Hackers are on the prowl, which is why cybersecurity is a vital priority. Malicious fraudsters may seek to steal data from your computer, encrypt files, then demand a ransom to “unlock” them, extract financial data, mine hidden cryptocurrencies, etc. How will they do it? Through tried and tested methods, often based on hacking, stealing or obtaining passwords or exploiting software vulnerabilities. The experts at global digital security company ESET have compiled the four main threats to a computer and present them to you. Cybercriminals disguise themselves as legitimate and trustworthy sources (banks, technology companies, retailers, etc.) and try to convince users to click on links and/or open attachments in emails. This leads users to a fake website that asks them to fill in personal information (such as login codes and/or address/financial details) or may cause malware to be downloaded. Drive-by downloads and malicious advertisements: Sometimes, an innocent visit to an infected website or a website hosting a malicious advertisement can lead to the download of malware. Well-known websites may be less exposed in this way, as they have better resources and can provide enhanced protection. But there have been many examples showing that this is not always the case. This is why it is essential to invest in security software from a trusted provider and ensure that your browser’s security settings are correct. Digital skimming: hackers can also hack into the payment pages of e-commerce websites and infect them with malware designed to silently collect your card data when you enter them. This is difficult to avoid, as the problem is provider-specific. However, shopping from more well-known websites can reduce the risk. Malicious apps and files: Cybercriminals also hide malware inside apps and file downloads that appear legitimate. Many of these are posted on online forums, P2P sites and other third-party platforms. It is therefore advisable to download files only from trusted sources and to use an effective malware security software tool.