Cybersecurity involves protecting a network and connected devices from cyber threats. These threats include unauthorized access to your device or system, as well as actions aimed at disrupting a network or website, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks. Ultimately, cybersecurity safeguards the individual or company that could face damage or loss from a cyber threat. It encompasses various measures, including multifactor authentication, firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and physical security, such as access control and video surveillance.

Malware is software designed to gain unauthorized access to a device or network, stealing information or causing damage or disruption. There are many kinds of malware, including ransomware, viruses, Trojan horses, computer worms, and spyware. If your computer or network is infected with malware, it can cause serious harm to your business or personal information, including identity theft, system damage, data loss, and service disruptions. 

Ransomware is a significant cyber threat that prevents victims from accessing their own data, information, or other assets. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible unless the criminal provides the decryption key. The criminal demands payment to unlock or return your system or data to working order. Ransomware is often sent through phishing emails or social engineering, when criminals trick users into giving away sensitive login credentials, clicking a link, or opening an attachment in an email or text message.

Phishing is the illegal act of sending emails or text messages to individuals with the intention of tricking them into sharing their passwords or other sensitive information, such as their credit card or Social Security numbers. Phishing emails often appear to be from a reputable company, organization, or individual.

To avoid falling victim to a phishing email, never click links or download attachments from unknown sources. Don’t give out personal information via email. Be wary of messages from anyone you don’t know, especially when the message seems urgent, emotional, or too good to be true. Remember to check the spelling of the sender’s email address and domain — a letter or two off is a red flag of a phishing scam.

Password cracking is a malicious act of discovering a user’s password to gain unauthorized access to a device or network, to steal information, or cause damage or disruption. Cybercriminals employ various password-cracking methods, including brute-force attacks that rely on trial-and-error techniques using software or scripts to attempt every possible combination in an effort to guess a password. Another technique is keylogging malware, which records keystrokes to capture login credentials. In a dictionary attack, cybercriminals use a list of common passwords, words, and phrases to attempt to guess a user’s password.

You can lower your risk of falling victim to password cracking by using long, complex, and unique passwords for each account, regularly updating them, and enabling multifactor authentication. Additionally, ensure that you consistently install system updates, keep your antivirus software active, and learn how to recognize phishing scams.

Smithville’s Proactive Network Security protects our subscribers from cyberattacks, including viruses, web threats, intrusions, and malware, including ransomware. With multi-layered protection, it stops cyber threats and prevents them from ever reaching your connected devices. This means you don’t need to install cybersecurity software on each device you own. No additional equipment or setup is required. Our Proactive Network Security is included with a residential Wi-Fi+ subscription for home use.

Wi-Fi+ for Business is equipped with business-grade, advanced network security technology that automatically blocks suspicious traffic, protecting both business and customer data from cyber threats. It prevents malicious websites, viruses, and intrusions and automatically blocks suspicious traffic, keeping your network safe.