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Common Network Threats Every Beginner Should Know - Discover most common network threats like malware, phishing, DDoS, and man in the middle attacks. Learn real world examples and beginner friendly explanations to protect yourself online.
Internet is a powerful tool for learning, business, and communication. But just like in real world, there are dangers lurking in digital space. For beginners, terms like malware, phishing, or DDoS can sound technical and intimidating. Truth is, these threats affect millions of people and businesses every day and understanding them is first step to defending yourself.
Malware
Malware stands for malicious software programs designed to harm or exploit your system. It comes in many forms, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware.
Imagine downloading a “free” game or software from an untrusted website. Hidden inside file is ransomware that locks all your photos and documents, demanding money to get them back. This actually happened in 2017 with WannaCry attack, which affected hospitals, businesses, and government offices worldwide.
Phishing
Phishing is when cybercriminals trick you into giving away personal information, like passwords or bank details, by pretending to be someone you trust.
You receive an email that looks exactly like it’s from your bank, asking you to “verify your account.” Link inside leads to a fake website designed to steal your login details. Millions of people fall for these scams every year.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)
A DDoS attack happens when hackers flood a server or website with so much traffic that it crashes and becomes unavailable to real users.
Imagine hundreds of fake customers crowding into a store at once, blocking real customers from entering. That’s how DDoS works. A famous case happened in 2016, when Dyn DNS attack took down major sites like Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit.
Man in the Middle (MitM)
A man in the middle attack occurs when a hacker secretly intercepts communication between two parties.
You connect to free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop. Unknown to you, a hacker is sitting nearby, capturing every piece of data you send your logins, messages, and even credit card details.
Want to learn more about cybersecurity, OSINT, and practical tips to protect yourself online? Visit Dark OSINT for in depth guides and real world strategies to stay safe in digital age.