convening this consultative space.

A new status quo

Intelligence services used to assume that the status quo would remain of the Internet as a global commons. This view was challenged in 2010, in light of a raft of proposals for new international laws, protocols and technologies designed to benefit authoritarian states. Since then, engagement through the Internet Governance Forum has been stronger; but a liberal, multi-stakeholder perspective is not guaranteed, and will need to be fought for.

Multi-stakeholder policies

Internet policy has become divorced from public-sector spending rounds in many countries, for example in the UK. In this context, multi-stakeholder policy can be undertaken, but only if it does not have a financial impact. One participant noted that discussions on Internet governance and enhanced cooperation tend to go round in circles. In other countries, such as in Malaysia or Kenya, progress on multi-stakeholder models has been reversed when governments have changed or instability has increased. It is unclear who the convenor of the open, consultative space is.

One speaker asserted that while the multi-stakeholder model is liberal, it is not democratic, and there is a danger that in certain environments only the ‘right sort’ of stakeholders are wanted. One participant argued that there is little legitimate input by civil society, whose voice has been crowded out. Another disagreed, noting that those who exert most influence are people who have gone beyond the normal range of effort to extend their expertise.

There is therefore a complex ‘ecosystem’, and different types of decision-making are needed for different problems online. One participant noted that the Internet community has reinforced how the multi-stakeholder model can work. But the role of the public and of civil society is important in demanding systematic change in how governments make decisions that affect the Internet.

What are the solutions to current and foreseeable challenges?

As one speaker remarked, there is not a ‘grand, top-down plan that we will suddenly innovate. It will evolve organically in a very “Internet-y” way.’

Possible solutions

International norms for behaviour and security.

Several speakers highlighted the need for norms of online behaviour and security. This challenge should not be underestimated. The collapse of place is something new, and this challenges the ability to hold separate value systems in different places – something that has previously been essential for successful international diplomacy.

Technical solutions to make visible the silent majority

Technology cannot solve problems of human behaviour, but the problems cannot be solved without technology. The knee-jerk reaction has been to call for unwanted material to be blocked, but the minute this starts, filter bubbles are created. An alternative approach may be to adopt public broadcast values – whereby all views are presented and consumers are necessarily confronted with a range of viewpoints. One speaker suggested that technology could be harnessed to track who reads discussions.

Accountability for corporate impact on human rights

One solution may be to develop benchmarks for companies to make commitments; for others to be able to assess whether those are the right sort of commitments; and to provide data that will enable policymakers, civil society, companies and investors to have a conversation about what sort of Internet is collectively wanted.

Hate speech and fake news

Several speakers agreed that organizations like the Internet Society could help by starting to have essential conversations around fake news, hate speech and extremist content.

Security and the Internet of things

Regulators need to consider who holds IoT data, and focus on the cloud rather than attempting to regulate every object that comes onto the market.

Progress is possible, but the risks are real

One speaker noted that many of the problems that are hotly debated in the context of Internet policy have affected humanity for generations. These problems arise from success not failure. Traditional institutions such as the judiciary have shown themselves to be able to deal with many issues. Previous leaps forward in human connectivity have also led to unprecedented human destruction. Nevertheless, progress has been made, and ‘humanity has evolved’. In the long run, things are improving, and there are great possibilities for innovation, development and human growth.

The developing world is hopeful

Speakers from the developing world emphasized that for many developing countries the Internet continues to be seen overwhelmingly as a medium of opportunity and empowerment. Although countries in the developing world understand that the Internet can impose challenges on society, they still feel that the Internet is the only existing medium that can efficiently provide effective solutions to issues such as poverty, marginalization and education. Some participants also noted that the acceleration of technology could lead to a deepening of existing inequalities, but asserted that this risk could be overcome through truly inclusive and participatory processes.

[1]  When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

The views expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the speaker(s) and participants, and do not necessarily reflect the view of Chatham House, its staff, associates or Council. Chatham House is independent and owes no allegiance to any government or to any political body. It does not take institutional positions on policy issues. This document is issued on the understanding that if any extract is used, the author(s)/speaker(s) and Chatham House should be credited, preferably with the date of the publication or details of the event. Where this document refers to or reports statements made by speakers at an event, every effort has been made to provide a fair representation of their views and opinions. The published text of speeches and presentations may differ from delivery. © The Royal Institute of International Affairs, 2017.

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✍️Essay on Cybercrime: Free Samples in 100, 200, 300 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 26, 2024

The 21st century is a digital age, where any and every task is done on the internet. All thanks to the developments in technology which have been the main factor to ease human life on earth and maybe on other plants in future. But with the benefits of technology, there are several harmful effects, one of them which has recently gained popularity; Cyber Crime. 

Cybercrime has emerged as pervasive and evolved as one of the most dangerous threats to humans. There are several users on the internet who indulge in illegal and criminal activities, using computers and networks. To guide you through this hot debate topic, below we have discussed essays on cybercrime.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Cybercrime in 100 Words
• 2 Essay on Cybercrime in 200 Words
• 3 Essay on Cybercrime in 300 Words
• 4 Short Essay on Cybercrime

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Essay on Cybercrime in 100 Words

Cybercrime involves illegal activities like hacking, ransomware, cyberbullying, online fraud, etc. People who are involved in cybercrime or any similar activities are called hackers, scammers or fraudsters. Cybercrime leads to financial loss for individuals who have fallen victim to one. Cybercrime often invades a person’s privacy by stealing their personal details, including sensitive data, photos, and communication records, which can be used for blackmailing or any malicious purpose.

There are several governmental and non-government organizations which are working 

To tackle cybercrime by raising awareness among the masses, cyber security training, implementing robust security protocols, and enacting comprehensive cybercrime laws.

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Essay on Cybercrime in 200 Words

Cybercrime is a criminal activity done online using a computer, network and internet. With the increasing use of the internet and mobile phones, the number of criminal activities has also gained pace.  These criminal-minded people steal the personal details of a person, which leads to financial losses and damages the reputation of the victims. Various scams and fraudulent schemes are offered on the internet like online auctions, advance fees, or any investment scam, which are all aimed at deceiving individuals into parting with their money.

Cybercrime is not limited to financial losses or reputational damage, a more discrete term has emerged; cyberbullying.  In cyberbullying, a person is harassed, humiliated, or threatened online. This can have severe psychological and emotional consequences. Ethical hackers or white hat hackers can help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems before malicious hackers exploit them. 

Cybercrime doesn’t have any boundaries and is an international issue and international cooperation is crucial for tracking and prosecuting cybercriminals who operate across borders. To combat cybercrime effectively, a multi-faceted approach is required, involving education, technology, legislation, and international cooperation. As technology continues to advance, our efforts to combat cybercrime must keep pace to protect our increasingly interconnected world.

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Essay on Cybercrime in 300 Words

Economists have termed cybercrime as ‘ A Hidden Threat to the Digital World.’ Modern humans are relying on the internet for their day-to-day activities and every macro and micro activity. In this sense, the term cybercrime comes to the front. Cybercrime refers to criminal activities conducted through the use of computers, networks, and the Internet. 

Cybercrime consists of various malicious activities like hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, identity theft, online fraud, and cyberbullying. Hackers, fraudsters, scammers, criminals, and even state-sponsored actors exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems to steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, and cause financial and emotional harm to victims.

The consequences of cybercrime are far-reaching. Financial losses run into 10 digits annually, affecting individuals and organizations alike. Personal privacy is invaded as cybercriminals steal sensitive data, photos, and communication records. In cases of cyberbullying and harassment, victims suffer reputational damages, psychological distress, and emotional trauma, particularly in cases of cyberbullying and harassment.

It’s necessary to look for a multifaceted approach to deal with cybercrime, some of which are.

• Raising public awareness through campaigns where people are informed about the risks of cybercrime and educate them on best practices for online safety.
• Individuals and organizations should implement robust security protocols, regularly update software, and use multi-factor authentication to protect their digital assets.
• Governments should enact and enforce cybercrime laws, providing law enforcement agencies with the resources and expertise needed to prosecute cybercriminals effectively.
• Looking at the global nature of cybercrime, international collaboration is vital. Countries should work together to share threat intelligence and cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of cybercriminals.
• Ethical hackers can help organizations identify and rectify vulnerabilities in their systems before malicious actors exploit them.

Tackling cybercrime requires proactive measures, including education, strong cybersecurity practices, legislation, international cooperation, and the active involvement of ethical hackers.

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Short Essay on Cybercrime

Find the short essay on cyber crime from below:

Cybercrime is an illegal and unethical activity which is done by hackers and fraudsters to gain financial or any other benefits for themselves.

To tackle cybercrime, several measures can be taken. Some of these measures are education and public awareness, research and innovation, ethical hacking, etc.

To write an essay on cybercrime, you need to give details on how it works and the level of danger it poses to humans. Cybercrime consists of various malicious activities like hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, identity theft, online fraud, and cyberbullying. Hackers, fraudsters, scammers, criminals, and even state-sponsored actors exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems to steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, and cause financial and emotional harm to victims.

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With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Cyber-Security Threats and Their Control Essay

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Cyber-security menaces are the risks of encountering a cyber-attack, a hostile attempt by an institution or a person to interfere with a person or institution’s system. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) is the most harmful class of cyber-security threats that propagates when hackers extract essential data from a prohibited network without being discovered for a prolonged period. It attacks when cybercriminals install malware on the organization’s system to help them protect their tracks. The act’s success needs experienced hackers and a spy to gather information from the plotted corporation. By employing threat intelligence techniques in a firm, the security team can identify and manage the objection.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is the second threat that increases when the perpetrators attempt to jeopardize online systems by overwhelming them with data. The attack occurs when multiple devices are functioning jointly to strike one target. Skilled individuals and the power of botnets consisting of settled computers can aid in a successful offense. By establishing high levels of network security such as, Artificial Intelligence (AI) or antivirus and anti-malware software can be used to prevent suspicious behavior.

Man-in-the-Middle is the third cybercrime committed by assailants through the customers’ servers to retrieve data without their knowledge. The crime propagates when the perpetrators intercept an existing conversation between a user and a system and operate as the legitimate participants. The MitM can be successful when the cybercriminals reach their final stage successfully to satisfy their desires. Avoiding public and insecure internet connections, which ushers the spreading of documents of the altered code to customers’ can assist in exterminating the threat.

Social engineering is the fourth cyber-security threat that relies on verified connection between the assailants and targets, which proposes an influence to submit their sensitive information. The crisis continues to propagate because the victims remain to accept the attackers’ quick decisions. The offense becomes victorious when the attackers deceive the corporation employees’ to deliver the credentials. Firms should use safety strategies such as, raising security awareness to its workers and staff to minimize the increasing invasions.

Password attack is the least destructive cyber-security risk that breeds when people reuse their exposed passwords repeatedly. It attacks when the hacker resembles numerous passwords to discover the valid one. It requires advanced hackers to retrieve the information of an individual or an organization’s password database. The creation of robust passwords is an appropriate way to prevent the concern.

• Cybercrime: Researching of Issue
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• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2023, March 17). Cyber-Security Threats and Their Control. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cyber-security-threats-and-their-control/

"Cyber-Security Threats and Their Control." IvyPanda , 17 Mar. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/cyber-security-threats-and-their-control/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Cyber-Security Threats and Their Control'. 17 March.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Cyber-Security Threats and Their Control." March 17, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cyber-security-threats-and-their-control/.

1. IvyPanda . "Cyber-Security Threats and Their Control." March 17, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/cyber-security-threats-and-their-control/.

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Internet Security Threats, Research Paper Example

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Words: 549

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As of 2007 there were 1.1 billion internet users worldwide many of whom have little or no knowledge of the internet security threats as well as the actions they can take to protect themselves (James). There are so many benefits of the internet that users often underestimate the security threats they are exposed to. Internet security companies routinely compile the list of security threats with the greatest potential to keep the public and the corporations informed so that they can take steps to better protect themselves.

Small businesses have readily embraced internet because it provides them flexibility as well as means to efficiently utilize their limited asset base. But unfortunately, small businesses also have fewer financial and technical resources to protect themselves against internet security attacks. Hackers attacks business networks indiscriminately but they often find it easier to get past the weak defenses of smaller businesses. Complicating the matters is the fact that even novice hackers can carry out successful attacks through easily available attack toolkits many of whom are adding Java exploit capabilities. Java is a computer language that runs on almost all operating systems as well as internet browsers (Haley). Using attack toolkits, hackers steal banks accounts’ login and password details as well as customers’ credit card numbers.

Social networking has become a global phenomenon but changing internet users’ habits have also provided hackers with another attractive venue for attacks. Hackers particularly take advantage of two facts; one is users’ false sense of security on the social networking websites and the other is the popularity of shortened URLs. Shortened URLs may be convenient but they also make it difficult to distinguish between legitimate links and malicious websites. Symantec estimates that last year, sixty-five percent of the malicious URLs posted on social networks were shortened URLs(Haley). This is a great security threat given the fact that Facebook alone has more than 750 million active users and average user has 130 friends (Facebook). Malicious websites harm users’ security in various manners such as installing virus, worm, trojan, adware, and spyware. The end result includes theft of private information, user tracking, and operating system crash resulting in loss of valuable data.

Another huge security threat is resulting from the popularity of mobile gadgets such as smartphones and tablets, the latter of which is poised to steal a considerable market share from the PCs market segment. Many businesses allow employees to access corporate data on mobile devices but have not yet implemented the necessary security measures. Mobile apps have become very popular with users and hackers have taken notice of it. Hackers are creating applications specifically to exploit the security vulnerabilities of mobile devices which is evident by the fact that the number of reported vulnerabilities for mobile devices rose by 42 percent in 2010 (Haley). Mobile hacks allow hackers to not only access sensitive corporate data including intellectual properties, private corporate information, and customer data but also install malicious codes on IT networks. Thus, all businesses particularly small onesshould take steps to better protect themselves and implement policies that educate workers and encourage them to adopt safe internet habits.

Facebook. Statistics. 4 September 2011 <https://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics>.

Haley, Kevin. 2011 Internet Security Threat Report Identifies Increased Risks for SMBs. 6 April 2011. 4 September 2011 <http://www.symantec.com/connect/2011_Internet_Security_Threat_Report_Identifies_Risks_For_SMBs>.

James, Daniel G. “Statistical Analysis of Internet Security Threats.” Research Report. 2007.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Internet Privacy — Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities in Home Internet Connection

Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities in Home Internet Connection

• Categories: Internet Privacy World Wide Web

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Words: 1669 |

Published: Dec 18, 2018

Words: 1669 | Pages: 4 | 9 min read

Table of contents

Repudiation., denial of service, elevation of privilege, common types of network attacks.

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Essay On Internet for Students and Children

500+ words essay on internet.

We live in the age of the internet. Also, it has become an important part of our life that we can’t live without it. Besides, the internet is an invention of high-end science and modern technology . Apart from that, we are connected to internet 24×7. Also, we can send big and small messages and information faster than ever. In this essay on the Internet, we are going to discuss various things related to the internet.

Reach of Internet

It is very difficult to estimate the area that the internet cover. Also, every second million people remain connected to it with any problem or issue. Apart from that, just like all the things the internet also has some good and bad effect on the life of people. So the first thing which we have to do is learn about the good and bad effect of the internet.

Good effects of the internet mean all those things that the internet make possible. Also, these things make our life easier and safer.

Bad effects of the internet mean all those things that we can no longer do because of the internet. Also, these things cause trouble for oneself and others too.

You can access in any corner of the world. Also, it is very easy to use and manage. In today’s world, we cannot imagine our life without it.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Uses Of Internet

From the time it first came into existence until now the internet has completed a long journey. Also, during this journey, the internet has adopted many things and became more user-friendly and interactive. Besides, every big and small things are available on internet and article or material that you require can be obtainable from internet.

Tim Berners-Lee can be called one of the main father of internet as he invented/discovered the WWW (World Wide Web) which is used on every website. Also, there are millions of pages and website on the internet that it will take you years to go through all of them.

The Internet can be used to do different things like you can learn, teach, research, write, share, receive, e-mail , explore, and surf the internet.

Read Essay on Technology here

Convenience Due To Internet

Because of internet, our lives have become more convenient as compared to the times when we don’t have internet. Earlier, we have to stand in queues to send mails (letters), for withdrawing or depositing money, to book tickets, etc. but after the dawn of the internet, all these things become quite easy. Also, we do not have to waste our precious time standing in queues.

Also, the internet has contributed a lot to the environment as much of the offices (government and private), school and colleges have become digital that saves countless paper.

Although, there is no doubt that the internet had made our life easier and convenient but we can’t leave the fact that it has caused many bigger problems in the past. And with the speed, we are becoming addict to it a day in will come when it will become our basic necessity.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What are the limitation of internet?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Although internet can help you with anything but there are certain limitation to it. First of it does not have a physical appearance. Secondly, it does not have emotions and thirdly, it can’t send you to a place where you can’t go (physically).” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is the ideal age for using internet?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Nowadays everybody from small kids to adult is internet addicts. So it is difficult to decide an ideal age for using internet. However, according to researches using internet from an early age can cause problems in the child so internet usage of small children should be controlled or banned.” } } ] }

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